“Call it a comeback: while almost all aspects of our lives rely on technology, the board game is experiencing a renaissance,’’ according to researcher Zachary Hortan at the University of Pittsburgh.

“The interest in board games is a retaliation against the ubiquity of digital media. People are looking for more engaged and social activities as they become more isolated by technology,” said Horton in a university publication more than a year ago. “People crave that social connection—which makes this genre completely different than video games.”

That was before the home-boundness caused by Covid. 

If your family is playing more board games or doing more puzzles and are thinking of transforming a space into a game room, here are a few tips.

Energize with color: Think outside the traditional basement game room by transforming the space with a vibrant color. Bright colors can make a room seem sunny when there are few windows. 

Think multiple functions. Sports are often a family affair watching a the great variety of televised or streamed games. If it is a large room, you could also have a table tennis space that can duplicate as a board-game venue. Since beverages and snacks are usually a feature of such gatherings, remember to use performance fabrics to deal with those spills. 

This spacious game room is fully equipped for fun with a variety of game tables and a TV-viewing area. A large wall calls for oversized artwork. This wall mural was framed and hung as artwork. The rest of the room was painted a coordinating cream color.

A theater option: For some, a home theater is the preferred gathering place.  Bar consoles are a great addition to movie rooms. It provides a place to sit and eat while others can lounge in the comfy upholstered furniture. Note the retro popcorn maker in the front of the room.

Typically bonus rooms are a blank canvas. To find your local Decorating Den Interiors to assist in creating your ideal game room, click here.