With Super Bowl XLV fast approaching, it’s time to make sure your game room decor is just as exciting as the game on the field! What could be better than sitting on brand new bar stools, popcorn and beer on the pub table and an old dart board waiting for half time?

Let’s face it, though: Most game rooms consist of the Big TV, an old couch, some pennants from your favorite team, and a mix of collectibles dimly lit by a couple of old bar lamps. It’s time to turn your trash decoration in fearful decor!

The first step in any redecoration project is to edit what you already have. Take a close look at every piece of furniture, every picture or poster, and every piece of memorabilia gathering dust. What still makes you smile every time you look at it? What increases your anxiety about clutter and cleanliness? If you could have 5 items in the room, what would they be? If you have items that have sentimental value to you, but really aren’t practical to keep, take a picture of them. Turn the images into a scrapbook or make 8×10 prints and cover the inside of cabinets, cabinets, etc. with them. Turn them into a slideshow for your screen saver for your computer or Apple TV. Transfer the patterns to the fabric and make cushions for the sofa.

Get everything out of the room and start thinking about paint colors. If you already had it painted Green Bay green, was it too overwhelming? Too dark and dreamy? Too light or pure white? Start looking at accent colors on the 5 items you want to keep. What neutral color is best for a backdrop to highlight your favorite pieces? Red and white combined are crisp and clean; just think of a certain queue. Red and tan together give a more relaxing, antique look; think retro sports jerseys from yesteryear. And by all means, don’t be afraid to use your favorite team’s color on the wall, just maybe keep the Ravens’ retro purple on one wall.

Make sure that the furniture you place in the room is in good repair, clean and comfortable. Inexpensive, washable slipcovers are a good option if the coach still has some life left in it, but the fabric is less than flattering for your decorating scheme. All of your seats shouldn’t be centered around the TV either; having a pub table and bar stools in one corner creates a separate conversation area.

Think about what functions are happening in the room. It’s not what you think should happen, but what actually happens on a weekly basis in that room. Is it mainly used by adults? Do you need a complete bar set up with accessories and a bar fridge? At the poker table? A pool table complete with the Tiffany lamp hanging above it? Or should it be more kid-friendly: storage for board games, a clear path to the dart board, and a place for Rock Band drums?

Don’t forget about proper lighting, too. Many game rooms are in the basement and don’t get a lot of natural light. Hang lights over the bar area, above the bar table, and use decorative lamps as well; There are many novelty lamps available to support your favorite team or soft drink brand. Use clocks or retro neon signs. Use wall-mounted accent lights to highlight your prized jersey. Hang an antique advertising mirror on the wall. Chrome bar stools will also help reflect light.

Remember that less can be more when it comes to decoration. You may love your team, but you don’t need to stifle that love by flaunting every mug, every poster, and every team cap. Pick a few substantial favorite pieces you want to display and decorate them with complementary items. If you’re a Fighting Irish fan, perhaps accent with Guinness beer memorabilia. NY Giants jerseys work with Pepsi colors. Atlanta Falcons and Coca-Cola décor go hand in hand, and not just for your hometown!

So go ahead, show your team colors. Celebrate the wins and losses in your comfortable and stylish new room. Remember, gaming season may come and go, but a well-designed game room is here to stay.