From fashion to entertainment, from the foods we eat to the electronics we use, what’s ‘on trend’ is a dynamic concept. Likewise, every few years there is a major shift in the features that home buyer’s are looking for; carpeting is out – plank tile is in, formica is out – stone surfaces are in. As lifestyles evolve, we can’t all keep up with every developing trend, but it’s good to know when we’re selling a home, what qualities are most likely to appeal to today’s home buyer.
The Family Room has long been established as a necessity, so much so that Family Rooms are no longer requested, but assumed. Game Rooms and Theater Rooms have moved into vogue more recently and are fast replacing formal living and dining rooms as contemporary, must-have living spaces. White the ideal Theater Room is pretty straight forward (a wall-size flat screen, a robust sound system, light-blocking window treatments, and comfortable, overstuffed seating are standard fare) a Game Room can be a bit trickier.
The design of the perfect Game Room depends on a multitude of circumstances, not the least of which is the amount of space you have to spare. Other considerations should be introduced prior to beginning construction as well.
- Who will be using the space? Mostly immediate family? Adult friends? A large group of teenagers? Small children for whom safety will be a concern?
- Will your game room need to “grow” with your kids?
- How much time are you planning to spend there?
- Will noise be an issue for other family members? Choosing a closed environment rather than an open one, allows for additional insulation and noise reduction.
- Consider lighting. Will directional beams be required as for a pool table? Is day or night use most likely? Even if you’re going for a dark, moody atmosphere, good lighting will be essential for any detailed game play.
- Is this going to be a dedicated space or will multi-purpose use be necessary? Game Room/Family Activities/Home Theater/Music Room/Office/Hobby Alcove?
If there’s one part of a home where you should be able to cut loose and have fun, it’s the game room. Whether you’re a pool shark or board game fanatic, having a designated area to spend leisure time with friends and family is an amenity that can no longer be overlooked. Though these recreation spaces can be a challenge to design, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips that will have you on your way to hosting the ultimate game night!
Identify Your Space
A large, open area tends to work best for a game room because it allows you to set up distinct regions for different activities and is conducive to entertaining. For this reason, game rooms are often located in finished basements, open lofts or converted attics, but they can really be located in any part of the house depending on your needs.
Consider Usage
Once you know the layout of your space, the next step is to assess how you plan to use it. Will you need room for billiards or a ping pong table? Maybe a felted card table or a board game area? Whatever it is your family enjoys, try to make the most of the room and have something that everyone will have fun playing together. The perfect choice in equipment is often a multi-use piece, for instance a pool table that converts to a table tennis top, or a media/storage cabinet that doubles as a board game surface.
Pick a Decor
Having a theme will differentiate your space, set the mood for your room and make it an exciting place to entertain friends. Go wild with your imagination and recreate a vintage arcade from your childhood that the kids are sure to love, or go for more of grown-up vibe with a sports bar or casino theme. Maybe consider a motif that reminds you of your favorite vacation spot or your most revered sports team. Less essential but certainly eye-catching… a few carefully chosen selections of wall art. Or scrap the theme altogether and opt for a sleek, clean and modern appearance.
Functional Decor
Because game rooms are often used as a multi-purpose space, it’s ideal to have furniture that can swivel or be moved around the room easily to accommodate groups of all sizes and activities of all types. Ample shelving and storage space are equally important since there will likely be lots of odds and ends piling up, like ping pong paddles, poker chips, board games and accessories. Think outside the box when planning your storage. Open wall storage not only saves space but allows guests to see all the options they have to choose from. But if space is at a premium, look for seating and game tables that can double as storage units.
Refreshment Area
Whether it’s a wet bar or a kitchenette, having some sort of refreshment area is a major perk that’ll come in handy when you’re hosting a game night. After all, you don’t want to miss your turn just because you had to run all the way back to the kitchen to make a cocktail for one of your guests! A small microwave is imperative for snacking (read popcorn!) and a mini frige is a simply must.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2020. All rights reserved.
Feature Photo by John Benitez on Unsplash
For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952
eMail: golfarizona@cox.net
Bill Salvatore / Arizona Elite Properties
Your Valley Property Team
Residential Sales, Marketing, and Property Management
Founder: AZVHV Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans
Recipient: East Valley Tribune’s: Best Gilbert Realtor
While you’re deciding if it’s time to make a move, let us help with our Moving On Advantage Discount! When you list your home with us, and buy another, we’ll contribute $2,000 toward your closing costs!
