BEFORE IMAGE by Spacecrafting

Perusing down the Long Gallery, it may look like an expansive wall of built-ins, but, of course, a Castle has its secrets. Behind a bookcase lays a hidden Playroom that transports you to another era. Talent from the University of Minnesota is seen yet again in the Kids’ Playroom by students Anneka Salstrom, and Catja Peterson led by Lecturer Anne Farniok. Ohana Home and Design took on remodeling this nook. 

Inspired by the whimsy of a circus, designers envisioned this room as an infinite world of fun and mysticism, where every corner sparks creativity. Their vision centered on creating a spectacle — picture-trained animals, stage lights, and even the sensation of flying! They added a twist to the classic carnival color palette by introducing blues alongside reds, whites, and yellows, resulting in a vibrant mix of primary colors perfect for a kids’ playroom.

Instead of cluttering the room with furniture, the team focused on creating ample space for play. They designed a custom-built unit around the window in collaboration with Plato Woodwork and Ohana Home & Design, cleverly serving as both a bench and storage. Cut-out arches in the walls offer hidden crawl spaces that add to the element of imagination, while marquee lights around them dim and blink like stage mirrors. Furnishings include a starred rug from INTERSOURCE by STARK and custom pillows featuring whimsical animals and pom-pom trim. However, the grand feature stealing the show is the tented ceiling adorned with a classic circus-striped pattern, all custom fabricated by the students themselves! The design team cherished the opportunity to see through a child’s eyes while creating this playful space and is thrilled to share its unique charm with you.

This room was made possible by the contributions of INTERSOURCE by STARK, Plato Woodwork, Ohana Home & Design, Arhaus Cutting Edge, Sherwin Williams, Northstar Home Technologies, and Seams Like a Good Idea.