OMG. Who does not love a great kid’s playroom? It is no secret that kid’s rooms are my FAVORITE spaces to design. When you have a kid’s space you can be free to take some chances, use a wild color, throw glitter or polka dots around…basically bring out your inner child. So much fun.
Recently I completed a Postbox for a client that needed a playroom space for her two young sons within their lower level. Not only did it have to be durable and useful for THEM, but it is out in the open next to their living space. So it had to coordinate with the entire look of the space. Translation: It couldn’t be a primary colored explosion overflowing with super hero toys.
Does that sound familiar? While some lucky kids might have a dedicated playroom, for most of us parents, we need to incorporate our kids toys into our main living spaces, whether it be a family room or finished basement. I know at my house, my kids have their own corner in our Living Room. So while I want them to have fun, it has to be well, you know…pretty too. Need some help designing your own playroom?
This is Part I of the Ultimate Playroom Guide.
Let’s start with some inspiration:
Since there are two boys, the playroom had to have a masculine feel. I also wanted them to have a place to play Legos, spread out a puzzle, or even do homework, so I wanted to give the parents an option of a play table, like this one above. I love the campy feel and the boyish touches.
Postbox Designs
This one happens to be the homework center I created for my own three kiddos! Like this project, the playroom I was designing had to work for multiple kids and the colors had to be neutral enough to work within the whole space-the “grown-up” hang-out space is open to the playroom area.
I love this playroom because it has it all: a play table, easy to access storage, and this great teepee.
So when you are designing a Playroom here Five Tips to keep in mind:
TIP #1: The toy storage actually has to WORK. I know toy boxes are cute, but let’s be honest-everything gets dumped in and nothing comes out! Even oversized baskets tend to simply contain clutter. Keep the storage SMALL: think small baskets and bins. This is a great chance to bring in your own style.
Industrial style? Try metal bins or wire “locker” style baskets
Traditional style? Try a pattern cloth bin or woven basket
Farmhouse style? Try wood “milkcrate” bins or paint vintage looking numbers onto cloth bins
TIP #2: Think about the purpose of the room. Is this room for homework or art projects? Be sure to provide a table that can either be cleaned easily or has a distressed finish. In the playroom I designed, I included a clear acrylic top to lay over their table for messes.
Is the room for playing? Create logical places for toy storage (see Tip #1), but also pieces that can multi function. Soft poufs can double up as reading nooks and fort building blocks. A teepee can be a quiet corner or part of a wildly fun make-believe game.
Here is what I designed for them:
On that thought…this is Version #1 of the Playroom I designed (Want to see Version #2? Hang out for a few days and check out Part II of this article!). Since two boys were sharing the space I wanted to create multiple hang-outs within the room. This play table adjusts to three different sizes to grow with your kiddo! This gives them plenty of space to spread out their Legos, but they also have the teepee and soft beanbags (monogram them with each child’s name!) for reading or playing on the IPad.
These adorable navy felt storage bins are small but durable and fit perfectly into the cubbies of their toy storage.
I chose neutral colors for all of the large pieces so it would work within the entire room, but I still wanted to add in some pops of color…it is for kids after all! I wanted to give them a space they could grow into…so I chose a boyish, adventure themed gallery wall to add over their storage cabinets. This camp inspired pennant, vintage style poster and map (both from Land of Nod), and this fun Etsy poster can work for toddlers or preteens. Little touches like the wooden arrow are less than $5. Which leads me to the next tip…
TIP #3: Choose pieces that will withstand kid play! You want them to PLAY in their playroom right? So there are two ways to go…choose slightly more expensive, but well-made (i.e. durable) pieces that can withstand horseplay. If it is fabric be sure it is machine washable (you would be surprised!) or that furniture and pillows are slipcovered so you can wash them. Slightly distressed finishes always work well so you don’t cringe on the first scratch. (It’s gonna happen)
TIP #4: Think longterm. As I mentioned above, I wanted a space to grow with these boys. Sure, right now they might be into Batman, but what about six months from now? Or if you have boys and girls, choose a theme neutral enough that will work for both. What if your child is into nothing but unicorns and can’t be swayed? Artwork is a GREAT place to incorporate their passions…and you can easily switch it out when they are on to their new heartfelt passion. I love Etsy for their beautifully creative prints at great prices. Or throw in a themed throw pillow into the mix. But stay neutral on the “biggies” (furniture and rugs).
So above is the Mood Board I designed, and here it is in a 3D perspective. A lot of people have trouble imagining what all of the furnishings will look like in their space.
This perspective, along with my step-by-step instructions show them EXACTLY where to put every item:
Which leads me to my final tip:
TIP #5: Don’t feel like you have to overdecorate. I know, kid’s stuff is SO MUCH FUN. But to keep it from looking like Toys R Us threw up in your house, try to pick a focus wall to decorate. Plus it saves you money…not every wall needs to be covered! In this playroom, I focused on the back wall to decorate, plus it helps ground the furniture on the back wall. By letting the rest of the space “breathe” it helps blend into the otherwise grown-up use space.
Stay tuned for Part II…with a whole new design plus 5 more design tips!
Need some help reigning in one of YOUR spaces? Every room I design is custom fitted just for you! Whatever your style, whatever your budget, I want it to work for you. Just email me at kristin@postboxdesigns.com or jump on over to see How It Works.
Or jump on over to Facebook or Instagram and ask me a question about YOUR space! Or find even more Playroom and Bedroom Designs over on my Pinterest page!
With Postbox Designs you can order your ENTIRE room over a cup of coffee (or wine!) in an hour.
Cheers,
Amelia says
Where did you get that rug with the plus signs on it?! Love!
PostboxDesigns says
Hi! I actually MADE that rug for my own kid’s homework station. I used an outdoor rug, created a simple cardboard stencil, then stenciled the swiss cross pattern all over it. If you are not a DIYer, you can find a similar one here: https://www.gilt.com/brand/kavka-designs/product/1204719193-kavka-designs-swiss-cross-rug?utm_source=google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkOqh6JGA2gIVQ8DICh2NGAXMEAkYASABEgK2tvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Shannon says
Wondering where u can purchase the desk with the 3 chairs?
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Shannon, It is actually the “Karlby” wood top and “Lerberg” desk legs…both from Ikea! That is my own kid’s homework desk and it has held up beautifully!
Ali says
How did you do the shiplap wall?
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Ali, There are about a million ways to do shiplap, BUT at my house we followed this tutorial: https://www.remodelaholic.com/diy-shiplap-plank-plywood-wall/ If you are a less DIYer, you can now buy “shiplap panels” at the big box stores as well. Hope this helps! Kristin