Odette Annable, the renowned actress known for her roles on both television and film, has recently taken on the exciting project of creating a dedicated playroom for her daughters, Charlie and Andi. At 10 years old, Charlie is transitioning into a more sophisticated taste, while her younger sister Andi, only 3, revels in a world of sparkles and vibrant colours. Annable collaborated with Crate & Kids to bring her vision to life, a task made all the more interesting by the differing preferences of her two daughters.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Annable shared insights into the newly designed space, which is conveniently located on the main level of their home, adjacent to the living room. “The playroom sits right off our living room,” she explained. By removing the doors, the area has become a more integrated part of the home, fostering a sense of openness and continuity. “It’s such an intentional place for the kids to play now, which I love so much,” she added.
The actress emphasized the importance of a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the family’s home décor. She wanted the playroom to feel like an extension of the living environment rather than a stark contrast filled with disarray typical of many children’s spaces. “I knew that I needed to have something super functional, but I wanted it to be really aesthetically beautiful,” Annable remarked, highlighting her dual objectives of playful and elevated design.
One of the most significant challenges Annable faced while designing the playroom was catering to the distinct tastes of her daughters. “I have to consider three ladies of different ages who plan on being in there all the time,” she noted. To bridge the gap between Charlie and Andi’s personalities, she incorporated playful elements, including pops of colour that would resonate with both girls. “The colours that I’ve always been drawn to have been more earth-tone colours, but I wanted it to have a little bit of a pop,” she said, referencing a beautiful wallpaper that served as a focal point for the space.
The actress’s love for home design deeply influenced the project, as she sought to include meaningful elements that reflect her family’s lifestyle. She chose a rug featuring a horse, a nod to her affection for the animal, while ensuring the overall colour palette remained muted and elegant. Her collaboration with Crate & Barrel’s Design Desk Pro helped refine her ideas into a coherent layout that perfectly met her family’s needs.
A central feature of the playroom is a personal touch that Annable insisted upon: a collection of three framed photographs. She desired one portrait each of her daughters and a joint image in the centre, helping to foster a sense of ownership and belonging. “I wanted them to feel significant in size because I didn’t want to clutter the walls any further,” she explained, also admiring the special sconces that flank the artwork, enhancing the room’s refined atmosphere.
With functionality in mind, Annable ensured that the playroom would also serve as a guest space when needed. She opted for a beautiful linen daybed with a hidden trundle, expanding the sleeping capacity for guests. This multi-functional design has already proven beneficial, as her daughters have enjoyed slumber parties within the playroom—a feature Annable was particularly keen on.
In addition to providing space for rest, the playroom was designed to accommodate her daughters’ toys and books. A dedicated bookcase allows for easy organisation while promoting a love for reading. As her children have started exploring their new environment, Annable noted that the room has sparked creativity and interactive play.
Reflecting on the bond between her daughters, who have a notable age gap, Annable expressed joy in watching them engage with one another in their shared playroom. “Charlie thinks that she’s Andi’s mum,” Annable said with a smile, recounting how the older sister takes on a caring and teaching role. “Andi really goes along with it, loving the attention and support from her sister,” she continued, illustrating a delightful sisterly dynamic that thrives in their imaginative world.
In summary, as Odette Annable unveils the new playroom crafted with love and intention, it stands not simply as a place for play but as a nurturing environment that encourages her children’s creativity and strengthens their bond.