Thanks to both my Mother and Father’s parents I have spent a lot of time surrounded by the interior design of the 1960’s. Between each of my grandparents’ homes I’ve soaked in the sunken tub of a carpeted ensuite, eaten countless waffle breakfasts at a U-shaped vinyl booth, and played round upon round of Monopoly on casino-worthy carpeting. Each home has a specific style of it’s own but the common denominator has always been the classic ‘Rumpus Room’ in the basement.
Take my paternal grandparents’ recreation space for example; this was a classic wood panelled room with a central pool table and corner bar. My grandpa had this thing fully stocked; seltzer bottles, swizzle sticks and even those little plastic swords specifically for spearing maraschino cherries. This thing was classic Red Foreman with a tufted leather front, swivelling bar stools and a collection of beer and liquor branded mirrors on the wall. This was a fully-operational pub, right downstairs!
This got me thinking; in these bootstrapping times why not bring this back? Sure, it’s fun to squeeze in a game of Jenga before you head out to see a band play but we’re really doing it to cut down on our tab at the bar, right? So why not turn that spare room (or more realistically; that unused corner or linen closet) into an entertaining space that would make Don Draper proud? Need a little inspiration? No problem!
Here are some pages from ‘Six Master-Designed Recreation Rooms’ Published in 1961 by Canadian Forest Productions Ltd. I found this book in my grandparents’ basement on a recent visit, it even has my Grandpa’s space planning notes on the worksheets in the back. I just had to share this and ask you all; what do you do to create an entertainment space at home? …Polynesian theme not required.
The Cover of the book and illustration of the Western Room complete with innapproriate close-talking couple at the bar (you know those two didn’t come to this party together … wink!)
Illustration of the Contemporary Room. Some very serious debate happening in here.
Photos of the completed ‘Contemporary Room’. After some serious discussion these people enjoy a little ping pong.
Complete instructions on how to build the Storage Wall featured in the Contemporary Room. There are drawings like this for every single items in these rooms … record stand, planter wall, bar … make it all yourself. And yes, the back of this thing features a dart board.
Illustration of the ‘Polynesian Room’. Enjoy a stay-cation in your very own basement.
Photos of the completed ‘Polynesian Room’