Ages 3+

A BASEMENT PLAYROOM THAT ACTUALLY GETS YOU EXCITED TO HOST PLAYDATES AGAIN
 

THE KIDDOS

7 and 2
 

FEATURES WE LOVE

Reading nook

Arts & crafts hub & artwork display

Music nook

Video game hub

Toy hub

Climbing wall & monkey bars

Workout nook for the grownups

Open & closed storage

 
THE TRICKY SPACE
My client shared with me her vision of being THE PLACE where all her kids’ friends want to hang out.
But, like so many of us, they moved into their home during the pandemic. Life happened and they never got around to creating a plan for the basement. It turned into a parking lot for toys over time. The space did not spark joy.
Her kids are artistic, enjoy having friends over, and love to climb, but there was nowhere to do any of that. Mom and dad loved getting their workouts in but dreaded going down to the basement to use their exercise bike.
My client was also racking her brain trying to figure out what to do with the awkward oversized built-in bench, which offered no extra functionality and took up so much of the precious floor space.
 

THE TRANSFORMATION
I dreamed up a space where her kids and friends will love for YEARS to come. A place to move their bodies, to nourish their minds, to create, and to connect.
I immediately saw the opportunity to use my client’s existing 4×4 shelves to create the DREAMIEST READING NOOK, while adding intentional OPEN AND CLOSED STORAGE.
I added a CLIMBING WALL with a rock wall and monkey bars, a TOY HUB, and a VIDEO GAME HUB. I even created an ARTS & CRAFTS station with accessible paper and supplies, artwork drying rack and a table that was ready for creativity and messes (acrylic table protector, washable rug).
As for mom and dad, I made sure there was plenty of new storage, comfy grownup seating and even a WORKOUT NOOK to boot!
 

This playroom is designed by Sophie Shay of CHEZ SHAY DESIGNS.
Instagram: @chezshaydesigns

This was a super fun project! I wanted a space that would be able to mature over time, but still feel playful and fun for the current phase. Blue was his favourite colour and just took it from there! We strategically created four zones in this space and I think it turned out awesome!
 
For more visit:
https://www.andreagrbic.com/post/into-the-blue
Designer: @andreagrbichome
Photographer: @elzaphotographie

AN INVITING ART SPACE THAT KIDS LOVE TO USE AND KEEP TIDY!
 

THE KIDDOS

5 and 3
 
FEATURES WE LOVE

Arts & crafts hub

Artwork display

Reading nook

Music nook

Open & closed storage

 
THE TRICKY SPACE
My client has a beautiful sunny nook on their main floor. But it’s just been sitting empty since they’ve moved in 3 years ago. They just couldn’t figure out what to do with it.
Big sister was becoming quite the artist, and little brother loves reading and dancing. Without an intentional plan in place, these activities were taking up the entire main floor, with paper and art supplies everywhere!
This 100 sq ft nook is the first thing you see walking into the home. Not only did it need to integrate seamlessly with the rest of the main floor, it also needed some expert space planning to really maximize the flow and function of the space for two kids!
 
THE TRANSFORMATION
We wanted something fun and inviting, but not too kiddish!
We went with warm neutrals with pops of bold jewel tones. The kid-sized chairs even match the ones my clients have in their dining room! The retro cool vibe felt fun and so authentically them!
Nailing down the layout for a shared space is key. As I planned this room, I pictured how it would be used by two kids and established a clear walkway around the art table. There was plenty of room to move around, whether it’s getting up for more paper, or setting down their art caddy ready to work.
To make the most of the space, I added a cozy READING & MUSIC NOOK on one side of the room’s wall and tucked an ARTS & CRAFTS HUB into a recessed spot on the other.
In Montessori, we’re all about helping kids to help themselves. Having paper, markers, and scissors within easy reach empowers our kids to take charge of their own creativity.
DISPLAYING KIDS’ ARTWORK is a must. Kids take immense pride in their artwork when they see it displayed. I came up with a simple display that lets those 2D and 3D masterpieces shine.
 

This playroom is designed by Sophie Shay of CHEZ SHAY DESIGNS.
Instagram: @chezshaydesigns

When we got pregnant with our last baby, we decided to put the boys in our large bedroom above the garage. It was not in the best shape, and we did what we could to make it nice for them. It was cute in the end, but admittedly a rush job due to the baby on the way. A few months after our last was born, we decided to give the room the attention it deserved.
We gave the room all new carpet, some gorgeous striped wallpaper and reused as much as we could for furniture/decor to keep cost down. I was inspired by themes like Peter Pan, and vintage styles mixed with modern for the room. I love adding little touches from small artists and shops to give the room character!

Big boy room upgrade! We decided to go with a fun bold pineapple print to match our beautiful blue linen bedding. I chose a natural finish bed, and a neutral carpet with to pair with the eye-catching wallpaper. This keeps it fun, but will also work with him as he grows! We tried to incorporate other textures like natural wood bookshelves, leather floor poufs and white textured linen black out curtains to keep an organic minimalist feel.

Due to the circumstances I was not able to see the new home in person before putting an offer in, but luckily, being in this field, I quickly visualized it’s potential! Seeing the bay window in one of the rooms I immediately knew I wanted this to be my daughter Leonis room. It was my dream to have a reading nook which she now has as a little girl. Naturally I contemplated making the accent colour pink, but when I saw this rug I knew it was perfect! When you invest in timeless pieces and keep-sakes it can grow and mature with the room. This room turned out so beautifully – it is everything I wanted for her. We also included a wall of toy storage for items that just belong to her (instead of in the shared playroom with her brothers). I think it’s very important for each child to have a sharing space, but also a separate spot that just belongs to them! I hope you love this room as much as I do!
 
For more info visit: https://www.andreagrbic.com/post/enchanted-garden
@andreagrbichome
Photography: @elzaphotographie

This girl’s bedroom is designed by Sophie Shay of CHEZ SHAY DESIGNS.
Instagram: @chezshaydesigns

This playroom was designed by Sophie Shay of CHEZ SHAY DESIGNS.
Instagram: @chezshaydesigns