Houston designer creates chic game rooms for entertaining

Creating Unique Entertainment Spaces with Confidence

For those who enjoy the thrill of entertaining at home, setting up a space that feels inviting and functional can be a daunting task. Whether it's a room for experimenting with drinks, unwinding after dinner with a game of billiards or cards, or simply enjoying quality time with friends, interior designer Caron Woolsey of CW Interiors knows how to create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and exciting.

Over the past eight years, Woolsey and her team have worked with a variety of unique clients, including scuba divers, poker enthusiasts, and artists. While traditional design remains a core part of their work, Woolsey has carved out a niche as a go-to designer for those seeking something extra special. Her designs often feature deep moody hues, mirrored ceilings, and tasting rooms that are as functional as they are stylish.

Woolsey believes in helping people step outside their comfort zones, especially when it comes to designing game rooms. “That’s kind of a space where you can have permission to maybe have a little more fun,” she explains. By blending bespoke elements with familiar brands like Visual Comfort, Restoration Hardware, and Jonathan Adler, she ensures that spaces remain grounded and attainable.

One of Woolsey’s key strategies is to guide clients by incorporating elements of their hobbies and interests without being too on-the-nose. “It’s about encapsulating part of their personality and bringing that out in the design,” she says. For example, a billiard room designed for a scuba diver features an oceanic porcelain fireplace that extends to the ceiling, creating a sense of being underwater without going overboard.

Another notable project involved a poker room inspired by the Cosmopolitan Hotel for a Las Vegas-loving CFO. The room featured a practical concrete floor with easily-interchangeable carpet tiles from Flor, which could handle spills during lively poker nights. A reupholstered antique settee from the client’s grandmother added a touch of softness, while a custom poker table built by the client himself brought a personal touch to the space.

When clients downsized from an 8,000-square-foot home to 4,000 square feet, Woolsey helped them transform a spare bedroom into a New Orleans-inspired speakeasy and lounge. The closet was converted into a dry bar, and Farrow and Ball Hague Blue paint, an antique door from Louisiana, and antique mirror glass blended seamlessly with a painting of St. Louis Cathedral, nodding to the Crescent City in an elegant way.

Woolsey also works with teenagers, creating shared spaces that balance British salon elegance with a touch of rogue deco flair. These spaces feature deep hues, curated curiosities, and layered textures, offering a perfect backdrop for late-night puzzles, gaming marathons, and artistic expression.

Her five pro tips for creating a memorable game room include:

• Commit to a clear point of view, then edit with discipline: Start with a focused concept and ensure every decision reinforces that vision.
• Design the layout around purposeful fun: Custom furniture should feel like it belongs in the room, not just for occasional use.
• Let the art set the tone, not the theme: Art should be bold and curated, avoiding gimmicks and kitsch.
• Texture is where the luxury lives: Use materials like bronze mirrored ceilings, blue stained paneling, and dramatic wallpaper to add depth and immersion.
• Prioritize comfort above all else: Luxury means thoughtful, tactile, and livable spaces, with seating that is low, plush, and perfectly pitched for long nights of conversation or cards.

From a scuba lover’s billiards room that pays homage to the sea to a spare room transformed into a speakeasy lounge, Woolsey’s designs show that creativity takes courage. With her approach, poker night and other social gatherings just got far more interesting.