How to Design a Recreation Room

Recreation rooms serve as a gathering area for friends and family. Designing a functional rec room makes entertaining and family time more enjoyable. No two recreation rooms will look the same, yet the design process follows a similar pattern. Creating a good flow and organization of the activities within the rec room makes it a place that everyone will want to gather. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Take measurements of the recreation room. Draw a sketch of the room with the measurements included. Note stairs, doors and other permanent fixtures that might affect placement of items within the room.

2

Choose the decorating theme or style for the room. Common themes include sports or games. Decide whether you want the room to look modern, rustic or funky. Choose your color scheme based on the theme.

3

Decide how you want to use the room. Make a list of the activities that will occur there. Also include a list of the pieces of furniture and games you plan to place in the rec room.

4

Divide the space into functional areas based on the types of activities you want to do in the room. This might include a board game area, pool table, dart area, video game zone and a movie viewing area. Decide what additional furniture you need to set up in each functional area. For example, a board game area needs a table and seating for at least four players.

5

Add the functional areas and the furniture for each on the sketch of the room. Make sure there is enough clearance around each piece of furniture, particularly for things such as pool tables and dart boards.

6

Evaluate the lighting needs for each area of the rec room design. Include a mix of both general overhead lighting and task lighting in specific areas such as the board game area.

7

Include storage in the recreation room plans. Consider adding wall shelves, freestanding cupboards, bookshelves and built-in closets. Take into account the items that will stay in the room.

8

Add any finishing touches to the rec room design, including wall decor and additional seating.