Who says playrooms are just for kids? Recreational spaces in the home can create a cozy place of respite, an exciting environment for fun and games - or both. Today’s homes are designed to include specialty rooms that feature everything from bowling alleys to home theaters. Whether reflecting a hobby or involving a family activity, individual styles set each room apart.

The richly appointed first-floor leisure room of this Madisonville home, complete with a full bar and gaming tables, makes a stylish masculine statement. Revealing the owner’s enjoyment of hunting in the Colorado mountains, a 340-point trophy elk hangs high above the roomy, 12-foot bar. Elegant cabinetry, crafted from rich Honduran mahogany, frames the expansive 760-square-foot space that houses a pool table and a custom-designed, inlaid poker table crafted by two Covington artisans. Richly upholstered leather chairs beckon guests to “sit and stay awhile” in the tension-relieving atmosphere of this inviting room.

Lending a serious artistic touch is an exquisite Remington bronze perched at the end of the bar. The owners’ appreciation for art and antiques is reflected in various collections throughout, which include an impressive Civil War chess set from the Historic New Orleans Collection and a grouping of steins gathered from the couple’s world travels.

When the owners of the Covington home pictured at left decided to construct a new addition that would include a game room, exercise room and bath, designer Ellen Bajon of EMB Interiors was called upon to enliven the interior spaces. Natural lighting from the billiard room’s high windows on one side and floor-to-ceiling windows on the opposite wall (not shown) bathe the room’s earthen tones with a warm glow.

The West Indies-inspired styling sports faux walls painted in khaki gold and tea-wash stain to create subtle texture above the cypress wainscoting. The antique armoire, raised and seated on an iron base, has been adapted to house pool sticks and accessories. Positioned as the room’s centerpiece on a patterned rug over brick flooring, the beautifully crafted pool table was re-felted to maintain a monochromatic tone.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a room for play. Let your creative whims run wild!

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