Play Spaces
“We start every project by getting to know the family. We ask about their daily routines, their children’s interests and developmental stages, and how they envision using the space,” says Courtney Gault, Founder and Creative Director of Greenwich Play in Greenwich, CT when talking about play spaces. “Functionality is always a priority—play spaces should be practical and easy to maintain—but we also focus on creating moments of joy and discovery.”
The basement playroom on the previous page was designed for a safari enthusiast family of five with three children (a 5-year-old girl, a 3-year-old boy, and a baby on the way). “They wanted to transform their empty basement into a chic, but functional playroom that could grow with their kids and support them through every stage of play,” says Gault. “We designed a space where all three children could get a little bit of energy out, problem-solve, and boost their social skills–far beyond what any screen could offer.”
The basement (previous page) was designed for a family that moved from the city to the suburbs into their dream home with their two daughters (a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old). “The goal was a place where they could host playdates and sleepovers, as well as make lasting memories with friends and family,” says Gault. “Every play space should have an intentional element that invites curiosity and engagement. This could be a climbing structure to encourage gross motor development, a sensory wall of tactile exploration, or even a cozy reading nook that sparks a love of learning. It’s not about the size of the space, but the thoughtfulness of its design.”
Who wouldn’t love a giant Light Brite wall? That’s exactly what Karri Bowen-Pool, Founder and CEO of Smart Playrooms, Rye set out to create for these lucky kids. “[It] is a creative, interactive feature that enhances children’s play and learning experiences,” says Bowen-Poole. She says it allows kids to build, design, and create endlessly!
She also says you should provide opportunities for movement. “Integrate equipment like swings, climbing walls, or balance beams to encourage physical activity.” On the other side, she also says you should include a quiet space for relaxation. “Designate cozy corners with soft seating, dim lighting, and calming elements where children can retreat and relax when needed.”
This beautiful Montessori playhouse (above) engages kids on many levels. It encourages independence, enhances imaginative play, promotes order and organization, and focuses on natural materials—this one was crafted from wood. “A Montessori playhouse is designed to be child’s height, allowing them to freely access spaces, materials, and tools,” adds Bowen-Poole. “This autonomy supports their sense of responsibility and decision-making skills.” There is also the bonus of storage and designated activity areas. “These playhouses typically include realistic features like mini kitchens, workbenches, or reading nooks, all meant to encourage pretend play that mirrors real life activities,” Bowen-Pool explains.
Nurseries
Designed for a first-time mother-to-be and her little girl by Justine Wolman of Justine Wolman Interiors in Stamford, the room reflects the homeowner’s desire to “create a space that was not only special and beautiful, but also whimsical.” Wolman says a “well designed nursery should always include the essentials: a crib, changing table, and glider. “Beyond these key pieces, I prioritize thoughtful lighting—whether it’s a statement chandelier, a stylish table or floor lamp, or decorative sconces.” Wolman adds that beautiful window treatments are also a must, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. She often incorporates a bookcase or bookshelf to foster a love of reading from an early age. Another one of her favorite elements to include is wallpaper (this one is from Serena & Lily) that complements the nursery, but will grow with the child over time. “My favorite aspect of this nursery is the soft pastel palette we’ve incorporated throughout the room,” says Wolman. “From the rug to the wallpaper and window treatments, these gentle hues create a calm, charming, and beautifully cohesive space.”
Elana Tenenbaum Cline of Carta Creatives agrees. “When designing a nursery, I believe it’s essential to focus on creating a calm, soothing atmosphere,” she says. “Consider both aesthetic elements like color palettes and textures, as well as practical elements such as furniture layout and storage. Safety of course is paramount, so every detail should be chosen with both comfort and functionality in mind.”
The layout and planning ahead are key for any bedroom, but especially a nursery. “Consider sound, privacy, and lighting needs, as well as traffic flow in the space,” says Lina Galvão of Curated Nest. Furthermore, think about how the child’s needs will transition over time. “It’s common for parents to ask us to design a nursery, and in doing so we consider the layout carefully, so it can accommodate a bed in the future,” she says. She also suggests fun wallpaper or decals to bring in color and personality. “We love going bold and youthful in a child’s room,” says Galvão. “It’s an opportunity to be playful and embrace the spirit and wonder of being a kid.”
Bedrooms
What should be top of mind for every child’s bedroom? According to designers Erin Coren and Lina Galvão of Curated Nest, Cos Cob, CT, it must be fun. “Inject plenty of the child’s personality into the design,” says Galvão. “Use their favorite colors and motifs to make them feel comfortable. Include youthful touches like art and accessories that can be changed over time as the child grows and comes into new phases. We love using accent walls, fun dimensional art, or statement lighting to make the space feel special.”
Durable materials are also key, says Galvão. “We would especially consider this in the window treatment and floor covering design,” she says. “These are [items] less likely to be replaced over time and should be neutral enough to grow with the child.”
She adds that she and Coren also love designing cool beds. “Kids spend a lot of time there! Having a unique bed that feels safe and cozy to the child is not only important, but a chance for designers to have fun with a headboard design, canopies, or built ins,” says Galvão.
Designed by Rebecca Amir of Rebecca Amir Design, Pound Ridge, this bedroom (above) is like a hideaway. “I wanted it to feel somewhat gender neutral in terms of the palette and motifs in the room, which is something I take into consideration when designing kids’ spaces because it makes a room more flexible for future use,” says Amir. “I love the canopy bed in this room,” she says. “It’s tucked into the corner, which helps create the feeling of a hideaway and allows for more floor space for play. I also love that nothing ‘matches’ but it all feels right together.”
“This double bunk room was a labor of love that included a gut renovation of a second home,” says designer Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs, Weston, CT. “The client’s primary residence is in NYC, and they have three young kids. The bunk bed is used for friend and family sleepovers as this second home is used for hosting and lots of entertaining. The family also loves color and is not afraid to use it.”
“Bold colors can be sophisticated and elegant, and every room deserves good design, including the kids’ rooms,” says Davies. “Minimal and clean lines work very well as does creating smart storage solutions where toys can be tucked away neatly.”
She suggests moving a desk to another space and paying attention to bright lighting. She also says you should keep the bedroom floor as clear as possible. “The floor area in the bedroom should have ample space to lounge,” says Davies. Kids need space for playing on the floor and having friends over. She adds that a well-designed built-in closet with shelves and drawers is key so that a dresser isn’t necessary in the room.
Hangouts and Homework
Even tweens need a “play” space or spot to call to their own as reflected in this design from Liz Fitzgerald and Michelle Barone of Madison Hudson Design Stamford, CT. “We wanted the space to grow with [our clients’ son]—a room he’ll love now and well into his teens,” says Barone. “He enjoys reading, hockey, basketball, and comics so we made sure to add touches of his interests throughout.” Barone says that when she designs a space for kids she considers both the child and the parents. “It’s important to me that the room reflects the child’s personality and interests. It’s their safe space, and it should inspire happiness and warmth. I also consider the parents and how the room relates to the rest of the home—it should flow from a color and style perspective.”
The above play space/homework room designed by Alana Irwin and Cami Luppino of Lulu Home, Greenwich, CT is special because it’s multi-functional. “The girls can do their homework on the table or play games with friends,” says Irwin. “We custom-made a blue lacquer storage [cabinet] to hide arts and crafts, and the velvet sectional doubles as a queen pull-out for fun sleepovers.” When asked why it’s so important for older kids to have their own space aside from a family room, Irwin says, “because it fosters independence and self-expression, which we feel strongly every little and big person should have!”
Bathrooms
“When designing a bathroom for kids I think about function first,” says designer Annie Delaporte of Annie Delaporte Designs, Brooklyn, NY. “After that I lean into colors—whether with wallpaper, lighting, art, or all of the above—to make the bathroom a happy one.” The bottom bathroom was designed for her client’s youngest daughter and is attached to her bedroom so “we knew we wanted the bathroom to be a colorful, girlie jewelry box.” She used penny tiles in white, beige, and pink along with Julie Neill’s sconces. The wallpaper, by Caitlin McGauley from Temple Studio, is the designer’s favorite part of the design.
The top tiled bathroom was created for a cool little girl who loves purple. This was a new build for which the clients totally trusted designer Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs. The blue bathroom was designed with a fun, graphic tile that is unisex and great for kids of any age. “Having children can inspire the décor to be bold, magical and colorful and when done well, the rooms have longevity as the little one grows,” says Davies. “Kid friendly does not require lack of style. Homes can and should be fun and can be designed in a way that the ‘bones’ of a room are timeless and comfortable as the family grows.”
Davies ensures bathrooms for kids are functional by using vanities with drawers (instead of cabinets) for easy accessibility and custom step stools. She adds, “renovating a bathroom is an investment; we select colors and tiles that will not only hold their value, but also have a bit of flare and great design.”
