Life, Styled
Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to 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 most ideal area of the home 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 just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.
Family Game Room
From board games to air hockey, new memories are sure to come out of the 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 disrupt the home’s normal 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 think about how many people will occupy the room and what type of seating you want. Will you need a couple of big couches or individual seats? Browse Pinterest or even 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, then a large table is best, but if you are seated on couches, a low coffee table would be 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, to ensure that everything has a place of its own.
- Sufficient lighting: Strain on the eyes is no fun, so be sure to incorporate enough light. Recessed lights, lamps, and accent lighting can provide this.
Game time is meant to be a fun time for everyone, and by making sure all the essential elements are there, it will be a memorable night for everyone with room for a rematch or two.
Wine Room
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 wine room is a perfect place to forget about the stress of work and just unwind with your favorite beverage. Having a designated space means you can zone out beyond the kitchen perimeter. Some other benefits include:
- Gatherings: A wine room 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 what size sink you need in the design, as it is the perfect place to dump ice or clean up a spill.
- Countertop: A wine room 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. Super Bowl parties can get a boost by adding a TV screen, and you will be the talk of the neighborhood.
Home Theater
Who wants to enjoy their favorite movie on the big screen without having to actually 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 the noisy moviegoers who insist on talking during the most critical part of the film, or the person who has to constantly go to the bathroom. A home theater means the people there are invited by you.
- 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 whole 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 important task is to make sure you have the lighting you need, the furniture to store all your stuff, and the right layout.
This is meant to be a place that is fun for everyone, so don’t forget to ask for opinions and carefully consider everything you want to have included in this space.
Play Area
Inviting family and friends is always a good idea, but a better one is having 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 on a daily basis, 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, have built-ins and shelves that are on their level so they can have easy access to 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.
In our final part of the selection tips series, we want to focus our attention on lighting. Good lighting can make a difference in the room; no one enjoys struggling to see around the shadows cast by insufficient light or the glare of one placed too low. Here’s what should be on your list of things to look for when selecting your lighting.
There’s no denying the appeal of HGTV’s popular renovation shows such as Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers. These programs consistently deliver impressive home transformations, turning outdated properties into stylish, modern living spaces—all within the span of a neatly packaged, one-hour episode.
While unexpected challenges and budget concerns occasionally arise, the hosts reliably navigate these obstacles, keeping projects on track and showcasing the kind of resilience and problem-solving that resonates with homeowners and renovation professionals alike.
What was once just space to check your email quickly or jot down your to-do list, the home office is now essential for many who work from home. This shift from the nice bonus feature to the necessary has caused many homeowners to reevaluate their current condition, with many finding it lacking. Productivity and efficiency are linked to a functional space that gives you exactly what you need to get the job done. Here we share some tips on designing the perfect office away from the office.
You have been dreaming of a new kitchen for a while, and now the decision has been made to finally bring it to life. Cabinets, lights, faucets, tile, and flooring are all on your to-do list, but what about the kitchen appliances? Have you thought about whether you want a double oven? Two dishwashers? Maybe you want a wide refrigerator, a separate beverage cooler, or a wine fridge? The choice of kitchen appliance you need depends on what is important to you and what will suit your lifestyle. We will share some of our best tips on which appliances are best for your specific needs.
Greenbrook DesignYou need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.
An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking