Kids of all ages love to play. While sometimes it may seem like it’s only on their electronics, they are unique individuals who need their creativity and interests encouraged and explored. Having a room dedicated to your child’s imagination and play benefits the child as well as yourself. You will be able to host guests and get work done around the house while keeping them occupied. Designing a playroom in a bedroom, basement, or flex room, is the perfect balance of fostering your child’s play-outside-of-electronics world, and you being able to accomplish things on your list.
“This room should be their happy place,” says Polly Timmer, owner of Polly Timmer Designs. “Keep the space less formal and tailored to their interests and needs.” Allow the kids to help in the planning and set-up processes and see the room transform. The following are the top 6 tips for creating the perfect playroom for the little tikes living in or visiting your home.
1. Design the room with their personality in mind
Think about the various kinds of children that will use the space. Your children or grandchildren will be using the room but they will most likely also share it with their friends. If they are a little quieter, they may just want a space where they can read by themselves. Have a large bookcase for storage with a miniature hideout underneath for secluded space can be ideal. If they are a more creative type, you can have a play space or “creation station” for them to use. Set up a small table with paper covering the surface and have crayons and colored pencils easily accessible.
2. Have defined spaces
If you are turning part of their bedroom into the playroom make sure you create the distinction between the two spaces. “It’s important to have specific areas for play and a specific area to sleep. This can be established with a loft for example,” Timmer says. Try to use items you already own like old sheets and blankets to block off play space and create a fort. You can also purchase more traditional room dividers with a creative area for your child on the other side. When space is limited, furniture and other items with multiple purposes can come in handy.
Photo courtesy of Polly Timmer Designs
3. Encourage their interests
Whatever they’re into, you can incorporate the theme into the play space or bedroom. “You can design anything from a dance studio to a bookcase with a reading space beneath,” explains Timmer. Set up a little stage, whether it is a DIY platform or a folded blanket making the performance zone. Install a low dowel rod to hang dress up clothes in case of wardrobe changes. If your child loves the outdoors, set up a tent in the playroom and glue together an indoor campfire. When you combine the imagination of a child and the ability of parents, you can build something special. Even different storage in a room can showcase the interests of your child. “Have a shelf for collections, trophies, cars, etc. and let them be on display,” Timmer suggests.
4. Use bright colors in accents
Decorating the room can be the most fun of all. While storage, activities, and supplies are necessities, the best part of taking on the design project is the décor and visual transformation. Instead of using the bright colors and shapes on the walls, which can become phased out, use these bold colors or patterns on the accents. Think throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and lamps. Because you aren’t spending a considerable sum on these smaller items, let your child pick what accents they want. These accessories can define the room but be changed out as the child ages and interests change.
5. Provide ample storage
Not only does providing ample storage encourage kids to keep the space neat, but it also gives them the space to keep it that way. The room should be able to keep the kiddos busy while you’re working around the house or hosting guests. Timmer says the key to keeping a play space organized is “providing extra storage bins, built-ins and bookcases. You should also be sure to organize their closets as best as possible.” Because many playrooms are part of the bedroom, the closet needs to be accessible but also very clear to see what items and clothing goes where.
6. Save costs and create a room they can grow into
It may be an easy task to transform a spare bedroom or basement into a play area, but it can also be costly to makeover a whole room. To keep the project cheap, Timmer suggests, “use furniture that they can use for years to come. They grow so fast, so choose items that are sensible at any age.” This could include a fabric headboard, storage baskets, and colors that age well. Grays and blues are classic, gender-neutral, and appear beautiful for years. “Contact our designers if you need guidance on color choice,” says Timmer whose work speaks for itself.
Designing a playroom for the children in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. Remember to focus the theme and activities in the room on them and the rest should fall into place. Make sure they can grow with the room to avoid it quickly becoming outdated, and always make use of what you already have to avoid too many costs along the way. For advice and materials to create a playroom, contact our trusted members, like Polly Timmer, at http://mygrhome.memberzone.com/list?clearcache=1/.
