Fun-house elements to bring out the kid in you

Contemporary Living Room With Slide by Joyce Elizabeth
Author: Bryan Anthony

You’re never too old for a little fun in your life – or in your home, for that matter. If you’re still a kid at heart, these whimsical interior features will put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. So slide on down and explore four great ways to add delight to your decor.

1. Sensational slides
There are different ways to move between the levels of one’s home, but perhaps none is more engaging than a slide. A metal slide replaces a staircase in this chic Manhattan loft. Steely and sleek like the minimalist decor, it seems so natural you wonder why everybody doesn’t get downstairs this way.

Maybe you already have a staircase in your home and simply want a fun addition to your daily routine. A twisty slide like this one can’t help but transform morning drudgery into instant playtime.

2. Spectacular stairs
Books are the ultimate fodder for imagination, and they deserve reverent environs. This dreamscape of a staircase is the stuff of fantasy. Broad laps around a monumental book collection and library seating in the centre invite leisurely wandering through the stacks.

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3. Fire pole fun
A fire pole doesn’t have to be functional to serve a valuable purpose in the home. This family may not be sliding down their pole in a mad dash for the school bus, but the feature still hints at the personality of the owners and reinforces the entry’s industrial chic vibe.

There’s so much in this photo that suggests fun is a high priority in this kid-friendly household. From the bright green car peeking into view to the network of kid-sized courtyards complete with two swings and a fire pole, smiles and laughter seem to have been the central design goal.

4. Hanging out in style
If you’re having visions of children swinging Tarzan-like above your furniture, leaving no lamp or vase unturned, take a deep breath and look. There’s nothing fragile or loosely attached in this photo – just a jovial tyre swing inviting its owners to come and play.

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In a space that’s anything but childish or whimsical, this in-ground trampoline blends right in with the decor. Large padded bolsters on the sides provide soft landing for wayward bouncers.

Speak to an architect to find out how you can add more fun to your home