Live Living Room

Dwight Kendall from Venture Church in Hattiesburg, MS brings us their livestreaming setup.

They framed out two walls on their main stage and then turned it into a living room scene. They nailed siding to the frames and then rolled heavy linoleum flooring onto the ground. It was all bought at a discount because it was slightly damaged/surplus. They simply hid bits of damage with the couch or other elements.

They had a camera track that went along most of the down stage and stage left edge.

Fun detail: The artwork was actually a TV that they used to display message notes during the message.

@jtylercook and @kwalsshh did all the design work.

Creating an Intimate Livestreaming Environment

This living room stage design from Venture Church demonstrates how churches can transform their worship spaces into intimate, relatable environments perfect for livestreaming and in-person services alike. The concept of bringing the comfort of home onto the stage resonates deeply with congregations seeking authentic connection in an increasingly digital world.

The genius of this design lies in its simplicity and resourcefulness. By framing out walls and applying siding, the team created architectural depth that feels like a genuine residential space rather than a flat backdrop. The use of slightly damaged or surplus materials shows that stunning stage designs don’t require massive budgets—just creativity and willingness to work with what you have. Strategic furniture placement cleverly conceals any imperfections while adding to the lived-in authenticity.

The linoleum flooring choice is particularly smart for churches. Unlike carpet, which can appear dated on camera and is difficult to clean, linoleum provides a modern, wipeable surface that reflects light beautifully. The heavy-duty variety used here stands up to the constant foot traffic of worship teams and technical crew while maintaining its appearance week after week.

The camera track installation shows forward-thinking production planning. By establishing smooth camera movement capabilities along the downstage and stage left edges, Venture Church ensures their livestreams capture dynamic angles that keep online viewers engaged. This hybrid approach—designing simultaneously for in-person atmosphere and digital delivery—has become essential for modern ministry.

Perhaps the most innovative element is the repurposed TV as artwork/message display. This dual-function approach maximizes the utility of every design element while maintaining aesthetic cohesion. Rather than installing a separate confidence monitor or projection screen that might disrupt the homey atmosphere, the television serves as both decorative art piece and functional communication tool. During the message, it displays notes and scriptures; during musical worship, it can show ambient visuals or remain as static artwork.

For churches considering similar living room setups, consider scale carefully. The furniture and proportions should feel appropriate to your stage dimensions—oversized pieces can overwhelm smaller platforms, while miniature furniture looks comical on large stages. Venture Church’s implementation strikes an excellent balance, creating an inviting space that draws the congregation in without dominating the room.

Related Designs

Explore more creative stage designs and livestreaming setups for inspiration:

• A Visual and Spiritual Odyssey – Immersive biblical stage design featuring the Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane with authentic props and environmental projection.
• LED by the Spirit – Learn how to create stunning LED tape light backdrops with DMX control for dynamic worship lighting.
• Tilted Light – Discover how to build custom LED panels and animated string light backdrops on a budget.
• Sticky Notes – Creative pixelated backdrop design using thousands of post-it notes for under $100.
• The Anatomy of a Church Stage Design – Essential elements every church stage needs for effective visual communication.

Pro Tips for Living Room Stage Designs

Source Budget-Friendly Materials: Check local Habitat for Humanity ReStores, building surplus outlets, and Facebook Marketplace for discounted siding, flooring, and furniture. Many churches have successfully created stunning living room sets for under $500 by shopping creatively. Always inspect materials thoroughly and have a plan for concealing any damage.

Plan for Camera Angles: When designing for livestreaming, walk your space with a camera before finalizing furniture placement. Ensure key elements are visible from your primary camera positions and that sightlines work for both in-person attendees and online viewers. Consider how lighting will affect your camera exposure—avoid placing white furniture directly under bright lights that can blow out on camera.

Make It Modular: Design your living room elements to be easily moved or reconfigured. Venture Church’s framed walls can likely be broken down into manageable sections for storage between series. This flexibility allows the same materials to be repurposed for future designs, maximizing your investment and storage efficiency.

Integrate Technology Seamlessly: Follow Venture Church’s lead by making technology serve the design rather than disrupt it. Whether using a TV as artwork, hiding speakers in decorative elements, or routing cables through furniture, every tech element should enhance the aesthetic. Test all equipment thoroughly before services to ensure smooth operation.

Related: Softened – See how Trinity Baptist Church created an elegant Mother’s Day stage design using pipe and drape with tulle and LED lighting for a soft, celebratory atmosphere.