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This Amazing Playroom Is Hidden Behind a Secret Bookcase Door — And There’s a Fireman’s Pole, Too!

Cullen Ormond
Cullen OrmondHome Associate Editor
Cullen Ormond is a writer based in New York City. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a book (always open for recommendations, too!) or pushing her rescue pug, Peanut, in a stroller. In her dream apartment, there’ll be a conversation pit and lots of framed, vintage band posters.
published Nov 29, 2023
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View from loft of children's room.
Credit: Reby Sky

Decorating a playroom is all about having fun. (I mean, ‘play’ is literally in the name.) So, when Reby Hardy, who’s married to WWE wrestler Matt Hardy, was designing a kid-centric room (it doubles as a playroom, homeschooling area, and adventure space) right next to her gothic nursery, she took that job seriously. 

Credit: Reby Sky

“The colorful playroom was my inner child going crazy…” Reby said at the time of her house tour. “I pretty much went wild with all the possibilities that could be included in a kid’s playroom, hence the fireman’s pole, trapdoor, loft, and secret bookcase door. It’s like a children’s version of a James Bond villain’s lair.” 

Credit: Reby Sky

The room is 400 square feet, and Reby made the most of that space with the escape-room-esque touches. But, for all the fun of decorating the playroom, Reby’s biggest concern was her kids’ safety. She worked with a builder to ensure that the fireman pole and hidden bookcase door had additional, adult-only elements that encouraged protection. (For example, the bookcase door has its breaker box, is Wi-Fi activated, and has a hidden button to turn it on and off.)

Credit: Reby Sky
The gothic nursery next door features a bookcase that doubles as a secret door, which opens into the colorful playroom, shown below.
Credit: Reby Sky

Even though the room is full of playtime activities (like Reby’s favorite item, the giant swing saucer), Reby’s main goal for the space is to cultivate an environment that promotes learning, since it’s their home schooling space, too. In addition to the kids’ studies, she encourages personal growth by using numbered pins to make cleaning up fun and sharpen their organization skills. 

Credit: Reby Sky
Credit: Reby Sky

“I wanted it to feel like my dream kindergarten, and I think I’ve achieved that,” Reby shared at the time of the house tour. “The space is decorated with the children’s projects and interests, and it’s special to see how proud they are of it.” 

Credit: Reby Sky
Credit: Reby Sky

The playroom, with all of its bells and whistles, isn’t the only super unique and special room in the Hardy home. Don’t miss the gothic-themed nursery, too!