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Scale was an important design factor. "We wanted it to be flexible," Laurie says. "It's scaled down for a child but is also tall enough so an adult can walk in it." The height between the floor of the lower platform and its ceiling is six feet—so taller adults do still need to duck slightly, but most can make it through. "Kids are small for a very short time and then they grow up and go to college and you're left with this structure," she says. "We wanted it to have a use after they're gone." Pictured here is Laurie and Peter's daughter Emily.Photograph courtesy of Laurie Stubb.

Designer Erica Islas grabs a book inside the lower space of the Palisades Kids' Room, showing it's big enough for adults as it is for children.

Inside the tiny tearoom, with its low ceiling, is like an adult clubhouse, designed for intimate conversation over hot drinks.

When it’s time to eat or do homework, the adults lower the tabletop, revealing a dozen book cubbies.

Two-year-old Annika and five-year-old Soren make music on the "nap swing," a popular hangout spot for kids and adults alike.

The Schulman yurt fits three adults with a queen bed and a pull-away bed. It comes with heating and bath essentials.

Gull-wing doors flank a three-quarter-size mattress that sleeps two adults.