Ideabook 911: A Lounge for the Boys
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More »
Houzz Community Member cfoster629 recently posted this quandry to The Buzz Board:
I need some input with this room. This is the "loft" upstairs that both boys (10 and 6) share as a "playroom." Their bedrooms connect with this space. The main problem I have is the shape. It is 9'X19' - long and skinny. I want this to be a room where they can hang out with their friends as they get older to watch TV and play video games (which happens a lot already). I want it to be masculine but still youthful. I don't want it to look like a little kid (chalkboards, etc) as I don't want them to grow out of it in the next few years. I love vintage. I would appreciate any suggestions you have.
What I suggest is taking advantage of the length of the room with an L-shaped sectional sofa that's cushy and comfy. My brother and I had one of these in our basement rec room growing up and we LOVED it! Place it along the wall where the couch is now and along the wall of windows. Since it's going to be the boys' den, I'm picturing some neutrals and chocolate brown. Chocolate is a great color for the sofa as it will hide a multitude of stains.
Because the boys like to play video games, the TV seems to be in the perfect spot. It would be great to add some sort of built-in cabinet there for the television, the consoles, the wires, and books. Cabinets on the bottom would hide the former, and open shelves above can house the television set and the books, as well as other media like the games, DVDs, and CDs.
The area along the wall where the basket is in the first picture should be left clear to serve as a hallway space for pass-through.
Because cfoster likes vintage, I suggest a clean modern sofa but adding vintage touches via the coffee table and whatever is hung on the walls. Vintage objects can be placed in the bookshelves of the media cabinets. The long wall where the basket is would be great for display, whether it's a large vintage sign, sports memorabilia, guitars, basically, whatever makes the boys and their mom happy.
Here are some shots for inspiration - I'll let you know what I was thinking in the comments beneath the pictures. Also, she didn't post to the buzz just to hear from me, so PLEASE chime in with your advice and add your own inspiring pictures to help her! Also, if you have a design dilemma, post it to The Buzz Board to get advice!
I need some input with this room. This is the "loft" upstairs that both boys (10 and 6) share as a "playroom." Their bedrooms connect with this space. The main problem I have is the shape. It is 9'X19' - long and skinny. I want this to be a room where they can hang out with their friends as they get older to watch TV and play video games (which happens a lot already). I want it to be masculine but still youthful. I don't want it to look like a little kid (chalkboards, etc) as I don't want them to grow out of it in the next few years. I love vintage. I would appreciate any suggestions you have.
What I suggest is taking advantage of the length of the room with an L-shaped sectional sofa that's cushy and comfy. My brother and I had one of these in our basement rec room growing up and we LOVED it! Place it along the wall where the couch is now and along the wall of windows. Since it's going to be the boys' den, I'm picturing some neutrals and chocolate brown. Chocolate is a great color for the sofa as it will hide a multitude of stains.
Because the boys like to play video games, the TV seems to be in the perfect spot. It would be great to add some sort of built-in cabinet there for the television, the consoles, the wires, and books. Cabinets on the bottom would hide the former, and open shelves above can house the television set and the books, as well as other media like the games, DVDs, and CDs.
The area along the wall where the basket is in the first picture should be left clear to serve as a hallway space for pass-through.
Because cfoster likes vintage, I suggest a clean modern sofa but adding vintage touches via the coffee table and whatever is hung on the walls. Vintage objects can be placed in the bookshelves of the media cabinets. The long wall where the basket is would be great for display, whether it's a large vintage sign, sports memorabilia, guitars, basically, whatever makes the boys and their mom happy.
Here are some shots for inspiration - I'll let you know what I was thinking in the comments beneath the pictures. Also, she didn't post to the buzz just to hear from me, so PLEASE chime in with your advice and add your own inspiring pictures to help her! Also, if you have a design dilemma, post it to The Buzz Board to get advice!
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Boys Lounge Room
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Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Boys Lounge Room
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| 1) MEDIA SHELVES:
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This is a great shelf system - obviously, you would use about half of it. I also love the cushy depth of this sectional. |
Another good idea for built-ins - the cabinets below hide ugly wires and consoles.
