Gramophone’s Listening Lounge Presents Love Letter to Hi-Fi and High Design

Hi-fi meets high design in this tourable testbed for the latest in cutting-edge home technology.
Published: March 24, 2025

Stepping into the KEF listening lounge in Columbia, Maryland, visitors can witness Gramophone’s exceptional interior design chops, in addition to experiencing the latest in-home entertainment technology from Sony and KEF.

Listening Lounge Paints Striking Picture of Luxury AV Design

According to Leticia Blundi of Gramophone, the showroom area is meant paint a complete picture of Gramophone’s capabilities on a project without diluting the message by escorting visitors through multiple isolated experience.

KEF Listening Lounge Gramophone Showroom Columbia Maryland
Courtesy/Gramophone

“This project exemplifies the full scope of the Gramophone’s abilities from Design to Construction along with Electrical and Audio Visual installations,” Blundi notes.

“The use of luxury materials from floor to ceiling, incredible audio systems and products, the lighting design and use of linear and tunable lighting, and pristine installation from the entire team make this project stand out from the crowd. Absolutely no compromises were made on this project. We went all in.”

Tape Lighting and Ketra Fixtures Create Natural Feeling Light Sources

Because the lounge has no natural light sources to speak of, copious amounts of LED tape lighting and Ketra light fixtures instead illuminate the room with a soft, ambient glow reminiscent of natural lighting. These are further tied into control systems that allow for custom adjustments to the aesthetics as well.

Walnut details adorn the wall and ceiling throughout Gramophone’s KEF Lounge, adding a touch of elegance and craftmanship to the ambience, with picture frame wall molding creating a gallery-like atmosphere for the systems.

Standing KEF blade floorstanding speakers in midcentury modern lounge setting
Courtesy/Gramophone

The seating, too, follows through on cultivating a sophisticated atmosphere with warm, plush upholstery and an ergonomic design that promises a comfortable viewing experience for guests.

Bookshelf Speakers Add Sculptural Details to Museum-like Space

Central to the installation, the 98-inch Sony Television becomes an art piece when introduced into the warm, regal environment. Surrounding it, KEF Blade speakers help accent the visuals with their slim, black designs that blend into the interior design while delivering rich, immersive sound.

“Every piece of decor is carefully chosen to complement the room’s sophisticated theme, ensuring that every corner tells a story of refined taste and style,” says Blundi.

Even the nonfunctional speakers, displayed on a bookshelf off to the right of the viewing area, help exemplify the union of design and technology by providing sculptural accents with their modern designs.

KEF bookshelf speakers on modern cubby shelf with illuminated alcoves
Courtesy/Gramophone

Systems & Equipment

  • 98-inch Sony display
  • KEF Blade floorstanding speakers
  • Ketra lighting
KEF Listening Lounge Gramophone Showroom Columbia Maryland
Courtesy/Gramophone

This project is part of our coverage for the 2024 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards. Presented annually at CEDIA Expo, the Home of the Year Awards represent the best of the best smart home innovations within the CEDIA channel. If you have a project you would like to submit to the Home of the Year Awards, consider following CE Pro if you aren’t already for when we announce the next submission round.

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series