"Instead of the goopy Baroque or Venetian-style chandeliers with 20 colors, we're now seeing one color with maybe another color added on the details, " said Mr. Fuchs, who has written and illustrated "The Pattern Book of Lighting, " a guidebook to lighting that's out this month.

WSJ: Reinventing Splendor

To hide LED lighting and an array of speakers in Mr. Bay's theater, Mr. Cooper is using a recurring pattern of large curved wooden forms that extend from floor to ceiling.

WSJ: Private Screening Rooms: The Best Seat in the House