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Photography by Seth Smoot Words by Angela Tafoya Styling by Rosy Fridman

Photography by Seth Smoot Words by Angela Latoya Styling by Rosy Fridman

Parenting pro Katie Hintz-Zambrano knows a thing or two about the power of play—her Oakland living room is proof.

Parenting pro Katie Hintz-Zambrano knows a think or two about the power of play– her Oakland living room is proof

Hintz-Zambrano is all about downtime through design choices. The family likes to sit “criss-cross applesauce” around the roomy Queer Eye Liam Coffee Table for game night, which thanks to its large size can easily fit a few people around it. The low-slung silhouette encourages easy access to choice selects like Monopoly or Life. Another fam favorite? Living room basketball. “We do it so often—basically, putting a basket on either side of the room, adding a soft and squishy ball, and going ‘full-court’ with it,” she shares. Goal!

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Living room campouts are a frequent occurrence at Hintz-Zambrano’s home. “I love to host playdates with my son Diego’s crew—which can sometimes add another five to six boys to the mix,” she shares. A tufted gray daybed from Walmart anchors the space like any sofa preparty, then serves as sleepover central when friends arrive. The upholstered piece instantly transforms into two cozy twin-size beds thanks to the handy pull-out trundle.

Living room campouts are a frequent occurrence at Hintz-Zambrano’s home—and having the right setup for them is key. “I love to host playdates with my son Diego’s crew—which can sometimes add another five to six boys to the mix,” she shares. In preparation for the party, Hintz-Zambrano turned to a tufted gray daybed from Walmart to anchor the space. The upholstered piece does double duty as a sofa then instantly transforms into two cozy twin-sized beds—thanks to the handy pull-out trundle —making room for group sleepovers and lounge sessions alike.

When the fun inevitably comes to an end (womp) and it’s time to get things back in order, cleaning up is a breeze thanks to Walmart’s woven console. With open shelving in the middle, you can easily gussy it up with art books and candles so no one’s the wiser that all of the playing cards, toys, and board games are behind the rattan doors. “I love how stylish it is and how much hidden storage it provides,” she raves. Out of sight but definitely not out of mind.

But, when the fun comes to an end (womp) and it's time to get things back in order, cleaning up is a breeze thanks to this woven entertaining console. With open shelving in the middle you can easily gussy up the front with art books and candles and then stow away all of the cards, toys, and board games behind the rattan doors. “I love how stylish it is and how much hidden storage it provides,” she raves. Out of sight but definitely not out of mind.

Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Entertainment Credenza

The Novogratz Multicolored Metal Vase Set

Alden Design Faux Sherpa Wingback Accent Chair

Nadia Channel Stitched Upholstered Twin Daybed

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There’s a certain magic that happens when you see a space the way a child would—a blanket becomes the canopy for a bedroom fort, a cardboard box transforms into a taco truck, wicker baskets are suddenly makeshift basketball nets. As the founder and editor of popular parenting site Mother and conference In Good Company, Katie Hintz-Zambrano knows the power of sprinkling childlike wonder into everyday communal spaces. “The benefits of play have been well documented and are something I cover a lot in my work,” she shares. “It’s important for me, as an adult, to get back into that state as much as possible.” To do so in the living room of her Oakland, California, home, which she shares with her husband and 10-year-old son, Hintz-Zambrano shopped at Walmart for an array of pieces that act as beautiful backdrops for family fun—and can stand up to an impromptu game of indoor hoops.

$247

$156

$404

$30

The family likes to sit “crisscross applesauce” around the roomy Queer Eye Liam Coffee Table for game night (with its 35-inch diameter it can fit all three of them). Plus, the low-slung silhouette means even the smallest arms can reach the Monopoly money in the middle. Another Hintz-Zambrano tradition? Living room basketball. “We do it so often—basically, putting a basket on either side of the room, adding a soft and squishy ball, and going ‘full-court’ with it,” she shares.

Gap Home Lounge Chair

Queer Eye Liam Round Coffee Table

Nadia Channel Stitched Upholstered Twin Daybed

The Novogratz Multi-Colored Metal Vase Set

Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Entertainment Credenza