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Playroom: Making Room for “KidStuff”
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Kids, like adults, have lots of “stuff” that just does not seem to all fit in the bedroom and not everything can go in the garage or backyard. So where do you put it? Some families opt for a corner or even an entire room completely dedicated to housing “kid stuff”. This is often called “the playroom” but a playroom is more than just a room for storing toys.
The best playroom goes beyond storage, facilitating more time for parents to be with their child, playing and learning together. Here are a few design tips for creating a room both parent and child will enjoy:
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- Indulge in cheerful, bright, kid-friendly colors. Develop a color scheme by selecting one main hue and adding an accent or two.
- Cool colors make a room feel larger while warm colors make a space feel smaller, so keep this in mind when selecting your color palette.
- Patterns found in fabric, carpet or wall covering can provide good color combinations for your scheme.
- Use stripes, plaids, polka dots or floral prints to visually alter the size or shape of a room, camouflage imperfections or to just add personality.
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- Fabrics should be pre-treated for stain resistance, be durable, washable and include anti-microbial properties.
- Synthetics wear better than natural fibers and patterns or prints need less upkeep than solids so think function when selecting your fabrics.
- Playroom furniture “must haves” are child-size table / chair set and upholstered lounge chair or loveseat. Also add an adult sized lounge chair for reading together or where parents can recline while supervising.
- Use only well constructed furniture with a tough finish such as metal with a baked or anodized finish or hardwood that has been painted or stained and finished with a hard coat of polyurethane.
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- Some solid, dense plastics work as well but stay away from cheap goods. They cost more in the long run when you factor in replacement costs.
- Have a combination of open and closed storage such as bins, baskets and tubs for use on open shelves; drawers and cabinets provide a cleaner look and keep some items out of sight.
- Select storage units that utilize wall space leaving ample floor area for play.
- Kids should be able to effortlessly access storage units and containers for ease in room clean up.
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- Determine which activities will be allowed in the playroom and plan your flooring accordingly. Stain resistance and durability should be top on the list for easy-care maintenance.
- Tile or laminate floors are great options that wipe-clean after messy play and carpet or area rugs provide a comfy place to lounge or a designated area for quiet play.
- Walls can have a multitude of uses such as hanging kids artwork or projects, chalkboards or white boards for reusable drawing space.
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- Painted surfaces are the easiest to change as your kids grow but always use a quality product with a durable finish for scrub-ability to keep it looking clean.
- Add whimsical detail to walls and ceilings with murals, inspirational quotes or architectural trims and moldings.
- Install light fixtures that are decorative as well as sturdy (to protect from occasional flying objects!). Plenty of light makes reading together more enjoyable.
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With a well thought out design, you can create a safe, comfortable area where children can play and develop their creativity. This play space can grow with your child from room full of toys to activity and crafts center to game and lounge area for teenagers and many years of enjoyment. |
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeanette Simpson, ASID is owner of KidSpace Interiors, the only interior design firm in Florida that specializes in residential and commercial design of spaces specifically used by children.
Drawing from her experience hiring, training and mentoring new employees, Jeanette has recently authored her first book entitled From Interior Design Intern to Employee: How to Be a Keeper (With Tips from Those Who Hire).
We see the world through the eyes of a child. www.kidspaceinteriors.com |
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