Whimsical Kids' Playrooms That Enchant the Imagination

Kids' playrooms are truly the best space in the house. They're designed for fun and imaginations and creativity, so make sure to let those foundations shine through when designing your own.

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March 03, 2022

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Andrew Sherman

Photo By: Denise Davies Smart D2 Playrooms

Photo By: Eisner Design

Photo By: Scott Hargis Photo

Photo By: Molly Goodman

Photo By: Denise Davies Smart D2 Playrooms

Photo By: Karyn Millet

Photo By: Denise Davies Smart D2 Playrooms

Photo By: Rebecca Zajac

Photo By: Julie Soefer

Photo By: Holger Obenaus

Photo By: John Woodcock Photography

Photo By: Emily Gilbert

Set the Scene for Fun

Give kiddos a place that's completely their own. Playrooms provide a space for imaginations, cooperative play, playdates or chilling out solo. Create designated zones for different activities: crafting, reading books, pretend play, building projects and board games. And, of course, don't forget the biggest essential: storage.

Made for Crafting

Designer Lindsey Cheek of Gathered sets the scene for this playroom with soft blues and floral wallpaper. A modular hanging system keeps art and craft supplies organized and showcases little artists' work. Built-in cabinets provide plenty of hidden storage, while open shelving displays pretty accessories and well-designed toys.

Turn Every Surface Into a Play Area

Kids naturally turn every space — the floor, tables, sofas and chairs — into their own personal playgrounds. Give them the opportunity to expand their world even more by turning the walls into creative outlets. One wall in this fun playroom is lined in building block baseplates for creating designs and little worlds. The adjacent wall is covered in pegboards to add tons of storage for craft supplies and building blocks.

From: D2 Interieurs

Never Doubt a Grid

Like any great city plan, a grid system conveys a clean, concise strategy. Open cubes in complementary shades of orange and blue create an organized system for stowing toys, board games and baskets of stuffed animals.

From: Eisner Design

Work Hard, Play Hard

If your home doesn't have a designated playroom or if you simply need a devoted space for kiddos when you're working, consider an indoor playhouse or teepee right in your home office. Have baskets of toys and crafts (that they can do on their own) nearby and let their imaginations run wild — while you answer your latest email.

From: Regan Baker

Deliver the Texture

Make a playroom an inviting and cozy space by filling it with an abundance of plush surfaces and textiles. Top cushy carpeting with shaggy area rugs, and layer in oversized floor pillows for flopping, laying and piling on.

From: THREE SALT DESIGN Co.

Build a Playroom for Adventure

Bright and colorful, this playroom is made for moving and chilling. Multicolored holds are used to create an ultra-fun climbing wall section, which also features a climbing rope. Banana-lined wallpaper sets the scene for a whimsical relaxation area, complete with huge floor pillows.

From: D2 Interieurs

Create a World for Kids

Imaginations will run wild in this ultimate playroom, which features a mini city with a hat store, grocery store, vet, bank and picket-lined garden. At the built-in desks, kids can work on homework or an art project. And, of course, the grown-ups aren't forgotten. Cozy armchairs and poufs are perfect for adult relaxing while watching over kiddos.

From: Kelly Ferm

Embrace All the Color

Rainbow-colored stripes adorn the walls of this vibrant playroom, while the rest of the space leads with simplicity. Having minimum toys and games out encourages creative and imaginative play for kids. Store extra toys in closets or lidded baskets to switch out every few weeks or months.

From: Etch Design Group

Adapt a Utility Space for Fun

When you need more room for your kids to spread out, consider taking over another space in your home. Here, the garage is transformed into a vivid space for entertaining your youngest. Streamlined colorful lockers provide much-needed storage and hangers keep lacrosse gear organized. A swing gives kids a spot to move around even if the weather is bad.

From: D2 Interieurs

Lean Into Geometrics

Bring classic shapes into kids' spaces to create simple yet intriguing pattern, such as the peaked mountain murals in this eclectic playroom. To add a personal touch, incorporate your children's artwork into a gallery wall of abstract pictures.

From: Rebecca Zajac

Design for Both Kids and Adults

A playroom doesn’t have to be just for your little ones. Create a space that's just as cozy for adults. This playroom is made for playing, curling up on the sofa to watch a movie, making crafts and having tea parties. For double-duty storage, a built-in bench provides plenty of room for stowing away games, toys and stuffed animals, as well as extra seating in the room.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Thinking Outside the Earth

For kids that are ready to leave Earth behind for a moment, this playroom is truly out of this world. A cloudy blue paint treatment covers all the walls and ceiling and is interspersed with galaxies, planets and stars. A rocket ship playhouse stands by for adventures, and cozy furniture provides grown-ups a place to hang out or read favorite book about space to their littles.

From: Nicole Arnold Interiors

Bring the Playground Indoors

Slides don't have to stay out in the cold. A ladder leads up to a reading loft stocked full of picture books and plush pillows, and when kiddos are done up there, they'll slide back down to a room of merrymaking. Bedecked in multicolored polka dots, the space features a pretend play and craft area, as well as plenty of floor space to roam.

From: J&J Design Group

Think About Size

Have multiple furniture options in your playrooms — child-size and adult-size — so that everyone finds a comfortable spot to sit. Pieces that fit your kids allow them to draw, paint and color, building development skills and giving them more independence.

From: Jess Cooney

HGTV Smart Home 2022: Insider's Look

Whimsical Kids' Playrooms That Enchant the Imagination

Shop This Look

Set the Scene for Fun

Made for Crafting

Turn Every Surface Into a Play Area

Never Doubt a Grid

Work Hard, Play Hard

Deliver the Texture

Build a Playroom for Adventure

Create a World for Kids

Embrace All the Color

Adapt a Utility Space for Fun

Lean Into Geometrics

Design for Both Kids and Adults

Thinking Outside the Earth

Bring the Playground Indoors

Think About Size

Tour the Exterior of HGTV Smart Home 2022 After Construction 30 Photos

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Time-Lapse Photos From HGTV Smart Home 2021 63 Photos

Explore the Exteriors of HGTV Smart Home 2023 After Construction 24 Photos

Explore the Interiors of HGTV Smart Home 2023 After Construction 69 Photos

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