The Evolution of Home Entertainment
The way people entertain themselves at home is changing. Gone are the days of playrooms being tucked away in dark corners of the house. Now, play is front and center, with golf simulators, putting greens, and game rooms becoming increasingly popular.
A Shift in Home Design
Interior designers like Kara Childress and Tami Owen are seeing a shift in the way people want to use their homes. "Five years ago, it would have been in a [man cave], but now everyone wants to be together—you want your kids, your friends, your whole group in there," Childress says. This shift is leading to the creation of large entertaining rooms with golf simulators, TVs, and bars.
Golf Simulators: A New Trend
Golf simulators are becoming a popular choice for homeowners who want to bring the golf course into their own homes. These simulators require a high ceiling and windows with automated shades or draperies that darken the room enough to see the screen well. Designers incorporate surfaces like vinyl wall coverings or plaster walls, plus rugs, to help soften the noise. Childress notes that simulators aren’t difficult to factor in, but they often need room for the technology behind them, and that has become more compact.
Game Rooms for All
Man caves and game rooms are no longer just for men. They are now less masculine and more focused on activities like mahjong, which is becoming increasingly popular. "There’s always a mahjong table or a game table. [Women] want their four-top game table and little trays you can pull out and put a drink on," Childress says. Flexibility is also key, with designers creating spaces that can be used for multiple activities, such as billiards tables that can be converted into ping-pong tables or dining tables.
Outdoor Gaming Zones
Outdoor gaming zones are also becoming popular, with designers like Owen installing bocce courts, basketball courts, and other outdoor games. These spaces are perfect for hosting parties and entertaining large groups of friends and family. Owen notes that one of her clients installed a basketball court and a gym in their home, which has become a favorite spot for watching sports games and hosting events.
Creating Spaces for Leisure
These rooms may be for leisure, but a lot of thought goes into their planning and execution. Designers work closely with clients to create spaces that meet their needs and interests. Whether it’s a golf simulator, a game room, or an outdoor gaming zone, the goal is to create a space that is fun and functional. Sherrell Neal of Sherrell Design Studio notes that many clients desire an updated setting that matches their changing interests, and most involve sharing the new spaces with friends.
Conclusion
The way people entertain themselves at home is changing, and interior designers are responding to this shift by creating spaces that are fun, functional, and flexible. From golf simulators to outdoor gaming zones, the options are endless, and the goal is to create a space that brings people together and provides hours of entertainment. Whether you’re a golfer, a mahjong enthusiast, or just someone who loves to have fun, there’s a space out there for you.
