How to design a playroom that appeals to both kids and parents in 6 easy steps
Read on for our top tips on how to create a fabulous playroom that encourages creativity and play the whole family can enjoy
A good play space design needs to be equally appealing to children and adults alike because, let’s face it, how many of us actually have space in our homes for a separate playroom? If you are lucky enough to have a dedicated playroom, and your kids are anything like mine, they’re going to expect you to spend a lot of time in it with them playing make-believe babies and re-enacting Harry Potter! So it needs to be comfortable enough to ensure the whole family can enjoy spending time in it. Whether you’re carving out a space within an existing room or creating a separate zone, follow our advice to ensure you create the perfect play area that first and foremost inspires little minds and encourages curiosity and play, while also being functional, easy to keep clean and fits the design tastes of the adults in the home, too!
1. Add in lots of storage
Investing in adequate storage is essential if you want to avoid your playroom becoming a chaotic mess. Decide on what toys you want to hide away and which ones can be out on show. And don’t forget to label up toy boxes and cupboards so that kids know where things go back to, which will help promote independence as well as valuable organisational skills! If you’re going to the expense of fitting built-in cabinetry make sure the storage will work in the future, such as fold-away desks that can be used for crafting and puzzles when younger and homework when they’re older – you’ll thank yourself in 5 years’ time! Lastly, don’t forget to maximise wall space for storage by installing hooks, shelving and hanging organisers or by displaying artwork and crafts created by your children.
2. Have fun with the decor
There’s no textbook rule that says which colours are better for children. While some colours, such as greens and blues might be calming to some children, to others it may feel the opposite. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from using colour in your kid’s play area. Here at Nest magazine we’re big fans of using colour in the home. YesColours co-founder Emma Bestley and mum of 2 suggests working with your children to see what colours they are drawn to and what makes them happy. She also suggests trying pockets of colour in spaces to help provide fun an energy without dominating a space. You could try painting an alcove area, or adding block colour features on walls, for example. Whatever paint colour you decide upon, make sure the finish is wipeable. Paints with a low sheen are more durable than matt emulsions, and any marks can be wiped off without damaging the paint. We’re also big fans of wallpaper – with so many bright and colourful patterns and designs on offer. Or if you’re not sure about committing to full-on wallpaper, wall stickers are a great way of adding a splash of colour and fun that can be peeled off in an instant for quick room makeovers.
3. Create a craft station
An area for art will make a popular addition to any playroom. At the moment, all my kids craft is tucked away in storage boxes with a somewhat questionable organisational system – which only I ever seem able to follow. But when we get around to designing the living room/ playroom/ snug area next year I’m hoping to create a craft area. “Arts and crafts corners are fantastic for encouraging children to use their creative skills,” says Kate and Eva, from Four Little Pigs. The interior design company (which focusses on kids interiors) suggests making tools easily accessible and organised on pegboards to help little ones dive into imaginative projects. “Incorporating chalkboard walls, whiteboard surfaces, drawing paper roll and all the supplies within reach will encourage little artists to start their masterpieces independently.”
4. Build an indoor park
Young children have short attention spans, so designing a space packed with variety – such as an indoor swing, Wendy house or climbing wall – will help burn off some energy and are great for rainy days when kids can’t go outside. Take a look at the Kaos Endelos Vertical set up climbing wall, which can be used alone, or combined with storage accessories so you can store toys, books and games up high to encourage climbing fun.
5. Choose the right flooring
It’s important to consider both durability and safety when choosing flooring materials in a kid’s play zone. Something that is shock absorbent, so children (who are always prone to accidents) can enjoy playing without the worry of hurting themselves if they fall, as well as something that is durable and easy to keep clean. Rubber flooring is great for its shock-absorbent qualities as is cork, which is soft underfoot, as well as being eco and sustainable. Marmoleum also works well, a natural flooring renowned for durability and sustainability and comes in a vast range of colours in either sheet or tile format – visit Forbo for more ideas. If you’re unable to replace the room’s flooring, consider softening the space with a rug, which will provide comfort underfoot. We love the RockStepper playmat (pictured above), offering an anti-slip surface and an educational print in a muted colour on one side and a modern grey design on the other. We love the reversible aspect of the playmat as it means it can be used as your child grows, as well as by adults when the kids are safely tucked up in bed.
6. Fit the right furniture
Incorporating multifunctional furniture with built-in storage compartments, such as ottomans with hidden storage will help maximise space and help keep play zones neat and tidy. Low furniture is great for little ones, but consider investing in height-adjustable pieces that will grow with your children. Tables on wheels are great too, so you can easily move things around. In terms of seating, consider investing in a play sofa that can be used as a comfy sofa, as well as made into a cosy fort, rocket ship or shop – check our Possum Play and Zonky.
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