What About Matt’s Game Room?
I don’t know why, but I’ve been getting lots of questions about Matt’s game room lately. Why doesn’t Matt have a game room anymore? Where does he play his video games?
Matt loves video games. He’s been a gamer since long before I met him, and he has accumulated all kinds of gaming systems, from the earliest gaming systems to the most recent. In all, he probably has 24 gaming systems that are currently packed away, and two that are always hooked up and ready to be used.
When we first bought this house, we had three bedrooms. We determined that one would be the master bedroom (obviously), one would be my office, and one would be his game room. That looked something like this…
But my goodness, how things have changed over the years! Since then, the garage was turned into my (still unfinished) studio…
The bedroom marked “Kristi’s office” has been turned into the guest bedroom, which we’re currently using as our main bedroom…
The original master bedroom has been completely transformed into a (still unfinished) master bathroom…
(That’s an older picture. I just realized I don’t have any recent pictures of the tub/mural/water closet area now that the side wall is finished.)
And what was Matt’s gaming room is now going to be our home gym.
(That’s also an older picture.)
So where does that leave Matt’s gaming room?
Eliminated. Deleted. Matt won’t have a gaming room.
I feel like when some people hear that, their immediate reaction is, “Oh, poor Matt!” I’ve gotten the distinct impression over the years that some people seem to think that I rule this household with an iron fist, and poor, helpless Matt is left defenseless against me bulldozing over him with my plans, leaving his wants and desires on the cutting room floor.
Nothing could be further from the truth, and quite frankly, that insinuation from some commenters over the years has infuriated Matt. In fact, there was a comment left on a post just last month that angered Matt so much that he wouldn’t stop talking about it for two days. He was angry. Any insinuation that he is weak of mind, weak of will, that he has no voice in this household, and that I walk all over him, makes him angry (and Matt’s very easygoing, so it takes a lot to upset him).
The fact is that Matt and I discuss everything. Every final decision that is made on this house is one that we’ve discussed. Now when it comes to decorating, Matt generally couldn’t care less. But when it comes to how each room is used (i.e., the purpose for each room) he has his say. After all, the whole reason we don’t have a breakfast room right now is because Matt said he wanted a recliner in a room where he could watch TV, and that’s the only room where there was space for a recliner in front of a TV. Matt told me what he wanted, and I got it done.
Matt also has the final say about the order in which the big projects are done since he’s the one who keeps up with our budget. So when my studio came before a master bathroom, that was Matt’s doing. If building a new workshop for me comes before the addition (which he has suggested, but we haven’t decided for sure yet), that will be Matt’s doing, not mine. Matt is very much involved in the decision making, and because he knows our budget better than I do, he always has the final say.
All that to say that if Matt absolutely wanted a game room, Matt would absolutely have a game room, and I’d decorate it exactly as he wanted so that it could be all his with his own style.
But the longer that Matt lives with M.S., the more he realizes that doing everything he can to keep his muscles working as much as possible is a top priority. So when I threw out the idea of turning a room in our house into a home gym, he was on board immediately. Physical health trumps gaming any day of the week, and Matt is very much looking forward to having that room dedicated for that purpose. He’s excited about having that room where he can have easy access to his exercise bike, weights, and other things that will be out and readily available for use every single day.
I threw out the idea of a home gym instead of a game room, but the final decision was Matt’s. I didn’t have to do any arm twisting, manipulating, whining, bulldozing, or anything else to get my way, and my goal wasn’t to take Matt’s game room away from him. My goal was to provide a space that Matt could benefit from by focusing on his physical health.
So where does that leave the gaming systems? For now, he has one hooked up to the TV in the bedroom, and he also plays games on the other two TVs in the house (breakfast room and studio). But when I work on the home gym, I do plan to put a little gaming area in the big open closet for him.
I think there will be room for him to choose his two or three favorite gaming consoles that will always be hooked up to the TV in there, and for now, that will be his gaming area.
Matt loves the idea, and seems completely satisfied with that arrangement. For now, his physical health is the priority.
EDIT: To be clear, I know that some people just ask questions like, “Where’s Matt’s game room? Where does he play games?” out of sheer curiosity. I don’t have a problem with that at all. 🙂 If you have questions, ask away, and I’ll do my best to answer! But I do also know that there are those handful of people who ask those questions with preconceived notions of me bulldozing over Matt, and I know that because of the comments that have been left on my blog over the years.
