Design Challenge: In this 1970’s home, the garage had been remodeled as a kids’ rec room. Stamped plywood paneling, dark beams and deep-set windows dated the decorating and darkened the space, so it was seldom used.

Solution: Today, the rec room’s attractive but practical design is ideal for teenagers relaxing after swimming in the family pool. For convenient snacking and clean up, a microwave, beverage refrigerator and 18” dishwasher are installed under the new cherry snack bar. Cabinets beneath the wall-mounted TV hold DVDs and pool table equipment. To withstand wet swimsuits and spills, chairs and cushions are upholstered in soft to the touch Sunbrella fabrics. An easy-to-maintain slate tile path curves from the snack bar to the patio door and also integrates the gas fireplace. Plush frisée carpet warms up the cement floor and light straw commercial grade wallcovering and track lighting brighten the room. The pool theme is brought indoors with palm woven fabric pillows, a green glass mosaic backsplash, wicker bamboo
table and palm fan.