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More great built-ins with cabinets beneath. I should mention, you don't necessarily have to go with built-ins - there are a lot of pre-made cabinets out there to choose from.
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| 2) SOFA:
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Love this large sectional and the art wall. |
| Obviously, you don't need a sofa THIS big, but the color is perfect. Side Note: I wouldn't recommend a glass table for your lounge, due to smudges and roughhousing! Private Comment
|
A sofa this size could be just right.
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3) PALETTE:
This is just such a great rec room I included it to show you the color palette.
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This is just such a great rec room I included it to show you the color palette.
| Another image with a great color palette. Private Comment
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| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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| 4: VINTAGE TOUCHES:
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Throw pillows are a great way to add vintage touches. You can get creative about what they are made from, like jeans, jerseys, old wool sweaters, etc. |
5. ART:
Check out the guitar on the wall. You could repeat vintage objects like guitars on that big "hallway" wall.
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Check out the guitar on the wall. You could repeat vintage objects like guitars on that big "hallway" wall.
More art - vintage black and white subway signs would be cool in a boys lounge.
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| I don't think you want a sign that says "THERAPY", but a vintage sign of some sort could add a lot of fun character to the space. Private Comment
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| 6. COFFEE TABLE:
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Get creative with your coffee table. These drums are really fun and add a lot of character to the room. |
Trestle tables made from metal and reclaimed wood can add a vintage feel to the room.
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Comments
cfoster629 says:
Becky - I love the color palette of the first room you listed under palette. What would you call that color on the wall? Seems kind of a grey khaki to me. Do you have a paint chip reference you might suggest. I really like that darker wood with it as it seems very masculine and cozy but I could add touches of color on the walls and pillows. Definately going with the chocolate sectional. Next...finding the funds!
21 months ago ·
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bepsf says:
First off, I'd anchor the ends of the room with tall bookcases covering the end walls - Something with open shelves above and enclosed storage beneath for books, games, toys, etc. Don't forget to anchor these bookcases to the walls, and provide a stepstool in the room to access items on the upper shelves.
Then I'd divide the room into two main spaces - One end for lounging/TV/Videogames, and the other end for study/puzzles/crafts. The end for TV would get a long, low sofa (purchase two 5' one-armed loveseats and push them together to make a 10' long sofa) Opposite the sofa, place a low media cabinet w/ enclosed storage for game console, DVD's, etc. Between this and the sofa, anchor this end of the room with an 8x10 shag area rug. Large floor pillows, inexpensive hanging lamps (rice-paper globes?) over either end of the sofa, plus 2-3 storage stools with tops that flip to make a tray would round out this area.
At the other end, place a round table with 4 chairs (perhaps a vintage dinette set w/ the chairs on casters?) where your boys can do puzzles, study and make things. Another large hanging/swag lamp above for lighting and this area is furnished.
Fill in the walls with bulletin boards and framed maps, posters, souveneirs and enlarged photographs from your family's travels and adventures.
Then I'd divide the room into two main spaces - One end for lounging/TV/Videogames, and the other end for study/puzzles/crafts. The end for TV would get a long, low sofa (purchase two 5' one-armed loveseats and push them together to make a 10' long sofa) Opposite the sofa, place a low media cabinet w/ enclosed storage for game console, DVD's, etc. Between this and the sofa, anchor this end of the room with an 8x10 shag area rug. Large floor pillows, inexpensive hanging lamps (rice-paper globes?) over either end of the sofa, plus 2-3 storage stools with tops that flip to make a tray would round out this area.
At the other end, place a round table with 4 chairs (perhaps a vintage dinette set w/ the chairs on casters?) where your boys can do puzzles, study and make things. Another large hanging/swag lamp above for lighting and this area is furnished.
Fill in the walls with bulletin boards and framed maps, posters, souveneirs and enlarged photographs from your family's travels and adventures.
21 months ago ·
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diva2009 says:
I also like the chocolate sectional idea. If you don't want to spend a lot of money you
can always buy something lighter like this:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/21320/Eco-Rockstar-Lounge-contemporary-kids-
I would also change the walls color to something more young and energetic (like in the pbteen photo).
