Can you please tell us a bit about yourself personally? Names/ages of kids, etc.?
Karri is a dedicated working mom who absolutely adores her 3 kids, each of whom holds a special place in her heart, Ella, her youngest at 16 is a sporty kind 10th grader, and her older two, Grier and Sam have embarked on exciting financial careers in New York City. Grier, at 28, works at Morgan Stanley and Sam, 23, has found his niche at Cantor Fitzgerald. Family means everything to Karri, and she cherishes each moment that she gets to spend with each of them and the moments when they are all together.
What do you love about Greenwich?
I absolutely love Greenwich, CT for its charming and accessible lifestyle. The beautiful walks and stunning water views offer a serene backdrop to my working life. The local library is a gem for me, providing a wonderful space for both learning and leisure, reflecting the town’s commitment to community and culture. What truly stands out is how walkable and friendly the town is – everything you need is conveniently accessible, making each day enjoyable and simple.
Please tell us about Smart Playrooms?
Smart Playrooms is an award winning highly sought after kids’ interior design studio. We design for development by creating custom luxurious spaces where kids love to learn, play and reset in the US and abroad. This year we had clients In the North East, Texas, Kansas City, Miami, Boca Raton, Los Angeles, Malibu, Montecito and as far away as South Korea! Smart Playrooms offers both E-design and Full Service design options.
In addition to the luxury design services offered through Smart Playrooms, Karri founded and owns a playroom ecommerce store that focuses on sensory rich and beautiful active products like monkey bars and foam pits. The store is called Project Playroom. Both Brands are under the direction of Karri who acts as chief creative officer for both businesses..
How did you start Smart Playrooms? What is your professional background?
I have a Masters degree in education and have been teaching throughout the tri state area, starting my teaching career at Greenwich Academy many years ago as an intern in third grade with Suzanne Levine. Pat Young was the intern head when I was there many years ago.
After teaching for a decade, I had one of those wake up in the middle of the night ideas which was to design playrooms like classrooms. I quit my teaching job that spring and have been designing and organizing playrooms for over 10 years now.
Five tips for improving your own playroom?
- Declutter and Organize :Less is always more!
- Add monkey bars and a foam pit! KIds love these!
- Think long term and don’t do anything babyish or too young as far as wall decor.
- Design the playroom into zones that focus on different activities.
- Put the activity that you most want your kids to do front and center!
What are some of the best innovations/changes to children’s playrooms in the past 5-10 years?
I was the first one to bring monkey bars to an indoor space and it’s been transformative to me and my business, as far as watching how monkey bars build confidence and problem solving skills in every kid that is lucky enough to have them! Monkey Bars for EVERYONE is my favorite motto!
How do you find your installations can help a family?
Because my designs focus on the development needs of the kids, and I have a Masters degree in education, they can help kids to
- Get sensory input
- Build confidence
- Sharpen problem-solving skills
- Be more independent
- Play more with siblings and friends
All of my designs are intentional meaning they focus on the needs, interests, strengths and passions of the kids. I ask lots of questions and do an in depth intake process so my intentional design will meet all the kids needs.
What is your favorite playroom you have designed?
My favorite playroom that I have designed was a large homeschool project (In a 3 car garage) in Montecito California,next door to Oprah! Designing a homeschool space really utilized all of my strengths and passions as both an educator and a designer, and I was able to focus on the academic and emotional needs of the kids and make it beautiful!
How do you balance work and being a parent?
I always have put my family first but work each day (often on weekends too). Luckily I adore my job and my kids, so spending most of my time working and being with my family is how Iactually want to spend my time. Doing daily meditations and weekly yoga classes has also been a priority for me.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Grab a juice: Meli Melo
Workout: Lifetime Gym
Go on a date night: Valbellas
Go out for a girls night: Happy Monkey
Go out to dinner as a family: Harvest
Have fun as a family: Hiking/ walking by the water.
