Home Tour: A West Town Chicago Kids Emporium

Whether it was an indoor swimming pool, a LEGO-inspired playroom or a gymnastics studio, I’m betting that we all had childhood dream spaces we wished were in our homes. Can you remember yours? Even if they never came to fruition, I think we can all agree that there’s something magical about spaces designed especially for kids.

Our recent clients agree wholeheartedly. As professional and active parents of two young kids, they hoped to create the play space of their kids’ wildest fantasies. They wanted a space where their kids could be creative and run wild, and as you can guess, I was thrilled to join them on this fun-filled adventure.

Bringing Wildest Dreams to Life

The lower portion (equivalent to a basement space) of their penthouse 3 bed, 2 bath condo would be the location of the new Kids Emporium. With their time invested elsewhere, our clients needed someone to manage the project from start to finish, and our full-service interior design was the right fit – we were happy to take the reins and handle every detail.

We transformed every space in the condo, turning those 3 bedrooms into the ultimate indoor playground, library, dance studio, maker’s space, and guest suite. It was a unique and joyful experience to be able to channel my inner child and design a space that both kids and adults who are kids at heart would enjoy. 

The result? Bold, playful bright colors abound. Every single detail serves a purpose, together creating exceptional experiences across the entire space. A careful balance of creativity and relaxation invites everyone to embrace a sense of wonder. 

Get ready to indulge your own inner child as we step inside!

Playful Entryway

We wanted to set the tone of the home right away with this whimsical entryway. Bold pops of color in the playful coat knobs and dimensional popsicle artwork let the family know they’re stepping from the outside world into a lively and fun-filled wonderworld. The soft rug and practical upholstered bench bring in a sense of warmth, adding coziness to the playful aesthetic. From the entry, we step into the…

Library with Secrets

Our clients really wanted a space where they could read together, help their kids with homework, and all cuddle up for a movie night, and this library checks every box. Featuring open shelving lined with brightly patterned wallpaper, plenty of storage, a comfy sofa with room for the whole family, and a desk area, this space is the picture of versatility.

I don’t know about you, but a window seat in my bedroom was always a dream goal. The little nook in the cabinet felt like the closest thing, and I can imagine the kids will snuggle up with a book in this cozy spot. Now, you may be wondering, “Kristen, there’s plenty of space to read, but what about their movie nights?” Enter Secret #1:

The middle shelves slide apart to expose the hidden TV. Ingenious, isn’t it? We didn’t want the TV to be a focal point in the space, but it still needed to be easily accessible. Let’s take a look at the other features we cleverly hid in this room…

We designed a desk pull-out on the side cabinet so the kids can sit and color or do homework. It’s also a perfect place for the supervising adult to sit and keep a watchful eye on the kids while also multitasking on a laptop.

Next to the desk is one of my favorite features, the hidden slide entrance – what ultimate play space would be complete without a slide! The cabinet doors and top open giving the kids access to the slide. There are stairs adjacent to it, but let’s go down that slide and into the…

Ultimate Play Area

The slide was at the top of our clients’ wishlist, and it took a lot of calculations and research, but we finally got it. And it’s fast! Fortunately, landing is worry-free. We were very intentional about all the materials we used in this space, ensuring that they were durable, safe, and still good looking. The flooring in the play area is thick, padded and playground-rated. It’s springy and supportive – perfect for running and for cushioning tumbles.

As the kids get off the slide, they’re met with countless options for fun. If they’re feeling adventurous, they might choose to climb the rock wall, swing on the monkey bars, or climb the jungle gym leading up to a private hide-out. We additionally included abundant open floor space for free creative play. Can you imagine being a kid here? I wouldn’t want to leave! Taking a walk down the hallway is worthwhile, though. Next up, we’ll visit the…

Dynamic Dance Room

A tiny dancer’s dream, isn’t it? With a floor to ceiling mirror and a dance bar, the kids will be able to practice and perfect their moves. We also included a TV to play music or stream videos, upping the fun factor. Since kids (and adults!) would be moving actively and jumping in this room, we selected flooring unique to professional dance studios. It has some bounce, it’s safe on the joints, and can be used across any style of dance.

We converted this former bedroom’s closet into a well-organized costume closet for the ultimate in imaginative dance play. I imagine many fun dance parties will be enjoyed in this room! Next to the Dance Room is the…

Creative Maker’s Room

With their physical energy spent in the Play Space and Dance Room, the kids can wind down and exercise their minds and creativity in this Maker’s Room. A table in the center is the perfect place for kids to gather art or building supplies from the practical storage shelves and create. 

We hung rolls of paper as continuous space-saving easels and included a magnetic board on the back wall where kids can display their work or build with magnetic tiles. A playful geometric ceiling light in the shape of a paper airplane adds both functional brightness and a sense of stimulating energy to the space.

Down the hall, we’ll find the…

Boutique Guest Suite

Our clients wanted this bedroom to feel like a luxurious and restful retreat, reminiscent of a boutique hotel. We selected bold colors and art balanced with cozy and inviting textures, creating a space that feels both edgy and comforting. After supervising or participating in the stimulating play spaces, entering this more adult space gives an immediate sense of maturity and relaxation.

The suite’s bathroom is a soothing retreat for guests to begin and end the day. You may be surprised to learn that this design required just a quick refresh. We updated the vanity area and added a fresh coat of paint to the walls, and that change made a huge difference. Proof that completely reigniting a space doesn’t always mean gutting it to the studs.

Kids Emporium Project at a Glance

• Location: Vibrant kids’ play space transformation in West Town, Chicago, IL.
• Project Scope: Full renovation of a penthouse lower level, creating a multi-functional Kids Emporium.
• Design Goals: Foster creativity, play, and imagination while keeping spaces safe, durable, and engaging.
• Highlights:
  • Playful entryway with colorful accents and cozy bench sets the tone.
  • Library with hidden TV, pull-out desk, and secret slide combines learning and fun.
  • Ultimate play area featuring slide, rock wall, jungle gym, monkey bars, and open floor space.
  • Dynamic dance room with professional flooring, floor-to-ceiling mirror, dance bar, and costume closet.
  • Creative Maker’s Room for art, crafts, and hands-on projects with practical storage and inspiring lighting.
  • Boutique guest suite and bathroom offering a sophisticated retreat for adults.
• Result: A magical, immersive environment where kids and adults alike can explore, learn, and play—turning childhood dreams into reality.

Embracing a Sense of Wonder at Home

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but smile and feel giddy when I look at the photos from this project. And our clients? The whole family is thrilled. They recently told me, “Thank you so much for making this dream come true. WOW!” The kids can’t get enough of their Emporium, and it’s pretty easy to see why. It really is a kid’s dream space come to life.

The couple was so pleased with the results that they hired us to design other spaces in their condo. Being asked to work together again is the ultimate compliment for me. 

Have you ever wondered, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could do [fill in the blank] in our home?” So often, we dismiss those big dreams, but this project is proof that incredible things can happen when we decide to actually bring them to life. 

If you’re considering a home project and have a big idea, let’s see what’s possible together. Reach out to me here, and let’s connect.

Warmly,
Kristen