Last, for inexpensive vintage art go to etsy. You'll find many great prints there.
Good Luck!
can always buy something lighter like this:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/21320/Eco-Rockstar-Lounge-contemporary-kids-
I would also change the walls color to something more young and energetic (like in the pbteen photo).
Last, for inexpensive vintage art go to etsy. You'll find many great prints there.
Good Luck!
21 months ago ·
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Karen Schaefer Louw says:
Becky - what great ideas!
I uploaded some pics on the two "inherited" chairs - would really appreciate your advise.
Thx! , karen
I uploaded some pics on the two "inherited" chairs - would really appreciate your advise.
Thx! , karen
21 months ago ·
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4wallsrentals says:
A lot of very promising ideas. Definitely taking notes for when we have to remodel.
21 months ago ·
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czestes says:
Candice Olsen reno'd an attic space just like this several years ago. The space she had to work with was a bit wider so there was room for a pool table. Along with a sectional and built ins for the tv/gaming area she installed a floating desk where the children could do art and homework. The room was designed for boys and has remained one of my favorites! I don't remember the exact episode but you could search her site http://www.divinedesign.tv/master.asp.
21 months ago ·
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mom2boys says:
Great post and great ideas Becky!
boulder203: you can find the large brown sofa here: http://www.usonahome.com
boulder203: you can find the large brown sofa here: http://www.usonahome.com
21 months ago ·
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I just have two words...durability and personality. You want to choose tables and chairs that can stand up to a lot of abuse. Instead of chairs you might use bean bags or floor pillows if the boys like to lay on the floor while they play video games. Personality: If your sons have any collections or hobbies they should be included in the space. If collections are small, put them in shadow boxes. If they are larger and delicate, display them on higher shelves. There are great wall murals available if you want to surround them with the woods (or other favorite places). You can also find wall decals in a variety of themes (sports, music, etc) They go up and come down easily.
Have fun with it and ask the boys to participate so they get a room they will be proud of.
Have fun with it and ask the boys to participate so they get a room they will be proud of.
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Thanks everyone for helping with more ideas! I especially love the bean bag idea - I know when I babysit for my nephews, I often flop on their bean bags (and wish I could take a nap...). They are also awesome for doing big bellyflops off the couch onto...
21 months ago ·
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Beth says:
I always wanted to decorate a rec room/den with a display of antique sports equipment--golf clubs, hockey stick, baseball mitt or bat, tennis raquet, old leather football helmet, ice skates, etc. If, of course, they are into sports.
21 months ago ·
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andrea_of_ffft says:
I second the idea of the arts/homework table. I think if you put the focus on the TV then that is where they will end up. If it were my space, I would have the TV behind doors on the media unit. My son is seven and he will pull out movies to watch, but doesnt seem to bother with the video games. More often than that area, he chooses over by the window where he will read or do crafts for hours. I much prefer that to him zoning in front of the tube where he loses track of time and his brain turns to mush. If given the option, I like to think that kids will use their imagination.
On that note, I agree with the chocolate sectional (Ikea has some great options)... I agree with chocolate anything, but maybe pair it with blue or some other colour. I love chocolate and a really light turquoise with maybe a beanbag and/or throwpillows in a darker turquoise and orange or red. If you are not into a lot of colour, try just a focal wall. Remember that they are still kids, and paint is easy to switch out in a few years. Also, make sure you include them... that was a good point. If they had something to do with the space, they will feel good about it. Ask them to draw out their ideas or list what they really want and edit from there. Have fun!
On that note, I agree with the chocolate sectional (Ikea has some great options)... I agree with chocolate anything, but maybe pair it with blue or some other colour. I love chocolate and a really light turquoise with maybe a beanbag and/or throwpillows in a darker turquoise and orange or red. If you are not into a lot of colour, try just a focal wall. Remember that they are still kids, and paint is easy to switch out in a few years. Also, make sure you include them... that was a good point. If they had something to do with the space, they will feel good about it. Ask them to draw out their ideas or list what they really want and edit from there. Have fun!
21 months ago ·
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