But I don’t have a problem at all with general questions out of sheer curiosity. 🙂 I know we’ve made lots of changes over the years, and have made plans only to change them later, so things can get confusing. If you’re confused about those things, feel free to ask questions! 🙂
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I can’t believe how some people feel entitled to say these things to you! You do know that they are idiots, right? 😁
You have great plans and I have loved seeing everything you’ve accomplished in your beautiful home!
I’m with you Jane……you took the words right out of my mouth….!!!!!
The gaming consoles in that closet sound perfect. I’m sorry that you feel it necessary to explain your family dynamics for the negative thinking people out there.
My husband and I are both gamers (video gamed and board games). Having a WHOLE ROOM for video games would be nice, but it’s totally unnecessary. We wanted to do that to our house, but it made more sense to have a board game room separate from electronics and then a TV/gathering room. The great thing about video games as opposed to other hobbies is that it’s pretty easy to combine them with other room uses. You do what’s best for your family and the order in which you’ve redone your house makes total sense. (For example, you want things done faster? Workshop gets prioritized.) People just become mad with power when their faces are hidden behind a screen. It’s ridiculous. And you’ve mentioned before that Matt handles the budget, so it should have been fairly obvious he has a voice. Ridiculous.
Oh, sorry, I accidentally responded to your comment instead of the main post! Clumsy fingers.
I think that’s awesome that you’ll have an exercise room! I wish we had one. 🙂
I love the relationship you and Matt have together. Clearly, there is a lot of love. In fact, I have always wanted a chance to say that. This post seemed the right time. Congratulations for the both of you discovering each other and sticking together. No small feat!
I’m sure bloggers of all kinds get extraordinarily useful relationship advice in their comment section.😆
😂😂
It is a shame, that especially in recent years, people somehow feel validated with saying whatever comes to mind. I too, am the one who does most of the design, and implementing of said design. However, my hubby certainly has a say in the decision making. Recently, I have torn up almost our entire front lawn and installed quite a few funky evergreens, Japanese maples, deciduous shrubs, boulders and landscape lighting. Only recently got the courage to attempt the landscape lighting, after reading about another DIY blogger that I follow. I just recently subscribed to your blog, and I’m so happy that I did. You have amazing ideas, and are phenomenal at implementing them. Very inspiring.
Jill:
I do a lot of landscaping myself and I’m interested to know which blogger you learned DIY low volt lighting installation. I’m currently planning a big project for our front yard and want to include lighting. I haven’t decided yet whether I will do it all myself or if I will go with a landscape installer – waiting on bids. Please do share if you happen to see this comment.
I’m so sorry that you even feel like you have to defend yourself here. It’s pretty obvious you all are a team.
It has been very. clear over the years that you and Matt work collaboratively on plans for the house and that he is also involved in the blog as a protector. You two. are. a. team. So sorry you have to explain and defend! I am always excited to read your blog and even though I will never do the building you do, I am so interested in seeing what you do and hearing about how you do it and especially the materials, finishes, etc. Thank you for sharing so generously with us,
I have worked in the customer service business for 40+ years, What people say in writing, over the phone is never the same as what they would say in person ( although these days I even wonder about that). Kristi , you have talked over and over again about Matt , his condition and even more personal – how you and Matt handle life. This public arena is NOT anyone’s judge & jury. Those armchair director’s really need to stay in their lane! Your true followers are here to see your amazing style & accomplishments!
For shame! What is wrong with people? This is not a soap opera, “As Kristi’s and Matt’s world turns.”
I too have wondered about Matt’s gaming room, only because I saw it on a previous version of house plans you shared. I wouldn’t think to ask what happened—things change, and priorities change! I’m sorry you felt you had to explain—I bet over 99% of us wouldn’t think to say such things! Frankly, when people question your design or style choices I cringe—I feel like a guest when I’m here and as such I behave as if I want to be invited back (which I do!) You kindly share much of your world with Matt and anything I have seen has been of a loving and mutually supportive relationship, as evidenced by Matt’s recent happiness (and yours) of your new van and the world that opened up to both of you! 💕
For people wanting to interject any negativity, think first and be better!
The only time I wonder about Matt’s opinion is when another thing goes pink! 😉 But only because you’ve said before he wasn’t keen on it and that he’s patient and long suffering. But that’s completely between him and you. I think society has trouble with taking agency from people with disabilities. You see it also in the treatment of elderly people. While they are perhaps vulnerable in ways that others may not be, that does not mean that they have no power or use of their voice.
Love love the colors of the hymn. Such a happy place. I can’t wait for that and master bath to be marked “finished!”
