A Wall of Pink Cabinets Turned This Top-of-Stairs Space Into a Chic Playroom

PublishedJun 15, 2022 1:45 AM EDT

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OK but can we talk about how designers are taking kids' rooms in the most amazing directions lately? From arcade-themed dreams to outer space-inspired wonderlands—but no matter how wild the concept, there's one thing they almost always nail: longevity. That was top of mind for Urbanology Designs founder Ginger Curtis and her team when they turned an empty, open space at the top of her Dallas client's stairs into a dreamy playroom. The area had to work for the couple's daughter, Nico (4), and son, Smith (6 months), but also grow with the family as the little ones transition into their big-kid and tween years. Plus, knowing the spot is visible from the ground floor, it had to vibe with the rest of the house. "We wanted people coming over for a dinner party to glance up and be like: What an incredible space for the kids!" says Curtis. Honestly, mission accomplished.

Considering it's a circa-1900 Tudor-style house, storage was basically nonexistent, so Curtis and her team brought in integrated options that could adapt as the family's needs evolve. That's how she ended up with a full wall of drawers, cabinets, and cubbies for toys, blankets, puzzles, and all the craft supplies (and there was even room for a bench—love that). "It was a great opportunity for a beautiful design moment but also to give them the functionality that they were really missing," notes Curtis. Painting it a pink-mauve hue called Moroccan Spice by Sherwin-Williams? That sealed the deal on the perfect balance of playful and sophisticated. Read on for four more ways Urbanology Designs made sure both the play zone and Nico's bedroom would stand the test of time (or at least the next 15 years).

Curtis and her team kept the oak millwork going around the playroom in the form of a long worktop that, right now, serves as a drawing or Play-Doh station—but once the kids hit kindergarten age, it can totally pull double duty as a homework spot. The under-desk cubbies feature a gorgeous mix of wood tones for an elevated alternative to those typical primary-colored playroom setups. "It feels appropriate for a children's space, but it doesn't feel kitschy," she explains. And here's the best part: when Smith and Nico are older, the desk could be swapped out for a big sectional, turning the landing area into a movie-slash-hangout zone. I'm honestly obsessed with how forward-thinking this is.

That bonus curved nook by the railing was too small for more storage, but since it's visible from the ground level, it still needed some love. What better way to make the most of a quirky niche than to turn it into a little library with a comfy leather lounge chair, shelves, and a cozy tapestry? "Throwing a beanbag in that corner would have been really easy," says Curtis, "but we realized we could create a special moment in a spot that otherwise might have been easily forgotten." And honestly, isn't that what great design is all about?

One of the reasons Curtis loves creating custom built-in beds for kids' rooms is the sheer uniqueness of it all. "It's not something that exists elsewhere; none of her friends are going to have it," says the designer. For Nico, it's a structure that merges play, sleep, and storage in the most genius way. The tiered platforms feature four drawers for clothing, while the 4-year-old can treat the wide steps like a mini jungle gym and play with her stuffed animals and blocks on the ledges. The ultimate flex? The full-size bed, which means Mom and Dad won't have to rip it out and start over when she grows. And the L-shaped headboard with its varying archways adds just the right touch of whimsy. I mean, could this be any cuter?

While the bespoke millwork in both spaces was definitely an investment, Curtis and her team saved big on the smaller accessories. "You don't need a fancy rug for a kids' space," she notes. The two round ones she layered in Nico's room and the play area are actually sneaky learning tools (one features all the letters of the alphabet; the other is a map—how fun is that?). She peppered in other playful touches like a felt elephant bust, pear-shaped beanbags, and bird wallpaper. "Clearly those are items that wouldn't go anywhere else but a children's room, so it helps to bring a bit of that whimsical vibe to the area," says Curtis. You can't be young forever, but these little touches make the most of these precious years. 🥹

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

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