The game room of old is typically a basement affair, conveniently finishing the home’s basement level as a private entertaining space for kids and their friends. It would typically be a kid zone, a place for them to make noise (or a bit of trouble) away from the prying eyes and sensitive ears of the adults in the house. While many beautiful custom homes still adhere to having the space separate from the main living area of the home, often at the basement level, many modern interpretations of a game room illustrate how to incorporate this activity-focused room into the main living quarters, making games a family affair.

The home in the image above maximizes the transition from the outdoor pool deck to the indoors, offering activities indoors and out that do not separate a party. The ping pong table is strategically situated to indicate a casual indoor recreational space amidst the bright, airy room, easily tying in with the adjoining comfortable seating areas. With generous windows and screen doors opening to the outdoor patio and pool, including a beautiful lake view, family members and guests easily flow between these two entertaining spaces.

The following custom lake home has a similar flow between their indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, maximizing the space of their lower level. Counter to traditional finished basements that can be “closed off” from the rest of the home, meant to separate, the layout of this luxurious finished basement defies the ordinary. A partial wall with large screen televisions on either side strategically separates a large, comfortable seating area and bar from a convertible ping pong/ pool table. The generous wall of windows facing the lake creates an airy/ bright room with patio doors opening to outdoor dining, a seating area, a hot tub and steps down to the lake.

Both of these custom lake homes are brilliant examples of incorporating the recreation room into the main living space of the home. While one exists on the main level and the other occupies the traditional basement level, both are finished as seamless extensions of the main living space. They feature comfortable furniture, which can be both elegant and casual, and custom finishes and fixtures, which are all paired with game tables and recreational activities. These are yet further indications of the shift in how the modern family prefers to live, moving away from formal living spaces and preferring open concepts. The main living spaces become versatile and multi-functional. And, what better way to encourage gatherings and family togetherness than through playtime.