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Recreation Room Inspiration, Are You Game?

A recreation room can conjure up images of dated basements with overstuffed couches and dart boards; luckily that is a thing of the past as game rooms reach a new level in form, function and design. 

Dedicating a space for games is almost a necessity and can be a high-style addition to your home that encourages lightness with a little friendly competition. From card game nooks to classic billiard rooms to trendy games, here are some ways to create your own personal interactive space.

“Since designing for families is such a big part of our work, we designed an elegant room to reinforce our belief that family spaces should be center of the home….no longer relegated to the basement recreation room of past!” – Lisa Frantz

Recreation Room Lisa Frantz Interiors Park Avenue
To view this project, click here.

Choose Your Game Space

Knowing that spaces need to be flexible these days, it’s important to create a designated play place for adults and kids to retreat to. Typically rec rooms are located away from the main living areas which come in handy for poker nights or teen sleepovers, but you can get creative with this. 

Think about how you and your family want to use the space and go from there. An unused corner of your garage or living room can easily become a gaming area with a combo pool/ping-pong table, or a portable projector can transform your living room into a home theater. It can be as simple as creating a nook for chess matches or a more in depth project of turning a big open room into a multi-purpose recreation area with zones for gaming, movie nights, and cocktail hour.

Recreation Room Lisa Frantz Interiors Elle Decor
Lisa Frantz Interiors featured in Elle Decor, click here.

Add Recreation Appropriate Furniture

Once you’ve figured out the goal of your game space, create a unique vibe with dimension by selecting pieces that are comfortable, well-built and interesting to look at, be it hand-made, vintage, or one of a kind. 

The modern game room can be sophisticated along with being super fun. If space is an issue, create a nook with a small table, comfy chairs and a chess board. Hang a shelf or picture ledge along an open wall and add a few bar stools for a home bar. 

If you’re looking for kid-friendly inspiration, adding an interactive piece like an oversized chalkboard or even an indoor climbing wall, you’ll have more time to spend at that pool table. 

Make It Fun With Color & Art

Use this as a unique opportunity to be more daring than in your other entertaining spaces. Think energizing colors and patterns, statement pieces and art you might otherwise bypass. Let bold choices bring a new level of playfulness to your game room, one that will be sure to transport you to another world (for at least an hour or two). 

Recreation Room Lisa Frantz Interiors Holiday House
To view this project, click here.

Include Tabletop Games

Tabletop games are a great space saver and create an instant game area. Options like a hand-painted backgammon set or Herman Miller’s Maharam memory game will liven your coffee table and add an evolved design aesthetic. See Vogue’s recommendations for twenty-four beautifully designed table-top games to elevate your space and mood! Click here for Vogue article.

Ready to reimagine your recreation room? Click here to arrange a complimentary consultation with Lisa Frantz Interiors.

Resource Articles:

“How to Plan Out a Rec Room in Your Home” Dwell

Deck Out Your Coffee Table With These Beautiful Board GamesVogue

“25+ Playrooms We’re Completely Obsessed With” Elle Decor

“30 Game Room Ideas For an Epic Entertaining Space” House Beautiful

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A New York-based boutique interior design firm