Game Day Rec Room: 4 Tips to Inspire Your Design

The design of our home takes on many forms as we transition through life’s seasons. As children gain independence, you may find yourself reimagining designated play areas. Transforming these areas into a rec room provides the ideal balance of sophisticated entertainment space and room to embrace leisure activities. An intentional rec room design considers both how the area will be used, and how it will reflect your personal style. Are you envisioning the ultimate game day hang out or a cozy movie room? Have you always dreamt of having your own secret speakeasy or vintage-inspired arcade? Allow your creativity to flow freely as you imagine this space and carve out room in your home to bring these special moments of fun and relaxation to life.

Define the Location
The basement is often a prime location for developing a rec room, however other areas in the home may also be suitable such as unused garage space or a spare bedroom. As you select your location, consider the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure to ensure the space will be compatible with your design. Will you need to add a half bath or daylighting in a lower-level space to make it more comfortable? Are acoustics or sound isolation needed to insulate the ideal home theater? Addressing these functional elements first can help to ensure mechanicals and technology remain streamlined and unobtrusive within the room’s aesthetic.

Design for Leisure
Your rec room is more than an additional living room – allow it to become a designated area for having fun! As you move through your design, ask yourself how the space will be used and who will use it. Are you designing a “man cave” or will your space serve as a family room? Would your crew enjoy a gaming area, or do you have an affinity for pro sports? Have you always dreamed of an in-home theater, or a virtual golf simulator? These considerations can help to guide the layout of the room. Designating zones can help to maximize space and account for multiple interests. For example, a large TV viewing area is ideal for watching sports. Adding a nearby bar can further enhance the experience while providing additional seating.

Function & Storage
Custom cabinetry will enable you to maximize space while keeping the room organized. Consider features that will improve the use of the room as well as those that suit your entertainment style. Incorporating a wet bar and dishwasher will help to streamline clean up. Having a larger kitchenette can provide ample space for serving snacks. Thoughtful storage solutions keep glassware and beverages on hand while specialty items such as humidors or wine storage can be integrated to suit personal interests.

Create Ambience
Designing a rec room is a balance of personal style, functionality, and comfort. In this way, the space can diverge from the overall design of the home creating a truly unique environment – and allowing you to express your style in new ways. In addition to color palette and décor, bespoke accents and integrated lighting provide an exciting opportunity to create ambience. Metal accents integrated into cabinet doors or shelving are an intriguing way to enhance the design of a room by adapting color and finish. Black powder coated finishes provide an element of modernity while polished nickel creates a feeling of sophistication. Energy-efficient LED lighting can be integrated under countertops and bars, under shelving and within cabinetry to set the tone of the room and illuminate decorative accents.

Adding a rec room to your home provides an opportunity to carve out space to pursue your passions. The design process also provides an exciting opportunity to express your style in unique ways. As you begin envisioning your rec room design, visit a Wood-Mode showroom near you to explore your vision with our celebrated team of interior designers.