Outdoor Games Room Makeover: Creating a Space That Truly Fits Our Lifestyle
There is something incredibly satisfying about transforming a space so that it finally reflects the way you actually live. That was exactly the goal behind our Outdoor Games Room Makeover.
While our outdoor entertaining area had served us well for many years, it wasn’t making the best use of the space. The large built-in barbecue area dominated the room, yet if we’re being honest, we’re not big barbecue users. It had become the focal point of the space without really supporting the way we entertain or spend time together.
We wanted something different. We wanted a space that felt more like us.
Designing Around the Way We Live
One of the biggest priorities for this makeover was creating an area that Tony would genuinely enjoy using. Over the years we’ve learned that the most successful home projects aren’t necessarily the most beautiful—they’re the ones that encourage you to actually use the space.
The vision was to create a games room and entertaining area that felt welcoming, practical and connected to the rest of our outdoor spaces. Somewhere friends and family could gather, somewhere Tony could relax, and somewhere that felt like a natural extension of our home.
From Underused BBQ Area to Games Room Bar
The biggest change in this makeover was completely reimagining the old barbecue area.
While the built-in barbecue had served its purpose over the years, it simply wasn’t something we used often enough to justify the amount of space it occupied. Rather than trying to work around it, we decided to remove it completely and start fresh.
A new wall was built at the end of the pergola, creating a much more defined and functional room. Once the structure was complete, we began looking for ways to furnish the space without the high cost of custom cabinetry.
After plenty of searching, we found a large old timber cabinet that had great bones but needed a lot of love. We spent countless hours sanding, filling, repairing and painting it before transforming it into a beautiful storage and display cabinet for glassware, drinks and our coffee station. It was certainly a labour-intensive project, but the savings compared to custom cabinetry were substantial, and the finished result exceeded our expectations.
We also discovered an old cabinet at our local dump shop and immediately saw its potential. After another makeover, it became a rolling bar that can be wheeled out into the paved entertaining area whenever we have guests. Not only does it add extra functionality, but it also brings character and personality to the space.
These upcycled pieces have become some of our favourite features in the room and prove that creating a beautiful outdoor entertaining space doesn’t always require brand-new furniture or a large budget. Sometimes all it takes is a little vision, a lot of elbow grease, and the willingness to look beyond what something is and imagine what it could become.
The Black and White Theme
One design choice that has become a recurring theme throughout our outdoor areas is the use of black and white.
We love how this combination feels both fresh and timeless. It brings a modern edge to the garden while still allowing us to incorporate some of the formality and structure that we love in outdoor spaces.
The black cabinetry, checkerboard flooring and white walls work together to create a cohesive look that now connects beautifully with other areas of our backyard.
Rather than competing with the greenery, the monochrome palette allows the garden itself to become part of the design.
Improving the Flow of the Garden
Another important part of this project was improving how we move around the backyard.
Previously, getting from our Secret Garden and fire pit area to the games room or cabin meant walking across the lawn. While that might sound minor, it became inconvenient during wet weather and when entertaining larger groups.
By extending the paved areas, we have created clear pathways that connect the different outdoor “rooms” throughout the property.
We can now walk comfortably from the Secret Garden to the games room and continue through to the cabin/guest room without ever stepping onto the grass.
It’s a simple change that has made a huge difference to how the entire backyard functions.
Solving the Condensation Problem
One of the less glamorous but most important improvements was addressing a long-standing condensation issue.
Anyone who has lived with a covered outdoor entertaining area will understand how frustrating moisture build-up can be. It affects comfort, maintenance and the longevity of furnishings.
Tony tackled this problem by insulating the pergola roof, and the difference has been remarkable. The area feels more comfortable year-round and we’ve eliminated the condensation issues that used to occur.
Sometimes the most valuable improvements aren’t the ones that show up in photographs.
The Game-Changing Outdoor Blinds
If there is one feature that has completely transformed how we use this space, it would have to be the outdoor electric blinds.
These have truly been a game changer.
With the push of a button, we can protect the room from wind and rain while still enjoying the outdoor atmosphere. They help keep furniture, flooring and cabinetry clean and dry and make the space usable in a much wider range of weather conditions.
They’ve effectively turned the area into an outdoor room that can adapt to whatever the weather decides to do.
A Space That Has Already Earned Its Keep
One of the best indicators of a successful renovation is how quickly a space becomes part of everyday life.
This room has already been used far more than the original area ever was.
It proved invaluable during Emily’s woodland baby shower, providing additional entertaining space and helping us accommodate a large number of guests comfortably.
Since then, it has become a regular part of our daily life, which was exactly what we hoped for.
Looking Ahead
While we’re thrilled with how the games room has turned out, there is always another project on the horizon.
Next up will be our pool area makeover. The plan is to replace some of the existing decking with paving, install new pool coping and introduce composite decking in selected areas.
As with every project we’ve undertaken over the years, the goal isn’t simply to make the space look better. It’s to create outdoor areas that work beautifully for the way we live, entertain and spend time together.
And if this makeover has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the best renovations aren’t about adding more—they’re about reimagining what you already have.
Have you ever transformed an outdoor space to better suit your lifestyle? I’d love to hear what changes made the biggest difference in your home.
Creating outdoor spaces that flow naturally into one another has been a big focus for us. The new paving now provides a seamless connection to our Secret Garden and fire pit area, making the entire backyard feel more cohesive and enjoyable to use. You can read more about that transformation in our Secret Garden Makeover post.
