Planning is the first step in any room design whether it is a kid's play room, a room for your family to enjoy and relax or a place for entertaining friends and guests or relatives. Starting here will keep your project on track and avoid time delays and mistakes .

Analyze the space.Start by taking wall to wall measurements of the area you are considering. Does that area have any wasted space nearby? Often the lower level of homes have a closet or wall partition that is not a load bearing wall. These are great opportunities to take a wall out and create a small addition that can really add to the functionality of a room. A closet area under a staircase for example is often a great spot to build a functional bar area. Sometimes an added space of only 30 to 40 square feet can make a big difference.

Furniture Placement.Once you have determined your room dimensions, the next step is deciding where to place your furniture pieces. For game rooms like other areas of the home you need to place the largest pieces first and build out from there. These larger furniture items may be the pool table or a foosball table. It could be a craps table or new card game table and chairs. Draw out a plan that puts these items comfortably in the space you have designated. Make sure you have the necessary open areas around these larger items for traffic around them, 2 ft 6 inches or more is recommended, and room to play if it is the pool table.

Plan your Lighting.When placing your furniture be sure to consider your light sources. You will want to bring light over your pool, game table or bar. Windows in the room are a light source for a small reading area or desk for the kids. Keep in mind that natural light should be utilized wherever possible but can also be a distraction to a pool player.

Secondary Furniture Pieces.These items are important in bringing the design element to your room as well as its functionality. Try to add items that compliment the theme and style of the large items you have. A pool table will need some accessories to organize and decorate that part of the room. Keep the accessories size in line with the space you have to work with. Big spectator chairs are really comfortable but don't let them block the ability to walk through the area. I often see bar stools so large you cannot get up to the bar. Try to keep the style of the accessories complimentary to the large furniture items.

You don't have to hire a professional designer to come up with a great game room. Some general ideas to follow: Try to keep the room balanced. Use larger furniture pieces in larger spaces. Provide small secondary light sources in dark nooks or corners. Keep the room functional. If you plan to eat or drink in this area you will need a place to sit down. If you plan a reading or study area you will need the light and bookcases to accommodate those activities. Try to picture how often and when you will use your gameroom. Most of all remember that this is your space, in your house, and built to your specifications for the way you want to use it. A practical, functional and enjoyable gameroom is just a few planning stages away.