TIMELESS PLAY

This vintage-inspired boys' playroom blends timeless design with playful functionality. Featuring a calming palette of whites and creams with colorful accents, the space includes thoughtful toy storage, open play, and classic details that give it a warm, collected feel. Designed to grow with your children, this playroom offers the perfect mix of organization, style, and room to play.

 

A PLAYROOM THAT WORKS

Designing for clients is one thing, designing for your own family is a whole other kind of challenge. This playroom was once my husband’s office, but as our life evolved, the space needed to evolve with us. With two growing boys and constant activity right outside his office doors, it became clear that the setup just wasn’t working anymore. So we reimagined it and turned it into one of the most-used, most-loved rooms in our home.

 

FROM OFFICE TO EVERYDAY PLAY

The old office had served its purpose, but we needed a space that truly supported how we live. The boys were constantly playing right outside the doors, and it didn’t make sense to keep the room off-limits. So we cleared it out, rethought the layout, and built a space that would serve them, and us, so much better.

Now, this room is used every single day. It’s where we build, imagine, color, play, and make messes. It’s become a place of creativity and calm, and it fits our family’s rhythm in a way the office never could.

 

DESIGNING FOR REAL LIFE

Let’s be honest — I’m not a toy rotator. I admire the people who are, but I just don’t have the capacity in my life to swap things in and out every few weeks. So I designed this playroom with maximum storage in mind. Every toy we own is always out — which meant I needed smart solutions that made it all feel intentional, organized, and beautiful.

We used Wayfair dressers that give a built-ins look without a built-ins price. This allowed us to create a system that holds everything while still feeling calm and visually appealing. It’s easy for the boys to access what they want (and easy for them to help clean up), and I love that it doesn’t feel overwhelming or chaotic.

 

A CREATIVE CORNER JUST FOR THEM

One of the things I really wanted to include was a dedicated coloring and art area. My boys love to draw and create, and I wanted them to have a space that felt like it was just for that. We added a little table in the center of the room, and store plenty of supplies in the playroom closet. I also included a bulletin board in the corner to hang their masterpieces. It’s been one of the most-used spots in the room — and one of my favorites to watch them enjoy.

 

VINTAGE STYLE THAT STILL FEELS LIKE HOME

While the space is 100% designed for play, I still wanted it to feel cohesive with the rest of our home. I leaned into a vintage-inspired, timeless look with a soft white and cream palette, pops of muted color, and a few nostalgic touches that give it warmth and charm. It feels like a true extension of our home, not a “kids-only” zone that clashes with everything else.

MORE THAN A PLAYROOM

This project reminded me (again) how powerful it is to create spaces that truly support your real life. Not an idealized version — just what you need, right now, in this season. This playroom may have started as a practical solution, but it’s become a space filled with joy, creativity, and connection.

And that, to me, is the heart of good design.