Red Tricycle

Designing Dad HGTV junkies know Todd Davis from his high-energy turn as a finalist on that network's "Next Design Star" competition show, but locals have been turned onto this landscape and interior designer for years. His Marin-based company, Epic Spaces, specializes in unique spaces--both indoor and outdoor--that reflect a Northern California sense of refined relaxation, adventure, and fun. Todd's an adrenaline junkie who plays hard, so he "gets" playspace. His treehouses and play structures are often a new twist on the childhood classic. Even if you're not in need of, say, a half-pipe in your bedroom or a basketball court where your dining room used to be, he's got some great ideas for projects that will perk up any kid's room, from tire swings to tree houses. Davis is currently working on a book, "Handy Dad," that's due out around this time next year. Impatient types can get a sneak peek at this project on his blog, where Davis previews some of the projects that will be included in "Handy Dad." His Circus Tent window treatment, for example, is a DIY project that can be completed over a weekend after a quick trip to Home Depot and a fabric store. While some of the projects are definitely challenging, they are great for parents who want to feel a sense of accomplishment, and look like a rock star to their kids! Todd Davis's Epic Spaces www.epic-spaces.com