Get in the Game
For grownups who remain kids at heart, make room for playtime.
When you have a little downtime, peel yourself away from the boob tube and enjoy some interactive fun and games for a change. Turn that bonus room, spare bedroom or a corner of the family room into a space grownups—and, what the heck, the kids—can enjoy with big-boy toys and decorative items designed just for playful pursuits.
There’s no need to follow the rules when choosing gaming items for your playroom. They come in all shapes, sizes and themes, so the décor is guaranteed to be eclectic. A sports team-themed pool table or dartboard may not share the same color scheme as an electronic arcade game or foosball table, but who cares? The goal is to create space for good times, not great design.
That isn’t to say that style is completely off the table in a home rec room. It’s possible to inject a decorative note with artwork and furnishings that complement the space. Sports- and game-themed art and fashionable gaming furniture can underscore the room’s theme and provide visual cohesion between fun and functional.
Here are some suggestions for creating a winning rec center.
1. Point Break
Elevate your play space’s design quotient with original art by Hall Groat II. His “Pool Balls” painting is oil on canvas and measures 16 by 20 inches. $1,800; dailypainters.com.
2. It’s a Gimme
Just connect the Golden Tee 2010 Home Edition video game to any high-definition TV and one to four players are ready to play on 25 virtual courses. $3,495; goldentee.com.
3. It’s a Gimme
Just connect the Golden Tee 2010 Home Edition video game to any high-definition TV and one to four players are ready to play on 25 virtual courses. $3,495; goldentee.com.
4. Spin Control
The Revolution ping-pong table boasts an arched metal base that provides both style and stability. Bases available in red or special edition silver, $1,999 and $2,499, respectively, at killerspin.com.
5. Lucky 13
If space is at a premium, a multifunction gaming table can maximize the fun. Playcraft’s Danbury 13-in-1 game table includes foosball, air hockey, ping-pong and pool options. $795; efamilyfun.com, also available at Rec Rooms USA in Orlando.
6. Big Box Storage
Keep electronic game pieces out of sight when not in use in an ottoman designed just for that purpose. Versus Universal Gaming Ottoman, $49.99; Universal Double Gaming Ottoman, $89.99; slambrands.com.
7. Team Players
Magic fans can show their allegiance with team logo game-room accoutrements ranging from bar stools to pool tables. $124.95 to $2,495; imperialusa.com. Imperial USA products are also available at Eastern Billiards in Orlando.
