In our last blog we showed the finished installation of Redwood Adventure, a large tree fort in a grove of redwoods. Check it out here. The unusual aspect of this wonderful treehouse project was that there was already an old existing playhouse at one end of the redwood grove. The client asked Barbara if she could to fix up the interior of the playhouse and make it a more fun for the grandkids. Turns out, the grandkids were afraid to go in it!

Barbara enthusiastically said YES! And she jumped in with ideas as to how to make the interior of the playhouse a warm friendly and fun place, while leaving the exterior mostly untouched. We hear it is a great hit with the grandkids - no longer afraid!

Finished interior of existing playhouse after renovations by Barbara Butler Artist-Builder, Inc

Although beautiful and whimsical, the existing playhouse was a dark and empty, with very little for the kids to do if they did venture in. Plus, in addition to refreshing and updating the “fun factor”, the client also wanted the new tree fort to connect to the existing playhouse for an integrated feel. With this in mind, Barbara started the design with a 9’ long elevated bridge connecting the 2nd story of the playhouse to the Treehouse main deck.

As these “before” images show, the interior of the main playhouse room was a little bit dark and only had a table for the kids to play at. The client wanted more play accessories for the kids to play with, and Barbara was excited to make this already adorable playhouse even better.

Barbara also needed to address some concerns about safety, particularly the ladder that leads to the second level of the playhouse - difficult to climb for kids and adults!

Step 1 was to deep clean the playhouse and then apply whitewash paint to the interior walls & ceilings to bring in more light and help keep spiders away (a client concern). Step 2 was to add brightly stained trims to all the doors & windows for a fun, cheerful effect. And for Step 3 Barbara designed and painted the ‘area carpet’ to bring a feeling of homeyness and whimsy to the room (one of her most favorite moments with the project).

And to fulfill the “fun factor”, Step 4 was to add a multitude of play features, such as our BBAB play kitchen (refrigerator, stove & sink with actual running water), shelf for teacups & cake storage, our Top Secret Safe, a log step to make the ladder safer, and a speaking tube! But wait, there is more…

Barbara also added a tall cabinet, large chalkboard with chalk tray, shelf with pegs, and our signature ‘Kids Rule’ table and chairs. All in all, lighter walls, cheerful colors and fun play accessories turned this lonely little playhouse into a lively, happy play space.

Redwood Adventure Playhouse Makeover