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A Kid-Friendly Basement Full of Games

A clever mix of indoor-outdoor furnishings, kid-friendly craft ideas and tons of soft surfaces transforms the dated basement of a retro ranch into a happy hangout for two active boys.
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Photo: Sarah Dorio. From: Brian Patrick Flynn.

Fun and Games

Brothers Reyn (left) and Felix (right) have plenty of space to play thanks to mom Justine's practical approach to basement decorating.

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Photo: Sarah Dorio. From: Brian Patrick Flynn.

Soft Seating Area

To keep the 1950s charm original to her family's split level ranch house, visual merchandiser and stylist Justine Rubin left its tongue-and-groove wood paneled walls as-is, then decorated the room with colorful, kid-friendly furnishings. Sons Felix and Reyn are encouraged to create and craft in the space since it's packed with low-maintenance, easy-to-clean pieces.

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Photo: Sarah Dorio. From: Brian Patrick Flynn.

Paint it Yourself

Rather than furnishing the lounge area of the basement with a coffee table fit for adults, a kid-friendly parsons table was chosen. For an ever-evolving look, sons Felix and Reyn are allowed to paint directly onto the table, giving it a colorful, abstract and unstructured touch.

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Photo: Sarah Dorio. From: Brian Patrick Flynn.

Faux Cow Hide Rug

The lounge area is delineated from the rest of the basement with a super durable faux cow hide rug. Since the overall color scheme of the space is always evolving, the graphic black and white pattern of the rug is certain to coordinate as the palette changes.

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