Ideabook 911: A Lounge for the Boys
Becky Harris
August 18, 2010
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s 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!
Boys Lounge Room
Boys Lounge Room
1) MEDIA SHELVES:
This is a great shelf system - obviously, you would use about half of it. I also love the cushy depth of this sectional.
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.
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.
2) SOFA:
Love this large sectional and the art wall.
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!
A sofa this size could be just right.
3) PALETTE:
This is just such a great rec room I included it to show you the color palette.
This is just such a great rec room I included it to show you the color palette.
Another image with a great color palette.
4: VINTAGE TOUCHES:
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.
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.
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.
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.
6. COFFEE TABLE:
Get creative with your coffee table. These drums are really fun and add a lot of character to the room.
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.
Scott Davidson founded Davidson Builders in 1998. Scott graduated from Michigan State with a BS in Construction... Read More
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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!