Remember the mid century style cocktail room we showed way back? This is the playroom / family room, which was a design challenge as we had to accommodate the whole family. The room is geared towards the kids overall, but we wanted to create a space equally as comfortable for adults. This was accomplished by blending neutrals with pops of bright color and furniture that is child friendly AND has great design. In addition to the large living and playing space, there is a small office off to the side. Although it is an office for the parents, we carried the “fun” element into the streamlined space with a bright alphabet wallpaper, which is a nod to Architect and Textile Designer Alexander Girard. Girard made a name for himself in the 50′s and 60′s working with designers like George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. His work was often vibrant in color, bold in pattern and graphic. (Note that we ended up with a Nelson clock and an Eames chair in the space…just a couple of the greats).
The above image is the proposal rendering we drew of the space. As you can see, not much changed from the rendering to the final implementation, except for some small details like the rug and coffee table. We incorporated a few custom pieces of furniture such as the long floating walnut credenza, built in walnut shelves, and finally the lacquer and bookmatched walnut veneer office area. These pieces are important because they are; (a) appropriately scaled to the room and (b) sophisticated elements that help tie the playroom into the style of the rest of the house.
Rethink Tips:
Try starting with a neutral background and add in pops of color through the use of accessories and bold graphic patterns.
Maximize play-space by maximizing storage availability. Think vertically!
No need to waste empty wall space. A blackboard or corkboard are creative tools that both children and adults can take advantage of.
When designing a space intended for children, try adding in furniture that is scaled appropriately, this will help break up the heights in the space and make it more personal to them.
To Get this Look:
2. Maharam Alphabet Wallcovering (designed by Alexander Girard)
3. Nauris Kalinauskas Puzzle Rug
4. Room and Board Lind 42r Cocktail Ottoman
5. Robert Abbey Havana Floor Lamp
6. Angela Adams Birch Morning Rug
7. Johnathan Adler Graphic Pillows
