Discover how interior designer Alisha Taylor turned a Gilbert, Arizona, pool house into a storybook-inspired escape with custom craftsmanship and whimsical design.
Step inside this Gilbert, Ariz., pool house, and you’re greeted not by a typical secondary living space, but by something far more enchanting: a miniature, two-story cottage facade complete with a striped cafe awning, flower boxes in bloom and a charming arched door painted a dusky blue. This is the kind of design that stops you in your tracks and makes both children and adults smile. The kind that, as interior designer Alisha Taylor puts it, delivers the ultimate “wow factor.”
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A Grand Gesture for a Growing Family
The inspiration behind this built-in playhouse is as heartfelt as it is imaginative. Designed by Alisha Taylor Interiors, the space was born from a milestone moment: the arrival of a first grandchild.
It began as an underutilized secondary structure with no real purpose—yet. The home belongs to a long-time client of Taylor, so they gave her full creative freedom, and her team leaned all the way in. “The client just said, ‘OK, Alisha, give me what you got. Something over-the-top, super creative.’”
And the challenge was accepted.
Play for All Ages
At first glance, the playhouse feels whimsical: a pint-sized cafe window with a chalkboard menu, a striped canopy, layered siding and brick and even colorful window boxes. But look closer, and you’ll find something far more intentional at play.
Often incorporating psychology into her designs, Taylor made the spaces sectioned, small enough for younger children, while still easily accessible to teens and adults.
“We tease in the office that we also have psych degrees because so much of living in a home is about how we feel,” Taylor explains. “Children love small spaces. It fits their scale and who they are. It gives them a sense of belonging, and they can then make their own world within.”
Behind the “cafe” lies a surprisingly expansive interior—approximately 10 feet deep—with enough ceiling height for adults to walk inside comfortably. A hidden staircase leads to a second-story loft, while built-in shelving creates a discreet home for the inevitable clutter of childhood.
“It’s a great place to just tuck all the toys and all the mess, and give them a place to have fun,” she explains.
Additional elements make the space more engaging for older kids, such as the nearby rock-climbing wall, while thoughtful safety features—like properly spaced balcony railings—ensure peace of mind for parents and grandparents alike.
Just as important: The space is designed for adults, too. An adjacent seating area and kitchenette provide a gathering space for everyone, creating a shared environment rather than a separate “kids-only” zone.
The Rise of the “Grandkid Room”
Modern luxury in today’s homes is less about personal indulgence and more about designing spaces that bring generations together. And with that comes the rise of “grandkid spoiling rooms,” Taylor says. “These are forever homes. They’ve worked hard their whole careers, and now they want to create a fun, welcoming place to attract their adult children and grandchildren.”
Increasingly, that means integrating play directly into the architecture itself.
One of the most striking aspects of this design is what it isn’t. There are no primary-colored plastics, no oversized cartoon motifs. Instead, the palette is soft, neutral and refined, with shiplap siding, painted millwork, brick detailing and custom upholstery all layered together to create visual depth. Even the crown molding echoes elements found in the main home, subtly tying the spaces together. And that layering is what makes the space feel as delightful for adults as it is for children.
This project stands out as an Alisha Taylor Designs project that acknowledges real life—the laughter, the mess, the fleeting moments of childhood and the desire to savor them.
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