Sneak Peek - Storybook Cottage

I have been crazy busy lately and enjoying every minute of it! The playhouse above is one of the designs I've been working on and am very excited about. It has gone through several changes, but is at the point where I am creating construction documents and a material list. Before it's all said and done, I'd like to look at a few more material options for the exterior. This floor plan could easily go from a storybook style playhouse to a modern play space by simply changing the materials.
 

This playhouse is perfect for sleepovers!  A bed nook is built into the wall, creating a great place to curl up with a book or just daydream. It also has a trundle bed that pulls out providing plenty of room for guest.  I'm still looking at options, but the sketch above shows a circular hobbit style opening into the bed nook.  Check back to follow the progress on this storybook style playhouse!

8 Amazing Life Size Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread House at American Adventure

Grand Floridian's Life-sized Gingerbread House

 Mohegan Sun Gingerbread House, 2008

 Skytop Lodge in the Poconos

Great Wolf Lodge

Gingerbread House in Stockholm part of Margarine Advertisement

  Shelter pop for St. Jude

World's Largest Gingerbread House at Mall of America, 2006

What's more enchanting than a house made of candy?  I really can't think of anything.  As a child, I made a few gingerbread houses, but this year will be the first time I make one with my boys.  Candy and architecture...this is going to be fun!  I did a bit of research just to see what was out there, and found some amazing life size structures.  Our gingerbread house building could easily get out of control.  I REALLY want to make something big, but I think in order to finish this project we will have to limit the size to something that will fit on our dining room table, maybe even shoebox size.  I am also reminding myself that the point of this project is to have fun with my four year old.  Any one with a four year old knows their attention span is not that long.  

Now that I'm officially fascinated with gingerbread houses, I feel the need to properly research them.  If you have seen an amazing life size gingerbread house that I've missed let me know.  In my initial research I ran across some beautiful illustrations that I'll share soon too.

If you have a moment to really study these pictures notice the level of detail and ornamentation.  Also notice the shape and proportions.  No surface is left undecorated, and most of them have a very prominent roof line.  They're all very whimsical and fun, and have a distinct storybook style.

I hope these images inspire you to make a gingerbread house with your family!  

Garden Whimsy

I am so excited to finally share pictures of the playhouse I've been working on!  Just in time for Christmas too!  This whimsical playhouse featuring curved walls and a storybook style door is now available and at a great price.  The playhouse pictured above is going for $3,200 + shipping to the first person I hear from.  If you are interested or have any questions, contact me at holly@aplaceimagined.com or use the contact page here.  After that, I will be taking orders on my site for $4,200.  Why is this one significantly reduced?  It needs to be moved, so I can start on the next design!  Hopefully very soon we'll be in a large shop, but for now we're working in a small space.

The playhouse is constructed with quality materials and should last for generations if maintained.  The base or floor is treated wood, and the roof is stained cedar.  The front and back walls are painted tongue & groove.  The rounded walls are grooved to overlap and then caulked and painted.  Overall exterior dimensions are:  6'-6"wide, 6'-8" long, and 7'-8" high.

A bench and kitchen counter is built into both of the curved walls leaving more floor space for playing.  The interior floor space measures 4'-5" x  5'-8."  Interior walls are painted beadboard.  I love the light airy feel of the white with blue accents.  The triangle pendant banner pictured above was crafted specifically for this playhouse and is included.  It coordinates with the curtain that hangs under the play kitchen counter (also included).  Unfortunately, my vintage sock monkey, doll bed, and quilt are not included.  Thankfully my mom kept all of my playhouse furniture, and now I have it to pass on to my children.

Chalkboards line both sides of the play kitchen.  They have been a hit with the children that have inspected the playhouse.  The picture below shows the distressed stained wood floor.  It is built similar to a deck, allowing any water that may find it's way in to drain.  The window will have shutters to match the color of the door as well as a window box on the exterior.  (That's on my to do list for tomorrow, but I just couldn't wait to share these pictures).  I'll post more pictures of the back wall and window soon!  Oh, the apron hanging on the back wall is also included!  It's killing me to let go of that apron, but it really belongs with the house. 

My son, 4 yrs. old,  is pretending to wash his hands in the sink. The highest part of the inside of the playhouse is 6'-3" high making it tall enough for me to stand up in, but still approprietly scaled for younger children.  This playhouse should fit well into most back yards and is a piece that will add a touch of whimsy to your garden.

