Oh The Places You’ll Go…Playroom

Description

We turned a John Deere room in our basement into a bright and cheerful playroom inspired by the colors in Dr. Seuss's "Oh The Places You'll Go." This room had to be done quickly and on a tight budget, and be transitional for kids from newborn to elementary-age.

Design Inspiration

A whole bunch of boxes filled with toys piled up in my basement! We had just moved and quickly. The best place for a playroom in our new house was a John Deere room in the basement that had previosly been used as a home gym.   Since the room is in the basement with only one window I wanted it to be bright and cheerful.  My favorite book, "Oh The Places You'll Go" inspired the colors.

Decorating Style

My usual decorating style is very cottage cozy with french country, but for playrooms I like imperfection and inspirational.  Playrooms should make you feel happy and playful the minute you walk in, and excercise a child's creativity.

Project Details

The room was done on a tight budget. Paint. Paint colors, by Glidden, were matched to the book cover and purchased at Wal-Mart.  I used the kind with primer already added since we were in a hurry. Art Desk.  Land of Nod.  This is worth the splurge because it comes with two additonal sets of legs so the desk grows as our child grows. Storage Bins.  Land of Nod and Target. Storage Shelves.  Target. Shag Rugs.  Wal-Mart and Target. Crib/Daybed.  My mother's attic. Art Supplies.  Hobby Lobby. Chinese Lanterns.  Hobby Lobby. Floor.  The concrete floor has an exposy floor covering so it feels more like rubber and isn't as hard and cold. Chalkboard Wall.  If you first prime the wall with magnetic primer, then your chalkboard wall can also be a magnetic board for hanging artwork.

Favorite Items

The purple shag rug and floor pillows.  We play games and read books there a lot.  And the large mirrors. I picture this turning into a dance studio for  my daughter one day.

Advice

Don't be afraid to take an unusual space in your house and turn it into a fun playroom.  Some paint and good floor coverings can make the most unlikely space the perfect place to store the toys and hang out with the kids.  And remember, it's a playroom.  It will get messy so don't worry about making it perfect.