A Treehouse In The Pines – Inspiration For A Rustic Retreat For Kids

Joni Lay and his father designed this treehouse in the pines. It’s really a fun design with a bridge between two platforms. The treehouse is built on the first and the second is open for playing. The whole thing is 12 inches off the ground!

First, is the photo of the exterior. They used Trex decking for the stair treads and the platform. It stands up so well to the weather. It won’t splinter or rot, and kids can walk on it barefoot without worrying about splinters! Choosing Trex on the girls’ playhouse has worked out great.

This image below shows a little better the entire deck behind the treehouse. The other deck is such a fun spot for impromptu picnics or observation/spying, which is something his girls are super into.

Exploring The Amazing Interior

All of the interior walls and trim are painted White Heron by Benjamin Moore. It’s a really bright white that is perfect in this sunny space. The front door is Benjamin Moore Arctic Blue, and they love it so much!

The exterior boards of the treehouse, the floors inside, the ceilings, the front door and screen door, the windows, and the interior plank walls are all from his great-great-grandparents’ home. Therefore, this treehouse in the pines is full of history, even though it’s brand new!

Above: The girls love this spot in the long-legged house. It’s the cutest camp headquarters ever.

They hung an old letterpress drawer above the craft table, as a spot to stash treasures and special finds. It’s a fun and easy way to display all those little things that find their way inside via tiny pockets and hands.

A wooden toybox was pinned on the wall for boys’ toy cars.

Then, there is vintage style army cots upstairs, which will make for the perfect spot to spend the night or read.

These cross pillows are a DIY from awhile back. They are just felt sewn onto velveteen pillows they made, but they make such a fun statement.  

A Jenny Lind bookcase is placed in the center for stashing toys and books.

Joni Lay of Lay Baby Lay enlisted the help of her dad to construct this two-story bunkhouse. They put it together using reclaimed wood and windows from Joni’s great-great-grandparents’ home. The playhouse has an arts-and-crafts station, desk, and bunk room.