The entertainment room in a home can mean different things to different people; it comes down to what people like doing for entertainment and how they plan to entertain guests. The entertainment room as a dedicated space has seen a dramatic increase in popularity with homeowners in recent years, and the pandemic only added to that growth. People want the ability to host an evening in the comfort of their home to watch a film, play poker, sit by the bar, play billiards, or even enjoy karaoke!
The level of affordable at-home entertainment is exponentially greater today than it was even 20 years ago. The only people who had dedicated home theaters or gaming rooms were very wealthy, and today that’s not the case.
With the increased interest in entertainment rooms today, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some entertainment room ideas and entertainment room colors with you so you can host the next great night out in your neighborhood!
As I had mentioned, the entertainment room has a different connotation for different people. Still, regardless of what’s in the entertainment room, the concept is clear: a space dedicated in the home to entertain guests and residents alike. You wouldn’t add an office table or bedroom furniture to an entertainment room; the emotional intention of the space is to create a fun, relaxing environment to decompress and take your mind off of real-life and long hours at work.
Here are some common features and appliances you’ll find in a modern entertainment room:
Home Theater System – A home theater system is very affordable today compared to years past. Typically, a home theater system will consist of a large television (65’’+) or a digital projector with a 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby atmos sound system incorporated throughout the space. Lounge chairs and theater-style seating are customary, too, if not using an expansive sofa in which you can really stretch out!
Built-in Bar/kitchenette – For those that fancy themselves mixologist/novice bartenders, having a beautiful built-in bar in an entertainment room is a must! Entertainment rooms are usually situated in lower levels, which can dedicate a full wall to a stunning hardwood bar with super comfortable bar stools.
Billards/Dart Board – What would an entertainment room be without a little friendly competition? Billiards and darts have been timeless staples of parlors for centuries, so it only makes sense the tradition lives on in a space meant to embody the spirit of gaming’s past.
Arcade cabinets/pinball machines – It may be an unfortunate casualty of our era, but arcades have become a rare commodity. People now go out to eat and stay in for entertainment, which historically was the other way around. Luckily, old retro-arcade cabinets and pinballs machines have found homes on the secondary market, and they’re fabulous additions to any entertainment room. Not only do these colorful vintage machines provide entertainment, but they’re also gorgeous pieces of animated art!
Poker table – a hardwood poker table with pristine green felt, pink clay and black chips, and elaborate wood-detailing can be a very graphic addition to your entertainment space. Hosting a poker game is timeless activity, and something passed down from generation to generation. We have enjoyed many a poker night at our home, and that of friends’ homes as well!
As a color consultant, it’s my job to find the colors and arrangements that my clients may not envision for themselves. I love drawing on styles that are both contemporary and heavily sourced from the past for entertainment rooms. I always determine what the client believes they will be using the space for the most (watching movies, hosting guests at the bar) and then work with those desires to create palettes supporting those activities.
For example, I would work with colors that support the best film-watching experience for an enthusiast with a reference-level home theater setup. I would suggest recessed track lighting, softly underlit vintage movie posters, and dark colors for the walls and furniture. For the walls, a classic navy blue. For the seating, a rich espresso-colored leather. Accents of royal red velvet pillows would work beautifully to tie it together with a hint of that Hollywood vibe!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a homeowner may have zero interest in exhibiting movies but would rather use the space to entertain guests with music and cocktails in a lively setting. For this, I would work with a lighter color palette supporting energy and conversations. A light oak or maple bar with a light stain would create a fresh yet refined tone. Built-in wall speakers and understated pendant lights would accompany the bar. Even an accent wall could be used to highlight the wall behind the bar. This is not a place to sleep but to come alive and feel like you’re out for a night on the town!
Even before the pandemic, lifestyle habits for many were changing. People are going out to eat more and stay in for entertainment, so the entertainment room has become a more pivotal part of the home. My suggestion is to make it personal when it comes to decorating your home and entertaining your friends and family.
What are your thoughts on spending more time at home for entertainment? Do you enjoy having a space dedicated to entertaining guests? What colors remind you of a fun night on the town that you feel comfortable bringing into your own home? Please share your thoughts and stories: I always love hearing them!
