Stephen Kelly has seen inside the homes of some of the country's most powerful cue buffs: secretary of energy Sam Bodman, Fidelity chief Ned Johnson, retired Celtic Robert Parrish. As owner of Boston Billiards, the country's preeminent custom and restoration billiards table company, Kelly points to his eclectic client list -- and thriving business -- as proof that the home theater has officially been ousted as the rec room status symbol du jour. "Tables that sold for $48,000 just six years ago now command up to $75,000," he says. Recent highlights from among the 100 for sale in his Massachusetts showroom include a $90,000 French walnut table from the early 1900s, and a $125,000 Brazilian rosewood beauty dating back to 1880. Of course, if he doesn't have it, he'll find it -- pointing to a 1915 Arts and Crafts relic he recently sought out -- or make it, right down to the leather pockets crafted in-house (custom work typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000). But perhaps the most striking evidence that business is booming? Kelly's beloved personal table now doubles as workbench. --ALYSSA GIACOBBE

Boston Billiards, 617-625-2718, bostonbilliards.net

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