Photo by Lo Austin
Local experts reveal how to transform that extra room into everything from a gaming haven for kids to a personal home theater.
Erika Mercurio of Erika Mercurio Design recently transformed a basement into a children’s gaming haven — complete with a snack bar and video-game seating. Her advice on revamping a bonus space: “Choose things for the space that are going to reflect who is using it and not just at the present time, but for the future, so that it stays relevant and exciting. It’s always important to brighten the room of a bonus space. A lot of time I’ll add shiplap or bright-colored paint, wallpaper, or something that is going to make it more exciting.”
Tami Wassong of Tami Wassong Interiors is currently working on turning a bonus room into a personal home theater. Wassong says for this type of bonus space, “you need comfy seating, dimmable lighting, and a solid sound system. The perfect entertainment area where the whole family can hang out.”
Kim Mitchell of KAM Design’s tip is to “Take your passion and turn the bonus space into that.” She is revamping an old Tudor house that has an enclosed sunroom with glass on three sides, cathedral ceilings, and stone walls. In this space, she created a “man-cave-meets-music lounge” for the guitar-playing homeowner. The room is complete with a turntable and custom Keith Richards artwork.
