Games On!
Brrr! We have already had a taste of cold and snow, and that makes me think about cozy game rooms and game tables. I love imagining friends and family gathering at home this winter for hours of fun playing Scrabble, poker or chess. It’s a great way to connect! My favorites are euchre and jigsaw puzzles. How about yours? Whatever you like to play, the key is to select a table and chairs that invite people to linger longer.
Great location! This game table is positioned in the great room, close to the kitchen, bar and dining room. Photo by Dustin Halleck
Reviving Existing Pieces
Many of our clients ask us to update a few pieces of their existing furniture as well as adding new elements. To revive this game area, we reupholstered the chairs in two fabrics by www.maxwellfabrics.com and added a new custom rug by www.davisanddavisrugs.com that draws on the colors of the chair fabric. The space now has a finely tailored look that works well in this transitional, open-plan setting. Bonus points for being conveniently close to the kitchen, bar, dining room and living room!
Room for play, no matter what your age. Photo by Dustin Halleck
Check Out that Glam!
For these clients, we designed a dual-purpose, lower-level game room with a dash of glam that works for the grownups and the grandkids. We started with a custom game table for the adults from Old Biscayne Designs that features built-in cup holders and trays for poker chips or game pieces. We added uber-comfortable chairs accented in chrome that will keep everyone comfortable for the longest games of Monopoly or Ticket to Ride. For the Bradley USA chest, we chose two finishes and metallic detailing that echoes the table and chairs and then boosted the glam factor with a free-spirited mirror installation from Christopher Guy. For continuity, we chose a color palette similar to the upper level of the home. This space provides plenty of room for the grandchildren and their toys while their parents and grandparents play cards or board games. I can picture the family gathered around putting together a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle, too!
Here’s a guessing game: What’s inside the letters on this PLAY sign? Find out below. Photo by IEG
Guess What’s Inside These Letters
The back-lit “Play” sign reminds us all to take some time for fun. We filled the letters with custom balls of glossy thread in cream, taupe, eggplant and black to create an ombre effect from P to Y. It makes a big statement for the children’s play area, but when the toys are out of sight, it works for the adult space, too.
Soundproofing can make a style statement. Photo by IEG
Remember the Accoustics
Soundproofing is a key element in game rooms, particularly if you have a multi-purpose space with more than one activity going on at the same time. While the wall-to-wall carpeting and upholstered furniture both help dampen the decibels, we added sound-absorbing, floor-to-ceiling panels on the wall between the children’s play area and the adult’s game table. The installation is not only acoustical but attractive, and the vinyl is easy to clean if curious little hands explore the panels!
Located in a snug corner of the great room, this game table is one of many that we positioned throughout this client’s home.
The Family That Plays Together
Don’t you love the rustic vibe of this custom-crafted chess table from Idaho-based Drawknife? The subtly grained alder wood has been fabricated with recessed holders for game pieces, beverage holders and a drawer on either side for storing pieces when it’s game over. The decorative clavos at each of the corners remind me of something that might have been made by a creative blacksmith back in the day. The arm chairs keep the players comfortable as they vie to capture each other’s king.
This is just one of the five game tables that we placed throughout this clients’ home! They believe that games encourage interactions among family and friends, and that if the games are in sight, people will play more often. I agree! It is so inviting to see a Scrabble board, puzzle or chess board ready and waiting.
Going on a treasure hunt for vintage pieces is always an exciting game in itself. Photo by IEG
Repurpose and Enjoy
I fell in love with this wine barrel and table top at the huge Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas, my favorite place to shop for vintage pieces. Repurposing old-timers like these adds instant character, warmth and a sense of history to a home. While most game tables are surrounded by chairs, for this one I chose a cozy banquette. It is upholstered in a modern, truffle-colored print with easy-to-clean faux leather seats. When it is not needed for gamers, this table works for snacks too.
Are you ready to add or update a game room? Let’s talk! You can contact me at 847-705-9569.
