The idea
Leave enough elbow room, clear sightlines, and an easy place for a cup. The boldest design choice is making everyone comfortable.
Try it at the table
Use what you already have, then test it under real light with real tiles.
If it misses
Keep the part you love and remove a competing detail. A playful room can change its mind.
Let the game stay visible.
Visual fun does not require borrowed cultural symbolism or a hard-to-play table.