I love this ceiling!  The tongue & groove boards are painted blue with the exposed structure painted a nice shade of green.  This is by no means the most efficient way to paint a ceiling, but I believe it was worth the time.  

I can't wait to start the next design, but at the same time, I am going to be sad to see this one go.  I have enjoyed every minute working on it.  I know it will make some lucky children very happy.  Oh, the memories it will hold...

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Making A Playhouse Your Own

If you are playing in your play kitchen, you'll need an apron, and not just any apron will do. It must coordinate perfectly with your kitchen and looks great on.  As a mom, I'm very aware of how fashion conscience a four year old can be, and how once they find something they like they will wear it every day.  (My son wore his Captain America Costume for a solid week after Halloween...yes we washed it).  This apron was designed to be very durable as well as fashionable.  It is fully lined, and there are no unfinished edges.  The neck strap is Velcro, making it easy for little hands to get on and off.  

It's a fun way to dress up a pair of jeans and boots!  I may need to make this in a larger size...

It's impossible to design a play space and not think about all of the details including furnishings and accessories.  I opened an Etsy shop that I and my elves (mom & granny) are working hard to stock.  It's a bit sparse at the moment, but eventually will be full of handmade aprons, baby doll quilts, and play furniture.  In addition to the handmade items, I'm always on the lookout for vintage items that will give your playhouse personality and make it uniquely yours.   

I'll be adding more aprons, doll quilts and pendants to the shop between now and Christmas, so check back if you don't see exactly what you're looking for.

Bed Room

A room within a room!  Both spaces by Duch based Kids Factory.  What a great place to nap or daydream...

Cardboard Coffee Shop

 

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you're thinking about making something like a play kitchen or fully stocked  coffee shop you might want to get started soon.  I was blown away Millz Coffee!   Check out 45 Wall Design for tons of pictures and inspiration.  Did you notice the custom logo and the functional cardboard espresso machine?  Love it!   Oh, and the vintage cash register...wonder if mine is in mom's attic.  If you're on a tight budget but have some time to spare this (or something similar) would be the perfect Christmas present.  Feeling a bit intimidated, start with something a tad more basic, and who knows you may surprise yourself.  Don't forget to send me pictures!

Twisted House

^{Twisted House by John McNaughton located at the Indianapolis Art Center.} 

According to the Indianapolis Art Center, McNaughton's goal with the work is to show viewers that sculpture can be interactive and touch heavily into the imagination.

I think I'm going to start a file of images to serve as inspiration for whenever I hear "You can't build that," or "You're going to do WHAT?"    I truly admire those who are successful in transforming the imaginary into a tangible place.

Pumpkin Houses!

I realize I'm a day late with this post, but there's no way I'm going to file it away till next year! Hope everyone had a great Halloween! Don't worry, it's not too late to check out  this years Story Book Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum.  (You have till November 14th). The exhibit includes four walk-through houses that represent a pumpkin based children's book.  I love this idea...what else could I make a playhouse out of?  Ideas anyone?

 

1893 Playhouse Restoration

Playhouse prior to restoration

 The Baker Family Playhouse was constructed c.1893 by Captain James A. Baker for his daughter Alice. At the time of its construction, the Baker family lived at 1104 San Jacinto Street. Over the 118 year history of the playhouse, it moved with the family five times and entertained four generations of Baker children. In 2010, the playhouse was moved to Sam Houston Park to spare it from demolition and to allow future generations of Houston children the chance to enjoy its charm. The Heritage Society plans a full restoration of the playhouse. The playhouse is located behind the Nichols-Rice-Cherry House. 

Source:  The Heritage Society as Sam Houston Park

Before and After

 Stina Saem

Do you already have a play space that just needs a little redo?  Stina Saem did a beautiful job turning her old playhouse into a shabby chic retreat for both big and little girls!  Check out her blog for more pictures and details.  If you're not careful a playhouse can quickly become a storage room.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all for creating spaces that have the potential for dual functions, but if you have the space why not use it for something more fun!  I imagine there will be many  play dates here, now that it's more inviting.

I'm loving the play kitchen with little touches of pink!  Great stove too!  Another thing I noticed about this playhouse is the beautiful natural light - a detail you don't want to overlook.  

If you've done a playhouse makeover send me pictures!