For the Kids: Secret Forts Indoors

Kids spend a lot more time indoors this time of year, and they need their own space. My brother and I made our own secret fort underneath our unfinished basement's stairs when we were kids. All it took was a rug remnant on the floor, lots of paint to decorate the backs of the risers and a notebook to record our secret meetings and make plans. For what, I have no idea, but we were out of our parents' hair for hours on end. Here's how designers are creating some clever secret forts for kids today. By Becky Harris for Houzz (Candlelight Homes)

A secret bookcase entrance is always a fun way to access a special private fort. More: Great Kids' Spaces (Witt Construction)

A ladder gives access to a small loft that hangs over this bedroom. More: Fantasy Kids' Rooms (RD Architecture, LLC)

This secret fort is over a staircase, making great use of what was a very awkward box that surrounds the stairs to the basement. More: See More Great Indoor Forts (Smith & Vansant Architects PC)