living room and kitchen with a large entertainment center

Design Notes

Built To Entertain

Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, sleep at night, and eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made; it is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the ideal place to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about ways to build your home to entertain and live in.

Family Game Room

From board games to air hockey, new memories will be made at family game night, and there is no better way to have fun. The problem is often finding the right place to play that doesn’t interfere with the normal home routine, or where everyone can get comfortable. Whether it is a spare room transformed into a fun zone or tucked away neatly in the basement, here are some things that are a must:

  • Seating: Everyone deserves a good seat, so take time to consider how many people will be in the room and the type of seating you want. Will you need a couple of big couches or individual seats? Browse Pinterest or Houzz to get ideas, or speak with your designer. In addition to cabinet design, we also offer room layout design for an additional fee.
  • Surfaces: Do you enjoy card games or board games? These require large, flat surfaces like a table, but don’t forget about height. This ties back to seating. If you have chairs, a large table is best; if you are seated on a couch, a low coffee table is better. Aging adults and small children may sit more comfortably at a standard table height, whereas teenagers may like a pub-height table.
  • Storage: When game time is over, it is nice to have a place to store everything until the next round. Make sure there is a storage area, like a closet or built-ins, so everything has a place of its own.
  • Sufficient lighting: Strain on the eyes is no fun, so be sure to consider incorporating enough light. This can be done with recessed lights, lamps, and accent lighting.

Game time is meant to be fun for everyone, and by ensuring all the essential elements are in place, it will be a memorable night with room for a rematch or two.

Wet Bar

Work is hard, that is something we can all agree on, and most of us would also say that we enjoy coming home to relax. A wet bar is the perfect place to leave work behind and unwind with your favorite beverage. Having a designated space means you can zone out beyond the kitchen perimeter. Some other benefits include:

  • Gatherings: A wet bar is a special place to hang out with friends and family. Add some extra seating, and you will always be ready for a party.
  • Accessible: everything you need is in one place. Glasses, cups, and even plates for snacks are all right there for you to use.
  • Clean up: Consider the sink size in the design, as it is the perfect place to dump ice or clean up a spill.
  • Countertop: A wet bar doesn’t have to be small. You can extend out with a larger countertop and enjoy sitting with friends.

This can be a great place in the home to enjoy after work or with friends on the weekend. Adding a TV screen can boost Super Bowl parties and make you the talk of the neighborhood.

wet bar with drinks and a candle

Home Theater

Who wants to enjoy their favorite movie on the big screen without actually having to leave the house? Having a home theater can do just that, not to mention how much better video games can be played. Some helpful design tips and added benefits are:

  • No interruptions: We have all experienced noisy moviegoers who insist on talking during the most critical part of the film or people who have to go to the bathroom constantly. A home theater means you invite the people there.
  • Pick your seats: If you want to sit up front, you can; if you want the most comfortable seat in the house, you can. Design tip: Think about how you want the seating arranged before purchasing.
  • More options: hooking up your smart TV or gaming system means a new level of fun. Stream your favorite movies and shows from places like Netflix or play your favorite video games.
  • Think through your space: one crucial task is ensuring you have the lighting you need, the furniture to store all your stuff, and the proper layout.

This is meant to be a fun place for everyone, so remember to ask for opinions and carefully consider what you want to include in this space.

golf play room

Play Area

Inviting family and friends is always a good idea, but a better idea is to have a place where the kids can play without getting in the way of their parents. A play area is a perfect solution because it provides kids with a safe place to interact and have fun. It is also great for them to use daily, where their imagination can soar. Consider these things when designing a playroom.

  • Safe storage: This is a big one because we love our children and want them to be safe, so securing any furniture to the wall is critical. Also, they have built-in shelves at their level so they can easily access their items.
  • Furnishings: A table with chairs is perfect for them because it allows them to play games or color in a designated area.
  • Color: pops of color can brighten the room and create a fun atmosphere for the kids.
  • Reading nook: for the child who loves to read, maybe add a little reading corner with a chair just their size and a shelf full of their favorite books.

Children feel special when they have a place just for them, so if you’re unsure what they would like, consider adding a playroom.

Get more design ideas here.

dining room in farmhouse

Built To Entertain

A house is truly our castle, a place that is designed for more than just our comfort. We don’t just live here, we grow here and form many of the memories we will carry for a lifetime. Taking the time to include some areas in the home that will bring us together is important, which is why we love working with our clients to create a place that is uniquely theirs. Talk to us today, and let’s get started planning your place of memories.

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