playbook
Reflections, valuable insights, hand-picked product recommendations, and so much more, all aimed at enhancing the everyday homes of families!
for many years to come
With a few upgrades, this basement became a world of endless possibilities.
There's something for everyone, and there's no shortage of options from which to choose.
This space will work for the three kids who live here for many years to come, and we can't wait to see all the fun that transpires!
the happily eva playroom
Revisiting this epic transformation with words from mom herself, @thehappilyeva:
"From my first consultation at Greenwich Play’s showroom, I was blown away by how knowledgeable they were, and how well-integrated play and science are in their process.
They really know what kids like AND what kids need at certain stages of their development. Designing a playroom that speaks to a nine-year-old, a seven-year-old, AND a four-year-old is a pretty tall order! But I loved that just by sharing my kids’ likes, dislikes, play styles, and personalities, the ideas were immediately flowing.
From there, they designed a proposal for the space, with several different areas: A Sensory Gym, an Art & Game Center, a Stage, and a Café that can double as a ticket booth!"
Read the full article via the link in our bio!
real talk
Real talk: The arts and crafts area is a beast. It's easily the scariest part of the playroom because it can quickly get out of hand.
To help keep things as contained as possible, we follow a few essential rules:
• Position the art area as close to a sink as possible.
• Label materials appropriately.
• Offer a scraps bin.
• Ensure garbage is easily accessible.
• A wipeable floor is ideal (avoid carpet!).
Our new labels are available directly by clicking this image at the link in our bio... The Arts and Crafts Pack is robust and will tame the chaos of any playroom. Following our essential rules will help, too!
fun and games
It's all fun and games until the kids come home and want their playroom back 🙄
cozy corners
Step inside this cozy corner, which offers privacy and tranquility and provides a safe space for children to decompress and recharge.
This small, inviting, secluded spot is a powerful addition to the playroom, and a version of this is easily achievable in almost any space.
From a pop-up tent with fluffy pillows and books to a built-in structure with swings, cushions, and everything in between, creating a cozy nook is a strategic choice for fostering healthy development in children.
We never underestimate the power of a cozy nook.
the dead end
Having a rock climbing wall in your house is cool and all, but once your kids get to the top, there's not much else to do. I often call it the "dead end of the playroom."
In this basement, the goal was to avoid the dead end and create a way to expand the play for years to come.
We designed a wall full of monkey bars and magnet boards, with a basketball hoop in the middle, to create a space where children are inspired to do many different activities and think outside the box.
This one wall offers children the opportunity to:
- shoot hoops
- climb and race
- do obstacle courses
- use the magnet boards for dart throwing or target shooting
- use the magnet boards for Magnatiles or other magnetic materials
AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS!! One wall!
There is no dead end here. And that's just the way we like it.
educated, methodical, experienced
When designing a play space for a child, we strongly believe we offer what other interior designers cannot (even the best).
Our approach to the play space is educated, methodical, and experienced.
We understand child development and how children play.
We appreciate how children best grow, learn, and overcome challenges.
We know the rapid pace at which children’s interests change.
We consider the long-term use of the space.
We understand that efficient storage for children can be used independently of adults.
We only use family-friendly, safe, and functional materials.
We appreciate how a child interacts with their environment.
We have spent 1000s of hours teaching and playing with children.
While we adore so many spaces from various interior designers, we know the level of expertise we bring to the playroom cannot be matched.
environment impacts performance
Once in a while, we will help a mom with a space at home to ensure that, like the playroom, it is intentionally designed to serve its true purpose.
Whether it's a full home office, a closet, or a kitchen counter, ensuring mom's space functions for her unique needs and goals is the key to its overall impact.
Environment impacts performance.
wall hammock
Taming the seemingly endless number of stuffed inhabitants is always a top priority for our clients.
My secret weapon?
The magical wall hammock.
It keeps these cuddly creatures from roaming free and turns them into a display of adorable organized chaos.
Wildlife management... so fluffy and so stylish!
digital distraction
Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation explores the causes behind the rising anxiety and mental health issues among younger generations, specifically recognizing the social, technological, and cultural shifts that are contributing factors.
Haidt emphasizes the importance of physical spaces designed for play, creativity, and social interaction. He recognizes these environments as vital sanctuaries where children can explore, imagine, and tangibly connect with others.
To say we agree would be the understatement of the century! Our company is built on this belief, which is why we do what we do.
We have always said playrooms are the best defenses against digital distraction. They provide space for children to foster essential life skills like empathy, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
The playroom is a crucial component of a supportive home environment where kids can discover their potential away from the glare of screens.
As a playroom designer, my work is not just about creating fun and safe spaces; it's about crafting environments that counter the isolation and anxiety of the digital world.
we love our clients
A transformation we still can't believe. . .
Mom reports: "I loved how everything came out, and more importantly, my kids LOVE and actually PLAY in the space. It was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend working with you to anyone!"
Parisian outdoor cafe
With just a few essential elements, we were able to convert the corner of a basement into a magical Parisian outdoor cafe, ultimately setting the stage for meaningful play experiences to transpire✨️
seamless clean up
Imagine a world where children purposefully play with their materials and then seamlessly clean up✨️
It exists. We're building it.
custom builds
Struggling to devise a witty caption. Honestly, the transformation speaks for itself. . . s w i p e✨️
rainy days will never be the same
On rainy days,
frigid days,
blistering hot days,
and all the days in between...
...You will never regret investing in your play space at home.
felt fun
When paint and wallpaper seem too much of a commitment, we almost always suggest a felt wall, like this one we designed from @feltrightproducts.
Felt tiles are DIY, cost-effective, and non permanent. They can truly bring life and color to any room. They also provide sound-dampening and are the perfect place to pin pictures, artwork, schedules, etc.
Swipe to see some of our favorite creations from past projects! Which one is your favorite?
less screens
This week, a @nytimes article rightfully declared: "If we want to start getting kids offline, we need to give them better places to go instead."
Oh, heyyyyy 👋🏻! This is quite literally our job. We're on a mission to create places where kids can go and have meaningful, developmentally supportive experiences.
With March Madness in full swing, there is no better time to showcase this basement basketball court, which is so much more than it appears.
It's a space that helps children develop their gross motor and communication skills. It's a space that fosters social connections and teamwork, something deeply lacking in the increasing world of tablets.
It's also a perfect venue for playdates and family gatherings with kids and adults if we do say so ourselves!
Basically, this space is the epitome of a place kids could go instead of turning to tech.
We need more of this at home, less screens. We're on a mission👊🏻
aesthetics vs. functionality
Balancing aesthetics and functionality is tricky, but it may be the most important consideration when designing a playroom (aside from safety).
To do it successfully requires a deep understanding of the practical and psychological aspects of family dynamics, child development, and interior design.
The good news is, we've got all that and more! It's what makes @greenwich_play and our offering so unique.
We have a new website where you can learn about our services, see how we work, and view our entire portfolio!
Click the link in our bio to head there now ⤴️⤴️
inspiring but achievable
Ever have those moments while scrolling where you're like, "Jeez, that place is amazing!" But then, you snap back to reality and understand that you can never achieve a space like that for a million different reasons.
It's a fleeting moment, but it means something to me, especially in an increasingly AI-driven world.
I strive to create a space online that not only appears inspiring but also achievable.
Certainly, some of our projects are more complex, but we try to design spaces that can be realistically recreated, utilizing fundamental developmental and design principles.
How are we doing? Is there something you want to see more of? Let us know in the comments ⤵️⤵️