Blog | Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel

Unlocking a New Level of Home Entertainment

Written by Blackdog Builders | Aug. 14, 2026

An Above-Garage Conversion Designed for Game Night

Every weekend, this couple's home becomes the gathering place for family game night, bringing everyone together for quality time and a little friendly competition.

The homeowners had an unfinished space above their garage and a clear vision for what it could become: a comfortable, multifunctional retreat with something for every member of the family.

Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel transformed the underused space into a destination of its own, complete with four distinct areas for games, entertainment, dining, and relaxing.

Project Details

Scope: Above-Garage Space Turned Game Room

Location: Windham, New Hampshire

Key Features: Wet bar, dining area, television room, sitting area, and custom spaces for a golf simulator, shuffleboard and hockey table

Design Resources: Nashua Home Design Center, FloorMe!

Blackdog Team

  • Designer: Nicole Pope

  • Project Manager: Bree Beers

  • Carpenters: James, Layne, Matt, Paul, Nick & Patrick

Architecture & Design Photographer: James Reed Photography | @reedjamesk

Creating Room for Every Kind of Game Night

Rather than designing one large, open room with competing activities, the homeowners wanted the space to feel organized and intentional. The finished layout creates several connected zones, allowing family members to hang out and relax together without every activity taking place in the same area. 

Friendly Competition

Hockey Table and Shuffleboard Area

The hockey table and shuffleboard area creates a place for casual games and family tournaments. Open sightlines keep this zone connected to the main space while providing enough room for players to move comfortably.

A Golf Retreat at Home

Golf Simulator and Sitting Area

A dedicated golf simulator gives the homeowners a place to practice, play full courses, and compete throughout the year. The nearby sitting area allows other family members and guests to watch the action comfortably, turning an individual activity into a shared experience.

Gathering Together

Wet Bar and Dining Area

Whether the family is sitting down for dinner, setting out snacks between games, or hanging out at the bar, this area helps the game room function as a complete entertaining space. The wet bar and adjacent dining area provide a natural place to serve food and drinks without requiring frequent trips back to the main kitchen.

A Place to Settle In

Television Room

The television room offers a quieter place to watch a game, sit back between activities, or spend time together at the end of the evening. 

What Would You Create with Unused Space?

This above-garage conversion added more than finished square footage to the home. It created a place shaped specifically around the way this family spends time together.

An unfinished room, attic, basement, or bonus space can offer opportunities that are easy to overlook. With thoughtful planning, it could become a game room, guest suite, home office, fitness area, or a completely personalized retreat.

All of Blackdog's work is backed by our industry-leading 3-year warranty.

Start a conversation with our team and explore what may be possible in your home by submitting a request online or calling 603-898-0868.