Can you get rid of the "box" in the corner?

unfortunately no. I think it's part of the hvac system.

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xoxo eva @ MONARCH SOFAS

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Teen boys, I have 4, don't need a playroom. They need three things. Storage. A place to sit with their buddies and play x Box etc. Teens who drive like mine want a space to invite friends over and hang. Plenty of seating.

Can you take out that box the TV sits on?

no. the box cannot be removed

The ceiling drop where the fluorescent light is? Was that out there for the light? To disguise pipes? Personally I'd rather paint the ceiling and pipes white than have the drop ceiling.

how about upholstering a large foam cushion to put on the "box" in the corner, and with a bunch of pillows turn it into a lounge area? unless you can't sit on it for some reason, i think that sounds like a fun idea !

xoxo eva @ MONARCH SOFAS

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sort of like this, you know, just with more teenage friendly fabrics ;)

Monarch...great minds think alike...smile.

:) i was thinking the same thing !

What if you create stadium seating and move the TV to the builtin? Just add cushions to the HVAC box as previous commenters suggested.

Is the area where the computer is at a higher level?

the floor is all one level, but the ceiling is about 6 inches higher.

This is going to a long post. Honestly, I'd go for the man cave look.

Finishes-Paint the walls, trim, and doors charcoal gray. Paint the "box" and the cabinetry black. Change out cabinetry door to silver with frosted glass/plexiglass with silver hardware. If you know someone handy they can just retro fit your existing doors. And I would add corrugated metal to back of bookshelf.

Add corrugated metal panels to front of "box". Add bookcases on top. Use different widths and height to create a "city" scape. Add some uplights in back. Change out fluorescent light cover to a night sky one. I would drape black fabric panels across ceiling or if you are brave paint it black. Put lights on dimmers. You will need one specific to fluorescent light. Change out current sconces for silver metal cylinders that give uplight as well as down light.
Furniture-get fold out foam chairs and create L-shape as shown. Put tv and all equipment in built-in. Get brightly colored storage ottomans with tray tops. Can also be used as seat for gaming. Move computer to wall as shown. I would get a black shower curtain as it should be a good length to close off space. Get a wood closet rod and paint it silver and take it all the way across the entry wall and use cup brackets. Then you can stack the curtain where the black bookcase is now.
Blessings!

wow! thank you all so much!!

If a space is already dark, then go darker...dramatic!

When the ceiling and walls are the same shade, you can't tell where the walls stop.

I've been afraid to go too dark. I'm going to have to be brave I guess!

Go big or go home! Here is another dark "man cave". I wouldn't do the booze for the boys, however.

Or, if too scary, do a black ceiling with your current wall color. Add track lights to shine on wall decor.

I would suggest to add a Skypanel for your fluorescent lighting to give the room a funner and brighter feel! Inexpensive and very easy to install also. They have a ton of other designs to match your room perfectly also! Check them out here

replace the bulbs and get a day light bulb instead or white color like 830. that will help a lot. add desk and floor lamps for layering light. replace the wall scones with one that have arms and can swing out or goose neck style. LED would be great. I also agree to take out the drop ceiling go industrial cave, and paint the ceiling expose the bulbs... more light anyway.

Had another thought to do the "city scape" out of plywood and paint it black. I suggested the bookcases to get you more storage.

Remembering how messy my boys were, I think it is important to include storage where they can stash things, and also the real truth is that no matter how nice the decorated theme, they are going to be messy. So my thoughts are to keep things simple and rather inexpensive, and if they get too rough no harm done.

Also, start with spending a lot of time thinking about function. What will be done in this room and how might that change as the boys get older?

I would turn the couch around so it faces the wall of built-in cabinets and create a lounging area, and do whatever you have to do to the top shelf of the cabinet so that the TV and TV related equipment will fit in the cabinet. Move the desk so that it faces the wall between the couch and that box in the corner. (It looks like some sort of control panel on that wall that can't be moved, but I don't think it is a big deal.) With desk facing wall, most of the wires and computer tower is more hidden, so looks neater. Also, there will be space above the desk on the wall to post things. While sitting at the desk, the entrance to the room will be on the right side, so while not as good as facing the door, it isn't as bad as having your back to the door.

I would use the corner "box" as a base for a storage place, after making sure it will support the weight. Plastic bins can be stacked upon each other on top of the box, and labeled so that things can be easily found. If you find this works for you and helps to keep things neater, you could consider turning it into a real closet by hiring a carpenter to do the work. Closing off that corner will make the room look a bit smaller, but I think the storage space you will gain will be a good trade off. And you will have one wall where you could hang art or create a large bulletin board next to the desk.

Lighting can be improved with task lighting at the desk - take a look at various desk lamps. Is homework done in this spot?

I think the color of the walls are fine unless the boys want a favorite color or you decide to go with a theme and have a bigger budget. If you have the money, check out PBteen.com. Lots of ideas on that web site for things boys might like as they get older. Even without spending a lot, if you arrange the art nicely on the walls in the lounge area, and organize everything, it will look better.

any after pictures of this room? just came across this thread again.

xoxo eva @ MONARCH SOFAS

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