One of the many benefits of owning a luxury home is the additional space it provides, giving you the ability to create rooms with a specific purpose. While some may opt to create a dedicated study or home office, others may choose to devote an entire room to having fun in the form of a games room.
While often traditionally thought of as a room dedicated to the use of table games, such as pool and snooker, the concept of a “games room” has become far more flexible over the years, meaning it can refer to any room that is used for recreational and social purposes. As such, given enough space and budget, the scope for creating a games room in your home is almost limitless.
Of course, with a luxury games room, a pool or snooker table is just the beginning. Let your imagination run free. The best games rooms are an extension of your interests and hobbies after all; a place dedicated to everything you love to do, whether that’s spending time with family, entertaining guests, or just taking some ‘me-time’. You can do it all, without ever having to leave your own home.
Games rooms are created around your personal preferences, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to planning them. However, it is worthwhile to ensure you work with an architect or interior designer, who will then be able to ensure your games room is a tailored and exciting recreational addition to your luxury home.
Not sure where to being though? Here are some great ideas you can use to make your games room a unique addition to your own luxury home.
A Hub for Friends and Family
Turning your games room into a social hub where you can meet with friends and family is a great way to make use of additional space in your home. Not only do you get to hang out there whenever you like, but you can also perfect your snooker/pool/ping-pong skills during your downtime. It’s also a great space for informal entertaining, making it easy for parties or gatherings with the people that you love to be around.
There are lots of different options when it comes to installing entertainment and activities in your new luxury games room. Choosing games and activities that guests can join in with, or that are able to be played as a group or team, helps to boost that social element and really create a space that’s fun for everyone. While traditional staples such as table football or pool are classic choices, there are plenty more unusual or extravagant options if you really want to push the limits. Ever considered owning your own bowling alley? Or perhaps a custom arcade, complete with retro machines? Well, now’s the time to make it happen.
What you end up opting for likely will depend on the space you have available. For example, a one-lane bowling alley will require around 26 meters of free space, with more space required should you opt for multiple lanes. Additional considerations, such as overhead displays, automatic bumpers and colours, also need to be taken into account. When it’s done right, it can truly elevate your games room into something truly special – and be a real ‘wow factor’ moment when guests or visitors arrive.
For entertaining much younger members of the house, why not install an inside playground? Swings, slides or an indoor climbing wall can keep your little ones (and their friends) busy for hours – and adults might enjoy it just as much. For bigger kids, an indoor basketball court can double as a roller-rink, football pitch or dancefloor. The whole family can get involved and get moving.
Once you’ve decided on the fun part, the games or activities themselves, you can start dressing the room with more of the practical elements – all of which are essential to a truly successful space.
When it comes to lighting, a lighting designer can help you ensure that all the key areas of the room are illuminated perfectly, from the games to the seating or drinks areas.
If you want to go bold, strike a great first impression with a big light fixture in the centre of the room, such as a chandelier or a modern installation. Not only will it set the tone for the space, but it’s also an effective way to illuminate a custom-built game table. Imagine a spot-lit snooker table, inlaid with your initials. What a show-stopper.
A space to unwind
While a games room may seem like an active space where you’ll be up and about on your feet, it doesn’t have to be that all of the time. In fact, you can build in a relaxing element so that your games room is the perfect place to be no matter what mood you’re in.
To ramp up the social potential, having a wet-bar is a must. It’s a hub for your guests, and a great way to show off your mixology skills.
Alternatively, think of a games room as your personal home cinema – with a cutting-edge projector system and surround sound that would give your local Odeon a run for its money. Tech brands are continually pushing the envelope, and home cinemas are going bigger and better by the day. 292-inch TV, anyone?
Technology plays a vital role in a relaxing, calming space in a luxury home – even when you don’t necessarily see it. Whether you want to crash out with the family and watch a movie or dedicate some time to simply listening to music and relaxing, investing in top-of-the-line audio and visual equipment ensures that your space is always hitting the right note.
With this many possibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Working with an architect or interior designer will give you the right guidance to create a haven that’s truly reflective of you and your needs – from the sound-proofing to the lighting to the soft furnishings.
A Games Room and More with a Bespoke Luxury Home
Having your own games room is just one of the many exciting possibilities for your own bespoke luxury home.
Here at Aspire Luxury Properties, we work with you every step of the way to help craft your luxury dream home. For more information about our bespoke offerings, browse our current and previous projects, or contact us today.