We moved into our home just two years ago, and there was a glorious sunroom. But let’s be real—when am I going to have the time to pull up a lounge chair to do the NYT crossword puzzle with a cup of tea? I now have three children and a span of eight years between my oldest and youngest. One day I am going to convert this space back into the relaxing sunroom it was meant to be, but for now, I am pleased that it’s evolved into the perfect kids’ playroom—a cheerful and creative escape for the entire family to enjoy. Learn how to create a playroom below!
On that note, it’s only natural for me to want to share my tried-and-true child and baby playroom decorating tips that allow everyone to “play” nice—three kids and three homes later!
Tip #1: Keep it light. The space was originally painted yellow, and while yellow is a fantastic neutral color, this particular shade was much too loud. Toys tend to be crazy colorful, so I recommend going with an extremely pale shade of your favorite color. Mine happens to be a Hint of Lilac.
Tip #2: Diversify your storage options. In keeping with the spirit of creativity, I carved out a small space of the playroom for myself so that I can work on my own projects alongside the kids. I love the crisp white look and vertical flexibility the elfa Shelving System affords me. Its butcher block top and upper drawers are dedicated to my small sewing projects and gift wrapping. My boys have taken over the bottom bins with their arts and crafts, but this will be changing once their little sister starts crawling—and that could be any day now!
Floor bins, on the other hand, are a perfect solution for smaller children. All of our baby toys are stored in chic, colorful ombre rattan baskets for easy access.
Tip #3: Make their art the focal point. What to do with all of your kids’ preschool painted masterpieces? We gathered string, two nails and a bunch of clothespins, and suddenly we had our own little art gallery for all to admire with installations updated quarterly.
Tip #4: Cater to the ages. Play tables are most practical when it comes to the four and younger crowd, but if you can manage to incorporate an adult-sized table in the playroom, I am all for it. From Legos and art, to homework, puzzles and snack time, this is where my eight-year-old and his friends gravitate to (and so do my fellow preschool moms at playdates).
This metallic gold teepee is not only on trend, it’s basically where my middle child lives, all cozied up among the pillows with his incredibly active imagination.
Tip #5: Incorporate kiddie furniture and a big dose of whimsy. Let me tell you from experience, it’s super fun to bring in pint-sized furniture for your tot to enjoy as much as you like looking at it. I’ve designed many a playroom over the years, but at the end of the day, it’s about the feeling you get when you walk into your playroom as an adult. My personal mission? Put a smile on everyone’s face.
Tip #6: Make your flooring fabulous. They are only small once, so getting down on your hands and knees is one of the best parts of being the parent of a small child. Everyone asks me about my happy retro rug, so I thought I would save the best for last—it’s from The Land of Nod. And as for floor time, its plush wool is great on the tummy and the knees, and I’m not just talking about comfort for my baby.
For a complete source list and a library of great playrooms, check out the Project Gallery.
photography by Charlie Juliet Photography
Some samples were received but all opinions are my own.
Comments
Annie
What a beautiful space. The colors are so bright and happy I could get very comfortable in that room. I love the point about having a table for adults, it makes to much sense. The table in your room is really nice, would you share who makes it? Thanks!
Beth
Hi Annie, Melisa’s table is from Crate and Barrel. Glad you enjoyed the reveal!
Lauren
LOVE, love, love the zodiac throw pillows. Where are they from?
Beth
Hi Lauren, They are from Serena & Lily, but it looks like they aren’t selling them anymore. I found a gilt sale that is still selling a few of them.
Janelle
I LOVE your playroom. I’ll be featuring your photos over at my site for inspiration. Beautiful, kid friendly space!
Lorraine Reynolds
Hi Beth,
Would you ind sharing the paint color? Thanks!
Melisa Fluhr
Happy to share Lorraine. It’s the perfect white/lavender otherwise known as Benjamin Moore’s Rain Drop on Roses!
Melisa
Caroline
Can you tell me where the chairs and stools are from that you have paired with the dining table?
Melisa Fluhr
Hi Caroline, you bet! The stools are from Industry West and here’s the direct link: https://www.industrywest.com/machinist-counter-stool.html. The chairs are no longer sold at West Elm.
Molly
Could you please share you link for the colorful chairs and table. And I love the pillows you’ve paired with them!
Melisa Fluhr
Thanks Molly! I purchased all of those from the Land of Nod, now known as Crate & Kids. Unfortunately, they don’t have the same items available still but definitely check out their website to get a similar look!
Molly
Hi, even though the white chairs are no longer available at West Elm could you share the name of them? Hopefully I can find them somewhere else! Thanks!
Patricia
Hello!
I cannot believe no one asked about the rug! It’s amazing! Do you mind sharing where you got it?
Beth
Hi Patricia, Yes! That rug is amazing. It was from Land of Nod (now Crate & Kids), but it’s no longer available.
rachel jackson
Hello! I was wondering if you could tell me where you bought the little kids chairs, they are very cute! thanks, Rachel
Beth
Hi Rachel! They were from The Land of Nod! It doesn’t look like Crate and Kids carries them anymore. Sorry about that!