The Play Room
Client
The Play Room
Customer
Costumed Portrait Studio Costume Rentals with Theme Party Planning
Date
March 31, 2025
Category
Website Design
Project Details
The Play Room LLC — Bringing Imagination Online
Case Study
The Play Room LLC, founded by Shirley Parsons, offers a whimsical blend of costumed portraits, costume rentals, and themed party planning. Known for handcrafted costumes, props & backdrops, and more than 45 years of experience in event planning, their offerings are deeply creative and highly visual. A strong online presence was needed to capture that unique aesthetic and communicate their wide range of services — from fantasy & historical photoshoots to children’s dress-up parties and full theme events.
Goals & Challenges
- Storytelling through visuals: The nature of the business relies heavily on immersive photography and themes, so showcasing high-quality images, costume details, backdrops, and themed props was essential.
- Clarity and navigation: With multiple service lines — rentals, portraits, party planning, kids dress-up, etc. — it was important to make the site easy to navigate so customers can quickly find exactly what interests them.
- Modern, welcoming design: The website needed to look professional, fun, and nostalgic — to reflect both the craftsmanship and creativity behind the costumes and experiences, yet be accessible and inviting to families
- Mobile responsiveness and usability: Ensuring the site works well on phones/tablets given many bookings or inquiries might come via mobile devices.
Solution & Design Highlights
- Homepage engaging headline / welcome: “Bringing imagination to life with costumed portraits, rentals, and unforgettable themed experiences!” immediately communicates what The Play Room is all about.
- Service differentiation: Clear sections for Costume Rentals, Storybook / Portrait Photography, Kids Dress-Up Time, and Theme Party Planning, each with engaging photography and short descriptions make visitors quickly see what’s offered.
- Why Choose Us section: Utilized the founder’s experience, craftsmanship (handmade costumes, props, etc.), and decades of event planning to establish credibility.
- Portfolio & gallery: A strong visual gallery showing sample images (themes like Vikings, fairytale characters, Wild West, etc.), black & white / sepia / color, creating aspirational imagery for prospective clients.
Our Results
Delivering Exceptional Results
Client Feedback
“Our visit to The Play Room did not disappoint! My three boys dressed up as the Three Musketeers complete with hats, capes, and swords… Love her clever ideas!”
– J. Pagliuca, S.C.“I have attended many of Shirley’s themed parties and have never been disappointed. Shirley knows her guests …”
– L. Smedberg, ME
Clients routinely mention the authenticity of costumes, creative experience, and professionalism — feedback that aligns with the brand image we aimed to convey through the new site.
