Room over garage should be versatile
Finish for use as future rental or in-laws’ suite
Q: Our teenagers would really like a pool table/games area for Christmas. They’re at that age where they want to hang out with their friends at the house. I’m all for it (in fact I encourage it), but I just don’t want to listen to them all the time.
We have a heated area above the garage with a rough-in for a bachelor apartment. Initially it was to be for my husband’s mother but those plans changed, and then we thought of rental income but decided against the headache of being landlords. Do you have any ideas on utilizing the space for our kids?
A: I hope your children realize you and your husband are the coolest parents on Earth. My parents would never have done that.
I suggest completely finishing the apartment as though you are going to rent it or have an in-law live there. You never know when you might need to evict your pool-hall tenants and use it as intended. Or you and your husband may surprise yourself and host Saturday evening socials, in which case it would become a wonderful multi-purpose space for the entire family.
My inspiration photo comes from Vicente Burin Architects (vbarchitect.com). I think it’s a great starting point for your new family room.
Thinking of this as an actual apartment, place full- sized appliances or, at the very least, plan the electrical (if you wish to delay the cost of purchase) so you can easily install them in future. If need be, a bar fridge and microwave will serve you well for now.
Considering the wear and tear on your floors, whether it’s a games room or rental, I recommend you put down cost-efficient laminate flooring. Sure, wood flooring is quieter, but realistically, laminate will serve you better.
Take note of the custom island bar. Looking like a stylized fence (mimicking the stair rail behind the pool table) it’s an affordable alternative to an island with cabinetry. It could even be a DIY project.
As you needn’t worry about fully furnishing this room, you will likely have space for the inspiration of your project — a pool table. In an ideal world, you’d have 4 1/2 feet (1.4 metres) around each side of the table to allow for shots completely perpendicular to the wall, but where space is tight a shorter cue can be used. And if space allows, add comfy chairs.
Lighting is a key element in any design, and especially so over a pool or games table. In this room, the designer used two fixtures over the pool table, making it look more updated than the typical single fixture we’re used to seeing. Should the space revert to an apartment, the duo will look great in the living area (and add perceived value to your rental).
Take note of the sconces on either side of the window over the sink. If electrical hasn’t been added yet, I would include this affordable, functional and charming detail. And if there isn’t a window above the sink, do as I have done over mine and hang a painting or photo of an outdoor view. Instant atmosphere.
I’m sure you and your husband have already laminated the Pool Hall Rules for all teens to read. And remember, as “landlords,” you can always change the lock and make it a private club for two!