Ah, the joy of the family rumpus room and its endless possibilities. The rumpus room is a product of the 1970’s (like me) and a piece of classic Americana (like me.)
One of the main reasons we bought our house was the finished basement — serious rumpus room potential. Although it doesn’t have that distinct 70’s décor (no shag carpeting, no basement bar and stools), it is a kindred spirit of the Disco Garage. They both have a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ and ‘joie de vivre’ (to borrow from the French).
Such a space is particularly invaluable with young kids. Our rumpus room is more of a romper room, if you will. It provides a spot for the abundance of toys and other accoutrements that come with children. It makes the long winter days more bearable (though they’re shorter in terms of sunlight, they can feel interminable when cooped up inside with two toddlers all day.)
Our rumpus room is quite extraordinary (although by most accounts it is a pretty run-of-the-mill finished basement). It is a magical wonderland of fun, imagination, make-believe and distraction.
It is quite the venue – a multipurpose facility that includes:
A Sports/Fitness Complex
A 35-foot “Get Me” course (miles?)
A door mounted basketball hoop
An aerobic step (occasionally)
A Performing Arts Venue:
Karaoke stereo
A puppet theater
Dramatic performance area (surrounded by sectional couch)
Home theatre and assorted dvds
Musical Instruments (guitar, ukulele, cow bell, various shakers, etc.)
A Visual Arts Center:
Markers, crayons, and toddler desk
Future home of the family art gallery (wall)
Business Zone:
Built-in computer desk
Video phone
Guest Room/Hospitality:
Sleeper sofa
Futon
Floor space
Laundromat:
Washer and dryer
Play Room
Toy box
Play kitchen
Tool bench
Multiple block sets
Doll house
Chickie chair
Elmo chair
Musical instruments (see above)
A red barn book case
Pop-up tunnel
Markers, crayons, and toddler desk
Internet café (I’m currently blogging from my laptop – the joy of wi-fi.)
And we’ve only had our rumpus room for a year. There are many more possibilities and potential iterations.
My niece is approaching her first birthday, and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law are considering redoing their own basement, which is currently more “man town” than kiddieville.
Standing in their basement and considering the potential, I am struck by one thought…
Let the wild rumpus start!
I hope you enjoyed today’s serving of ‘Mac & Cheese.’
