Creating the Ultimate Game Room

If you already have a space in mind—a basement, attic, or maybe a spare room—you’re already ahead of the game, so to speak. If you don’t have any extra space, however, you may have to consider adding on, which can be a bit more complicated. But don’t fret. Creating the ultimate game room isn’t as difficult as you’d think. It just takes a little careful planning and some expert advice. And we’re here to help you with both.

If you already have a space you’d like to convert into a game room—great! The next thing you’ll want to do is give the experts at Fire Rock Construction a call. Located in Apollo, Fire Rock Construction is a full-service home improvement contractor that specializes in all types of remodels, including game room and basement remodels.

“We can build the game room you’ve always wanted and give it a unique look with natural elements such as rock, stone, and granite,” says Frank Harvey, owner. “We specialize in designing and building custom entertainment areas that provide a natural, soothing atmosphere for you and your guests.”

Courtesy of TheaterXtreme

If you don’t have the extra space, however, an addition might be the answer for you. That’s where Affordable Decks and Additions Inc. comes in. Located in Bethel Park, and boasting an experienced team of skilled craftsmen, Affordable Decks and Additions can help make your dream game room a reality.

Just ask owner Jeff Valperga. “At Affordable Decks and Additions, our goal is to work with you to create something that will blend in perfectly with your home,” he says. “We listen closely to you and work with your architect to maximize the use and enjoyment of your new living space while minimizing your investment.”

Courtesy of Fire Rock Construction

Once you talk to Fire Rock Construction about renovating a space for your game room or have one built for you by Affordable Decks and Additions, the next thing you’ll want to do is decide what type of room you want. Maybe you have a favorite sports team you’d like to use as your theme. Maybe you want something a little more refined. The choice is yours. Search online for ideas or pick up a game room design book at your local home improvement center. There are plenty of ideas out there for you to choose from. Once you’ve decided what type of game room you want, it’s time to pick out the design elements. One of the first things you’ll need to decide is what type of flooring you want for your room. Depending upon your budget, there a number of different options, from ceramic tile, to hardwood, to vinyl, to wall-to-wall carpeting. If you’re looking for something classy, hardwood is always a nice choice. However, if you want something a little more fun, you might want to install a nice shag or even something that resembles sports turf. Next you’ll want to consider the walls. No game room is complete without a stylish, high-quality paint job. Two-toned color schemes usually work the best. Earth tones can create a warm feel and go well with hardwood flooring. If you’re looking for something a little sportier, try incorporating your favorite team’s colors into the design. You may also want to decorate your walls with posters, tin signs, clocks, neon lights, or even mirrors. Many game rooms feature a movie theme and incorporate vintage movie posters on the walls. Just be sure to get them framed first. After you’ve got the floor down and the walls painted, next you’ll want to furnish the room. Traditional game rooms feature masculine furnishings like leather sofas and dark brown cabinetry. However, your furniture, just like your wall paint, can also feature the colors of your favorite team. Just about every college and professional team out there has its own chairs, tables, sofas, etc. Just make sure your furniture matches the rest of the room.

Courtesy of Cardello Lighting	Courtesy of Affordable Decks & Additions

Cupboards, drawers, and shelving are absolute necessities in any game room. You’ll need plenty of storage for your CDs, DVDs, video games, beer and wine glasses, etc. There are plenty of options out there, including versatile pieces that serve more than one purpose, like footstools that open up and provide room for storage.

Lighting is another important feature of any game room. This is where Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting can help. Since 1947, they’ve been a leader in the distribution of electrical supplies and lighting in the tri-state area. From their corporate headquarters on Pittsburgh’s North Side and eight branch locations, Cardello can help you illuminate your ultimate game room.

“If you’re looking for a tavern-type feel, we have some great pub lamps and beer signs you can choose from,” says Nick Cardello, president of Cardello. “We also have dozens of options for floor lamps, track lighting, recessed lighting, and more.”

Once again, just be sure to keep your lighting consistent with the other features in your room. Now the real fun begins. This is when you get to pick out all the toys for your new room. Traditional game rooms feature old standards like pool tables, ping-pong tables, poker tables, dartboards, and foosball.

Enter West Penn Billiards. Located on Babcock Boulevard in the North Hills and Washington Road in Canonsburg, West Penn Billiards is one of the largest and most respected billiard and game room furnishing companies in the country. “We have it all,” says George Leon, owner of West Penn Billiards. “From pool tables and cues, to dart boards, to bars and bar stools…we can make your game room dreams come true.”

The modern game room has all of these and more. Today, a game room isn’t complete without a top-of-the-line video game system, complete with a flat-screen television and a surround-sound system. In fact, you may want to have two or three TVs and maybe even a separate theater-like section of the game room where you can watch all your favorite movies. And of course, you’re probably going to want to have a computer, preferably a laptop, somewhere in the room to check on your fantasy sports teams.

Courtesy of West Penn Billiards

“Today’s game rooms are high-tech and high-fun,” says Tim Ciccone, owner of TheaterXtreme on Route 19 in Cranberry Township. “If you want to create a space that will really have that wow factor, TheaterXtreme can help.” TheaterXtreme can help you create a theater-like environment in your game room that will make you feel like you’re at the movies. With state-of-the-art flat- screens and sound systems, they can help you design something really special.

And don’t forget the music. No game room is complete without a killer sound system. If you have limited space, try a compact, hi-fidelity CD-player/radio that you can plug your iPod or mp3 player into. If you have a little more room (and a bigger budget), you might want to get a vintage-style jukebox. Again, the options are numerous.

Of course, no game room can truly be called the “Ultimate Game Room” without stuff to heat up some snacks and keep your beverages cool. Enter Don’s Appliances. Since 1971, Don’s Appliances has provided brands and products for every budget from everyday practical to ultimate luxury.

“Every game room should have a top-of-the-line microwave and a spacious refrigerator,” says Nick Hillebrand, owner. “If you’re going to entertain guests, you’re going to have to provide food and drink too. We can help you do that.” Best of all, Don’s offers professional installation, experienced technicians, and their Canonsburg showroom has over 20,000 parts in stock.

Courtesy of TheaterXtreme	Courtesy of Don’s Appliances

One last thing to remember: With all this electronic equipment, you’ll also want to make sure to have plenty of surge protectors to make sure all of your high-tech toys are safe in the event of lightning.

Once you’ve completed the design and furnishing of your ultimate game room, the only thing left to do is have fun. And you can do so knowing that not only have you added a new addition to your home that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends, but you’ve also increased your home’s value.