Interior designer Denise Enright talks about creating a multi-generational game room for the 2017 This Old House Idea House in Rhode Island. Influenced by the urban vibe of New York City neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village and Williamsburg, the game room diverts from the home’s sophisticated beach house theme for something all its own.
Edgy, unexpected, and delightfully eclectic. When generating game room ideas for the 2017 Idea House, Denise played her full hand. Inspired by her sons, both recent college grads, and big family gatherings, she set out to create a room that not only looked the part, but was welcoming and accessible to all age groups.
Here she offers tips, ideas, and challenges to look out for when creating a game room of your own.
Consider Generational Interests
Denise said that designing a multi-generational game room requires looking at the interests of different age groups and using those ideas to make well-informed decisions. For example, video games more likely pique the curiosity of young adults, while board games are more family friendly.
She also mentioned that understanding what is most important to people using the space is a great foundation for planning your game room décor.
Create an Eclectic Vibe
Most generations don’t see eye-to-eye on décor styles, and they don’t have to. Mixing mature modern styles with edgy industrial pieces and pops of color creates an eclectic look that everyone will love.
In the Idea House, Denise anchored the room with a mid-century modern sofa, houndstooth rug, and bar counter. An antique poker table and funky green chair cap each end of the room.
“Find those good, basic, functional pieces like a sofa and rug, and mix in vintage or DIY pieces,” she said, noting the vintage end table with a painted checker board top and wire milk crates used to store board games. “The key is not being afraid to mix old and new, textures and color, and function.”
Flow, Baby, Flow
Denise mentioned her number one design challenge was layout of the room. When it comes to selecting décor, it’s important to consider the shape of the room, the flow of people through it, and key access points to the things people most enjoy.
In this case, she needed enough space behind the bar for someone to comfortably pour a drink and around the poker table for ample seating and leg room.
Denise said that, at the end of the day, it’s all about creating the vibe you want for the people enjoying the room, young and old alike.
