Muhammad Ali's 1980s billiard room was a masterclass in the art of subtle glamor – now, design-led entertainment spaces are trending again

Play makes our homes special. From horsing around with our families to experimenting with design to laughing around the dining room table with friends, play brings joy into our spaces and lives. But what if there was a way to build play directly into our houses?

For decades, game rooms have been the answer. These spaces are by nature dedicated to sparking a competitive spirit, but at their best, they are also design-led. World-famous boxer and social activist Muhammad Ali's billiards room is the perfect example.

An archival image of the athlete's entertaining space from 1980 centers on an elevated billiards table and cue sticks hung on the wall.

Though the room centers on the pool, it is also beautiful. It is full of natural light due to a wall-sized window, offering views of Ali's pretty container garden. Linen curtains coordinate with the stone walls and reflect off the white ceilings. A fun green light fixture adds a sense of whimsy.

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Looking forward, the inspiration provided by Muhammad Ali's space will be important because game rooms are emerging as a major 2025 interior design trend.

London-based interior designer Portia Fox explains: 'We’re definitely seeing more and more people wanting to create spaces where they can do something that allows them to switch off, but not just staring at a screen; spaces to interact with friends and family.'

The data backs her prediction. In their annual trend report, Houzz documented a significant uptick in interest in 'fun zones.'

The team explains: 'Just as beverage stations are enhancing how we entertain at home, summer is also inspiring homeowners to carve out space for pure play. Alongside mingling and hosting, there's a renewed appreciation for areas designed for downtime, creativity, and fun.'

From small game rooms to entertaining spaces that take up an entire floor, people are creating spaces that tap into their interests.

The Houzz team states: 'Searches for putting greens are up nearly 2x, while Lego rooms, billiard rooms, and video game rooms are all seeing increased attention, up almost 1.5x each. Interest in “poker tables” (up 77%) and “game tables” (up 20%) also shows that more people are bringing classic games into their homes for casual entertainment. These dedicated zones allow people to unwind, play, and create lasting summer memories together right at home.'

Spaces from the past can often serve as the best inspiration for the future. Muhammad Ali's billiards room is the blueprint for the game rooms to come.