Will the counter height seating be additional seating? I know I wouldn't be comfortable sitting in a bar type chair for the duration of a movie. Furnishing the room with couch or oversized chairs will be important, in my opinion.

Yes, it would be additional seating for eating/snacking. I looked at hundreds of the Houzz pictures and do have some ideas. I definitely wouldn't have my guests seating on counter height seats unless requested. I just happened to have a new hip and can definitely enjoy being able to sit a little higher on occasion.

So will the screen go on the 12' wall or the 24' wall, or do you know yet?

Additionally, I didn't see carpet in most of the designs that I've seen (living room or family room). Has carpet fell by the wayside as a flooring option?

The screen will go on the 12' wall, adjacent to the garage.

I think carpet is still a prominent choice for media rooms but definitely want to hear what the design professionals say. I've never designed a media room, but I'm thinking 3 low oversized chairs in the front row, a couch which sits higher to see over the chairs in the second row, and the counters with stools in the back row with a buffet for serving beverages and snacks on the back wall. And a popcorn maker if you can get one! How's that for a start?...

I had planned for the stools in the back. Thanks for the suggestion of low oversized chairs up front and some a little higher behind them. I didn't want to do the raised floor for tiered seating since I only have 8' ceilings.

First question; do you want to work this as DIY project or are you going to be hiring a design group to work with, Okay just say you want to DYI, what's the budget? It can start off as something you can do for a few thousand "or" it could be a "money is no issue" type of thing.

Start with the sound; are you going to use the room as an actual theater or is it a man cave, a family room or just a place were you and your friends hang out all of this will detemine the amount of time and money you sink into room., you'll want to think about sound insulation and Hvac, Having a new theater isn't so impressive if everyone is sweating through the movie. make sure you have you have your lights on a dimmer and
remember for the audio,base in the back mid's to your side and high end up front.
Looking at the seating don't worry about the standardceilings, stagger you single seats or check out this site,www.ekornes.com/us/stressless-recliners/Ottomans/Stressless-Double-Ottoman, there are theater seating like these in most furniture stores. Look at wall sconces for the sides.

Wet bar with a granite counter top. Open shelving on the back wall with a thin high top counter, pop corn maker and candy rack on back cabinet next to espresso machine, flex light bar over the top of count with small hanging lights. (Believe it or not with the exception of the pop corn maker, you can get these materials from you local big box store).

I've done a number of theaters over the years costs ranging from three and four thousand to a single one that ended up being a eighty five-thousand dollar family room so, set your budget, decide what you want the room to be, and make the choice- DIY or hire a pro. and then, start the planning! . . . good luck!

Congrats on your media room. Here's a few simple thoughts on a media room decor (not new) so could be boring! Hang a few framed movie posters of your favorites. Hang velvet drapery on either side of your screen for the typical media room look. Movie reels on the wall, popcorn machine, etc. Also you could put rope lighting around the baseboard for a theatre feel. Orrrr....it could be fun to actually buy commercial theatre seating for a "front row" area. They are actually comfortable now with drink holder, rocking, etc. My personal choice would make the room multifunctional and do a large u sectional with a BIG ottoman in the center for foot rest. On the back wall, how about a long "dresser", or narrow table, or custom cabinet...for a dry bar, and also serve as a buffet for parties. Instead of the counter height tables, how about a set of upholstered reclining chairs (they look like chairs can also recline). These would be great around a small table for cards, games...or push to face the movie screen. Have fun and enjoy!

Oh...I vote for carpet. Something with a wild pattern...like the movie theatres or a casino. Too fun!

Sounds like a great layout. I would keep furnishing and accessories to a minimum since the TV will be the main focus in this room and you might not be there to admire the decor.

do you have the plans?