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Making a games room child’s play

Anthony MatteoThe West Australian
The Gregory by Weststyle at Wembley.
Camera IconThe Gregory by Weststyle at Wembley. Credit: Joel Barbitta/D-Max Photography.

Whether it’s a room replicating Timezone, a decked out space reminsicent of a sports bar or an area with activities galore for the kids, the games room is an area of the home people like to have fun with, and in.

Weststyle Interior Designer Courtney Doyle said games rooms were increasingly being integrated into new homes as versatile and adaptable spaces.

“A games room by definition is a space dedicated to leisure activities,” she said. “This will differ depending on your family’s needs and interests and often the age of the children in the house.”

Ms Doyle described the area as a critical space in the home which should be designed to change over time, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that was age-friendly.

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“If your games room is a dedicated space for your children, then it should provide them with a space that they can stamp their own personality on, separate to their bedroom,” she said. “It also provides children with a quiet space to focus when studying, as well as a living space where they can entertain their friends.”

Ms Doyle said the room should be both functional and appealing to people of all ages as a place to unwind and escape to.

“In a project we recently completed, we incorporated a games room for our client to display his arcade games and special art pieces which he had accumulated over time,” she said.

“In this space, we also included a bar and a pool table with the overall space being separate to the main living areas within the home.”

Ms Doyle said there was a variety of concepts which made up the core defining elements of what made a good games room.

“These can include a soft-cushioned reading corner, a desk/study space, custom cabinetry like built-in bookcases or storage cabinets, and a wall-mounted TV,” she said. “For younger children, it can include a quiet-time zone and/or play zone.”

Ms Doyle added that built-in kitchens or bars were a popular addition, particularly for when the children were a little bit older and wanted to entertain friends whilst refraining from interrupting the main living spaces of the home.

“As the doors are usually kept closed to keep the noise in, lots of natural light and good ventilation are important,” she said.

Installing window treatments such as soft sheer curtains or shutters are great ways to create a vibrant space, with Ms Doyle also recommending the inclusion of vibrant colours or patterned wallpaper to spark a visual interest.

“To ensure the space doesn’t date, include elements with a more modern, timeless aesthetic, rather than those that are on trend,” she said.

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