I know exactly how you feel. I had beet colored chairs and a house that coordinates. People are very free to express their opinion about how their husband would never ALLOW them to decorate their home like mine. My husband picked the fabric, that wasnt even handed to him as an option. He vetoed everything and surprisingly asked to go to the upholstery fabric store. All are shocked to hear it was his choice. You are right, the spouse could care less about somethings and then have strong opinions about other regarding home remodels,function, and decor. I just scratch my head sometimes and chuckle others. Keep On Decorating !
I have followed you from the beginning and have always seen the relationship you have with Matt as an equal partnership. Each of you work from your individual strengths to form a strong bond that is beautiful to see.
Yikes, you shouldn’t have to field loaded questions or comments about who makes decisions in your relationship! As an optimist, I think most of the questions about Matt are from a good place, people wanting to share the life you have so willingly exposed to us. As a “live and let live” kind of person, I am incensed that people could be so bold as to even suggest that there’s a certain way you should be living your life. So what IF you WERE the main decision-maker? Is there some law that says you shouldn’t be? I rail at that because why shouldn’t a woman be “in charge” if that’s what works in a relationship? What IF Matt WERE pulling your strings, and he made all the decisions, while you ran around making them reality? Is there some law that says he shouldn’t do that? Your relationship is your relationship. Period. If you ever need any help slaying any dragons in person, say the word. I’ll come down to back you up! Hugs.
Anyone who follows you closely knows the answers to those questions. I find any thoughts that you are Matt’s jailer funny, though probably not as funny as Matt does.
Your house, your marriage, your rules. I love that you made this post, but really I hope we all see that we are just lucky enough to come along for the ride and see the projects as they shape and reshape themselves so we can learn along the way. Big thanks to both you and Matt for allowing us to be a part of that process. The way you tackle projects and explain the process has made me far more courageous in my own home. Thank you.
People jump into a blog and make judgements based on their understanding of the world, not taking the time to learn the true situation. Those of us who have followed along regularly know better. You are so lucky to have a husband that supports your vision and lets you run with your creativity, but we also know that when something is important to Matt, that takes priority for you, because you love and support him, too. I guess you have to put up with the former if you have a public blog. I can imagine how infuriating it must get sometimes!
Anyone whose been paying attention over the years knows that Matt is as involved as he wants to be. I see it as he lets you have the bit in your teeth most of the time but when he doesn’t like where you are going, he pulls the reins a bit and y’all figure it out. And it’s always easy to see that you make decisions with him in mind as well.
But just because she has a blog doesnt mean she should have to “put up: with that nonsense. People slay me.
Sorry I meant this under carols post.
I am so sorry that you and Matt have to put up with sheer ignorance. I have once gotten the impression that you rule the household. I have been following you since just after you purchased this home. You talk about your husband all the time and recounted the conversations about the processes, how they will be executed, when and how much. You even shared about the budget he gave you. Very post you have stated how everything you do takes into consideration of Matt and his wheelchair. Always figuring out how to work out the odd adjustments that are needed as they come along. Now you have the accessible van and you stopped everything because Matt was finally okay with leaving the house. Time the two of you surely need and deserve. I applaud you both. The devotion to each other is so obvious. You have both opened your home to us to watch read and learn. Not just how to DIY. Let the haters hate. Or delete them. But continue to do what you both do cause it works, for you both.
***I have never had the impression that you rule the home. Always been clear that you and Matt are a team.***
I do not think you need to explain anything to people….anything at all.
Yes!!! I always thought that space could make an awesome gaming corner! Here’s an idea: How about using the same mechanisms that are used in wardrobes (to have a hanging rail that goes up and down) to somehow build some shelves for the games? That way they could cover the entire wall, all the way to the top, and still be easily accessible. And they would make an awesome display!
I always get seriously annoyed by how some people seem to completely erase others, when they have a specific disability (and I’m sorry if I ever got too pissed and ended up offending either one of you, I try not to). But at some point those people have to be completely brainless; I mean, who is most likely to benefit from having a personal gym, the person that needs physical therapy every day, or the person who is doing manual labour all day as part of their darn profession?
I made a suggestion similar to this early on in the transformation from game room to home gym about three years ago and have thought about it many times since. I am not at all implying that my comment, which was buried among many others, influenced you, but I am so pleased that you are doing this. The loss of the closet is always hard, but Matt having a dedicated gaming space will be so nice. I do, however, give myself a pat on the back for coming up with a solution that is so similar to that of the queen of problem-solving.