Room of the Day: Playhouse Becomes a Favorite Spot for Grandchildren
Faced with tearing down her toolshed, this homeowner saw the chance to make a special place for some of her favorite people
A shabby toolshed had become a blight on this otherwise beautiful Dallas backyard. The homeowner decided it was an opportunity to take advantage of the slab it sat upon and build something new for her young grandchildren to enjoy when they visited. Her house is modestly sized, and she loved the idea of a playroom annex. Her interior designer, Dona Rosene, recommended contractor Kerry Ketner. Ketner drew up the plans and built the playhouse, and Rosene outfitted the interior, keeping in mind how the kids would use it. The result is a dreamy kiddo hideout that can easily be converted into a potting shed when they outgrow it.
The playhouse has classic vernacular frontier style, complete with a small front porch. Zipper the cat enjoys the sunny area out front.
Rosene had the kids’ initials painted and hung them on the wall to mark their hideout territory. The braided rug provides softness and cheerfulness underfoot and was custom sized for the space. The kids can flop down in the beanbag chairs to read, and the desk offers a place for them to work on creative projects, do a puzzle, use laptops or study. The chairs have custom cushions upholstered in red and blue fabric with a monkey pattern. Built-in shelves overhead provide storage for games and puzzles.
The house is tall enough for adults to stand up in it without hitting their heads.
Rug: Capel; chairs, beanbags: Pottery Barn
The house is tall enough for adults to stand up in it without hitting their heads.
Rug: Capel; chairs, beanbags: Pottery Barn
A lovely pond and waterfall create the soothing sound of splashing water nearby.
More:
10 Cool Ideas for Backyard Retreats and Playhouses
12 Fun Backyard Forts Grown-Ups Can Love, Too
More:
10 Cool Ideas for Backyard Retreats and Playhouses
12 Fun Backyard Forts Grown-Ups Can Love, Too
Playhouse at a Glance
Who uses it: The homeowner’s 2 young grandchildren
Location: Dallas
Size: About 72 square feet (7 square meters)
Budget: About $12,000
A flagstone path connects the playhouse to the rest of the yard; an onion lantern porch lamp lights the way. The windows are operable and screened to let in the breeze. Ketner built the house atop the existing concrete slab, which saved the homeowner a bit on the budget.