Make Like Drew Barrymore and Build a Wonder-Filled Backyard Fort—Inside
You only need these 10 finds.
Updated Oct 11, 2018 8:29 PM
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Judging by our Domino Kids issue cover shoot, no one makes a fort quite like Drew Barrymore. Just by taking a few simple cardboard boxes and transforming them with colorful patterned sheets, comfy throw pillows, and an oversize raffia carpet, the actor, designer, and newly minted talk-show host created the perfect clubhouse. Of course, her daughters, Frankie and Olive, pitched in their artistic talents by painting the exteriors in florals, stripes, and sunbursts.
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Inspired by Barrymore and her girls, we assembled some of our favorite building blocks to craft your very own imagination station—a time-traveling rocket ship, fairy-tale forest den, or underwater submarine? You decide. The major bonus: Kids get to tap their mini inner engineer and decorator, use their hands, work together (or solo), and stay entertained for hours—just in time for families who are starting to spend more time indoors.
Bring the Cozy
Soft velvet and woven textiles give your fort a plush landing pad. We love a tassel for some extra-festive feel when draped across an entranceway or on a bunch of pillows stacked up and ready for lounging.
Turn Up That Inner Glow
Every hideout has the potential to be a magical reading nook. Add a stylish library-inspired lamp for bedtime story hour or a whimsical pink cloud light to create a dreamy mood.
Set the Pattern-Perfect Scene
Think of your sheets as setting the backdrop to your whole new world: You can make a major statement with classic candy apple–red polka dots, or go safari-style with a tiger print in tangerine and teal. Basically it’s wallpaper that can be swapped out way more easily.
Prep Your Picnic Spread
From hosting a tea ceremony to sharing a grilled cheese for lunch, it’s key for every fort dweller to have their own snacks on hand. And serving them on bright (and unbreakable) melamine is our top choice.
Stock Up on the Fun Stuff
Furnish your secret clubhouse with playful storage that can hold board games, arts and crafts supplies, books, and more—so you never have to leave your new hangout! (Hint: As a general rule, the more rainbows, the better.)
Our Fall Style issue has arrived! Subscribe now to get an exclusive first look at Ayesha Curry’s Bay Area home—and discover how design can shape our world.