Staying indoors has been standard procedure for many of us in the last 2 years, owing to the still-very-real pandemic. This shift in routine has made a lot of people adjust their spaces' interior design, or at least rethink the functions of every nook in their homes. Bedrooms turn into office spaces during the day, and personal spaces now have to function as avenues to entertain guests.
While some are fortunate enough to have dedicated entertainment rooms in their homes, many need their rooms to perform double duty when it comes to recreation. Because of the lack of space — especially in condominiums and smaller apartments — some living rooms moonlight as entertainment areas, making it especially crucial to design the living space as versatile as needed.
Whether you live in a single-detached home or an apartment in the city with less square footage, here are the 4 essentials that make up a serviceable-yet-interesting entertainment space that rivals your favorite outdoor spot.
Comfortable and Generous Seating
No living room and entertainment space is complete without comfortable seating. Have you ever been to a party and felt frustrated over the fact that there's no place to sit? Generous seating is key to the ultimate entertainment and recreation experience.
Often the largest piece in the room, a couch can dictate the aesthetic and atmosphere of a space. There are many things to consider when choosing the perfect seating arrangement. L-shaped sofas are a classic lounging choice for when you're watching TV, while a loveseat and individual chairs combo is great for face-to-face conversations.
Modular configurations are particularly popular in smaller spaces as these offer flexible options in setting up seating. Multiple-piece sofas make it so that you're not restricted with how you design your main entertainment area; you can place the seats as intimate as possible or tucked in corners for a larger floor space perfect for dancing.
And what's seating without occasional tables? To make an entertainment room truly functional, tables, desks, and even low shelving are critical additions to the overall design. Coffee tables are front and center, and complement the bigger seating furniture in a room, while side and end tables work best when placed next to a seat for easy access to items like a remote, table lamp, or a glass of wine enjoyed during a small gathering.
Entertainment Center and Home Theater
Next to comfortable living room seating, a home entertainment system is the most important element in an entertainment space. Media and technology are at the center of this setup. Panoramic TVs, cinematic sound speakers, media players, and game consoles all lend to an enviable entertainment center and home theater system.
The layout and size of the entertainment space controls the type of appliances that fill out this entertainment unit. A perfect-size screen is crucial for enjoyable Netflix time, while standing speakers only work for spacious rooms. Most entertainment units will be placed by a wall, which makes mounting TVs, speakers, and consoles a great space-saving design decision.
One thing to watch out for when designing your entertainment center is the wiring and plug situation. More appliances mean more wires, and these could cause accidents when not treated properly. Make sure your entertainment space is safe and organized by investing in an effective storage system, and you'll be glad you can focus on the fun.
A Functional Bar Setup
For many adults, the idea of entertainment spills into drinking, social or not. And you don't have to be a wine connoisseur or a craft beer enthusiast to enjoy a well-crafted drink after a long day. Everyone favors a refreshing cocktail or cold beer, especially in the company of friends and loved ones. (Looking for a new space to host your intimate parties in? Check out our property listings here.)
A home bar is not only a functional addition to your space as it can serve as a safe storage for your collection of wines and spirits, but is also an efficient space where you can whip up your favorite drinks to share with guests or a simple glass to sip on while gaming.
Home bars come in all shapes and sizes, and there's a setup that works for any type of dwelling. A lightweight bar cart that carries your essential bar accoutrements can be placed anywhere in the entertainment space, while wall units and alcohol cabinets are more permanent and can be used to label a certain spot in the room as the designated drinking space. Home bars can also be tricked out to include all sorts of functional appliances, like coolers and ice dispensers.
Something Extra, Like a Pool Table
Entertainment rooms are supposed to be fun, and accent game pieces make these recreational spaces all the more special. In this case, the possibilities are truly endless, as you can opt to add in whatever feeds your hobbies and interests. Think indoor swings, a chess corner, or even a jungle gym complete with a small-scale climbing wall.
If you have a separate entertainment room in your house, you may have the floor space for a pool table and accessory locker, or a ping pong table that doubles as a beer pong arena. Smaller pieces like stick hockey unit or narrower items like shuffle board benches are also great alternatives and make for wonderful recreational activities.
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