A recent story in The Wall Street Journal caught our attention. Families across the country are reimagining basements, bonus rooms, and underused areas of their homes to help their kids unplug and reconnect. These renovations, often sparked by a desire to reduce screen time, are yielding surprising results. More time spent with family, deeper creativity, and a space that everyone uses.
At The Cleary Company, we’ve noticed the same trend taking root here in central Ohio. Parents aren’t just looking for more storage or better organization — they’re seeking spaces that support connection, learning, and real-life fun.
The National Shift Toward Screen-Free Zones
The rise in home play spaces is part of a bigger shift in how families are thinking about their homes. The recent WSJ article highlighted parents who were motivated to remodel specifically because of how much time their children were spending on screens. (Some averaging up to 7 hours a day!) These parents saw physical space as part of the solution.
And it’s working.
Families are finding that by investing in playful, engaging environments, they’re not just giving their kids an alternative to screens — they’re creating a magnet for connection. The remodeled rec rooms and hangout hubs are pulling kids away from devices, bringing siblings together, and making family movie nights or spontaneous dance parties a regular part of the week.
From Trend to Real Life in Central Ohio
“We’re definitely seeing more families come to us with a vision of a space that encourages unplugging and playing — not just for the kids, but for everyone,” says Laura Watson, Development Manager, ASID, UDCP at The Cleary Company. “It’s about building something that invites interaction — from puzzles and games to crafts and reading nooks.”
Here in Columbus and across central Ohio, this national trend is taking shape in personal, customized ways. We can help families:
- Transform basements into vibrant, multi-zone playrooms with space for movement, creativity, and lounging
- Reimagine formal living rooms into hybrid learning and play spaces
- Add reading lofts, art nooks, and built-in storage that’s both stylish and practical
And while every design is unique, they all share one goal: to create a space that feels like a “yes”. Yes to mess, yes to movement, yes to being together.
More Than Just a Room for the Kids
When people think “playroom,” they often imagine bright primary colors and toy bins. But the reality can be so much more thoughtful and elevated — and more integrated into your home’s overall design.
“Play spaces can be intentional and beautiful,” Laura explains. “You can create a room that grows with your kids, fits your style, and adds value to your home — emotionally and financially.”
These remodeled spaces bring lasting benefits:
- Encouraging creativity – Spaces designed for art, music, building, or make-believe help kids explore and express themselves.
- Promoting physical activity – From soft floors to mini rock walls, design can invite movement even indoors.
- Building family culture – These rooms become a place to laugh, talk, and spend time away from the pull of digital devices.
- Evolving over time – A well-designed space can start as a toddler zone and transition into a teen lounge, study space, or guest suite.
Your Space, Your Story
Every family is different, which is why every project starts with a conversation. What does your day-to-day look like? What do your kids gravitate toward? What kinds of memories do you want to create?
Once we understand your family’s rhythm, we help shape a space that supports it. Using our proven design-build process to keep the project on time, on budget, and full of collaboration.
Ready to Reimagine Your Space?
We love helping central Ohio families transform their spaces — not just to look better, but to live better. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple — and powerful — as play.
If you’ve been dreaming of a place where your kids can unplug, explore, and grow — we’d love to help make that vision real. Whether it’s a full basement renovation or a flex space that needs purpose, we’re ready to design something meaningful with you.
Ready to take the next step to make your play project a reality? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by scheduling a call or completing a new project form on our website.