Let's Play! Reconnect the Family With Indoor Games
Enjoy a little quality family time inside with indoor games – here's how to make them fun
“Life is more fun if you play games,” is a famous line in Roald Dahl’s My Uncle Oswald. And even in the digital world, he’s right! While the video game business has overtaken the board game industry, there’s been a strong resurgence recently. In New York, for instance, a board games cafe called The Uncommon opened last year, and now there are queues along the footpath to get in. Scrabble, chess, Trivial Pursuit or newbie games such as Cranium – they’re all a hit for geeks and trendsetters alike. So, unplug the game console, pack up your iPad – it’s time to appreciate the care-free days of playing classic boardgames. Or if you need to get physical, how about some oldies but goldies – table tennis or foosball? All these games are fun for all ages and it brings couples and families together – especially on a rainy day. Here are some creative options that can turn your interior into the ideal game zone.
Chess
Move over, Garry Kasparov … it’s time to make your own champion moves. While these classic Windsor chairs evoke a country-style feel, perhaps a little more comfort is required. A soft armchair may be more appropriate for all-day matches! Or add a timer to keep the game moving.
Move over, Garry Kasparov … it’s time to make your own champion moves. While these classic Windsor chairs evoke a country-style feel, perhaps a little more comfort is required. A soft armchair may be more appropriate for all-day matches! Or add a timer to keep the game moving.
Billiards
While this billiard table on travertine floor tiles is impressive, there’s a little distraction at one end – that stunning bar boasting floor-to-ceiling wine racks, which may affect (or improve!) your game. This billiard room includes glazed doors that open to a garage filled with the owner’s collection of classic cars. It’s the ultimate boys’ zone!
While this billiard table on travertine floor tiles is impressive, there’s a little distraction at one end – that stunning bar boasting floor-to-ceiling wine racks, which may affect (or improve!) your game. This billiard room includes glazed doors that open to a garage filled with the owner’s collection of classic cars. It’s the ultimate boys’ zone!
Scrabble
The joy of this wall-mounted Scrabble is that there’s no rush when coming up with the ultimate word; it could take hours, days … or years. While the usual rules are a little off-kilter here – “the triple words aren’t in the right spot,” scream serious wordsmiths – it’s a unique concept that’s whimsical and (sorry, kids) educational.
The joy of this wall-mounted Scrabble is that there’s no rush when coming up with the ultimate word; it could take hours, days … or years. While the usual rules are a little off-kilter here – “the triple words aren’t in the right spot,” scream serious wordsmiths – it’s a unique concept that’s whimsical and (sorry, kids) educational.
Computer golf
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated,” says legendary US golf champ Arnold Palmer. And that’s exactly how most computer golf players will feel as they swing and putt in a dimly lit room like this. While the homeowner has found his true passion, this play zone can be easily converted for other games – table tennis, billiards or perhaps a mini-cinema.
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated,” says legendary US golf champ Arnold Palmer. And that’s exactly how most computer golf players will feel as they swing and putt in a dimly lit room like this. While the homeowner has found his true passion, this play zone can be easily converted for other games – table tennis, billiards or perhaps a mini-cinema.
Swing set
While the idea of bringing a swing inside the house seems rather ludicrous, it actually doesn’t take up too much space. It’s beautifully positioned in a thoroughfare between the kitchen and dining zone, and adds a quirky touch to an interior that’s partly vintage, partly eclectic, and plenty of fun. Just remember to let the other family members have a go, too!
While the idea of bringing a swing inside the house seems rather ludicrous, it actually doesn’t take up too much space. It’s beautifully positioned in a thoroughfare between the kitchen and dining zone, and adds a quirky touch to an interior that’s partly vintage, partly eclectic, and plenty of fun. Just remember to let the other family members have a go, too!
Foosball
This open space covers all bases – it’s a study, lounge room, music studio and games room. The full-sized foosball table is solidly built, making it stand the test of time. Every day is like a mini-World Cup here – even Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kewell or David Beckham would need to keep their wits about them in this household.
This open space covers all bases – it’s a study, lounge room, music studio and games room. The full-sized foosball table is solidly built, making it stand the test of time. Every day is like a mini-World Cup here – even Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kewell or David Beckham would need to keep their wits about them in this household.
Basketball
Just imagine how friends would react when you take them downstairs to an underground basketball court. This Melbourne home has enough basement height to make the game work effectively. Transformed by Canny Design, the materials comprise hardwood timber flooring and rendered black walls topped by painted bricks. It’s a marriage of ingenuity, design, fitness and fun.
Just imagine how friends would react when you take them downstairs to an underground basketball court. This Melbourne home has enough basement height to make the game work effectively. Transformed by Canny Design, the materials comprise hardwood timber flooring and rendered black walls topped by painted bricks. It’s a marriage of ingenuity, design, fitness and fun.
Video games
This colourful indoor games room is like a magnet for kids. There’s room to draw, read, play, bash the piano and test yourself on Space Invaders – old school fun! The colourful chassis of the arcade video game matches the other pieces of vibrant furniture perfectly. But whose three initials are in the Hi-Score position?
This colourful indoor games room is like a magnet for kids. There’s room to draw, read, play, bash the piano and test yourself on Space Invaders – old school fun! The colourful chassis of the arcade video game matches the other pieces of vibrant furniture perfectly. But whose three initials are in the Hi-Score position?
Dart board
This teenage boy’s bedroom is also set up as a place for him and his siblings or friends to hang out. They can sit, chat, strum the guitar or play darts. While it seems foolhardy to place a dart board on a pristine wall above such a lovely lamp, looks can be deceiving. The darts and the board are made of non-damaging Velcro! Good thinking, parents!
TELL US
Have you converted an area of your home into a competitive game zone? Show and tell in the comments section.
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This teenage boy’s bedroom is also set up as a place for him and his siblings or friends to hang out. They can sit, chat, strum the guitar or play darts. While it seems foolhardy to place a dart board on a pristine wall above such a lovely lamp, looks can be deceiving. The darts and the board are made of non-damaging Velcro! Good thinking, parents!
TELL US
Have you converted an area of your home into a competitive game zone? Show and tell in the comments section.
MORE
Dream Spaces: Perfect Football Set-Ups
10 Ways to Transform Your Backyard Into a Kids’ Adventure Zone
Fun Houzz: Could You Get to Grips With a Climbing Wall?
One of the best things about playing table tennis inside is that the balls won’t fly too far away. The only problem is that a high ceiling may be required – after all, those spectacular high lobs are hard to resist. And the good news is that the table is easy to fold up and pack away … until the next championship starts.