With Diwali around the corner, it's time to get your home ready - not just for the parties you will throw, but for the entertainment you will provide as a good host/ hostess. Apart from food and music, the games people play is of utmost importance. The best part is, if you have an extra room and spend your money wisely, you could build an asset in your home that will give you and your guests lasting satisfaction.
Tushar Joshi, principal designer, Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio, finds the idea of crafting a classic games room that combines nostalgia and entertainment, appealing. "With approximately Rs 1 lakh, you can create a games room that radiates the enduring appeal of traditional pastimes too," he says. He suggests distributing the budget into key areas:
1. Furniture and seating: Consider seating options like bean bags, gaming chairs, a versatile sofa/ futon, with a console or trunks for storage. An equivalent amount can go towards gaming tables, shelves and storage units, which are indispensable to maintain a well-organised games room.
2. Gaming Equipment: This is the core of the room, where you merge digital and analog gaming experiences. Dedicate 30 per cent of equipment cost to procure a gaming console, like a PlayStation or Xbox, along with a controller. Invest 50 per cent for a screen or monitor to immerse yourself in the gaming world. Allocate 20 percent for classic board games such as Ludo, Chess, Taboo, Pictionary, or Dart Board, or cards games like Cards Against Humanity for offline entertainment.
3. Décor and Lighting: Aesthetics influence the ambience of your games room. Go for Costing Ratio - 1:1:1 viz., 'Wall Décor: Lighting: Upholstery'
For Walls - Add wall art, posters, prints and artwork that reflect your gaming interests. You may incorporate wall textures and frames to add drama. For Lighting, ambient lighting such as LED strip lights and smart bulbs can instantly set the mood. Hanging lamps and track lights are a good option for aesthetics, functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Upholstery adds the final touch - rugs, curtains or blinds, and rubber mats that enhance visual appeal while reducing sound.
4. Flooring and ceiling: A material that is both inexpensive and suitable for children, vinyl flooring is an excellent choice. This synthetic material replicates the appearance of hardwood or tile, is water-resistant and easy to clean.
For the ceiling, minimalist frames can be used along with the light fixtures.
5. Miscellaneous: Don't overlook the essential elements that are critical for functionality and safety. Invest in cable management tools like cable organisers and clips to maintain a tidy and accident-free space. Allocate a portion of the budget for power strips and surge protectors to protect your equipment. Finally, set aside a modest sum for basic tools needed for maintenance and assembly.
"This budget breakdown strikes a balance between financial limitations and the desire for an inviting and well-equipped space," concludes Joshi.
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Rinki Kotak, principal architect, 4th Dimension, agrees that designing a games room doesn’t have to be unaffordable. "Using some tips, one can convert an empty room into a fun games room," she insists, offering her expert advice to enhance your gaming experience.
· Furniture that pulls double punches saves not just space, but money. For example, try a storage ottoman, especially for smaller places. Keep your board games, video game controllers, or game consoles there… or even a cosy blanket if you prefer to curl up while playing your favourite game. You won’t need to buy a shelf, and the clutter will stay out of sight. [2 X single seat ottomans with storage: Rs 2,500]
· For comfortable and flexible seating options, bean bags are the way to go. Cheap and durable, they add comfort and colour to your space. [2 X 3xl bean bags with beans: Rs 6,000]
· Lighting is an important aspect. For gaming, use lighting that doesn’t take up much space. Laser bulbs fit into any standard lighting fixture and emit starry skies similar to portable lights. You can choose laser lights to suit your theme. [Rs 2,000]
· Personalised canvas prints of your favourite game/ gaming movie, can bring your walls to life. [Rs 5,000]
· Flooring: carpet tiles will enhance the look of the room and are easy to install/ clean. [Rs 100 per sq.ft - considering a 200 sq.ft room, total cost would be Rs 20,000]
· Screen: a 55” TV serves the dual purpose of gaming and casual viewing, so the games room also serves as media room. [Rs 35,000 – 40,000]
· Soundbars are the minimalist, stylish choice. The trade-off here is looks and price for sound quality relative to more traditional speaker styles. These fit easily into any gaming room. [JBL 2.1 / boAt 5.1 @Rs 21,000]
"The approximate total cost of revamping your empty room into a happening games room is Rs 96,000 – 1,00,000," points out Kotak.
If you don't have the time or money to create a dedicated games room for this year's Diwali party, don't worry. Sumessh Menon, design director, Sumessh Menon Associates, suggests that you move out the loose furniture from the chosen room, place some aesthetically covered mattresses with bright cushions and bolsters on the floor for seating, and use a round piece of plywood as your 'card table'. Voila! You're all set to play 'teen patti'. Happy Diwali!
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