As Fall rolls around, the days become shorter and cooler. The opportunities of sending your kids out to the back yard or to the park to play and burn off all of their extra energy also become fewer. As you begin to envision the toy clutter yet again covering each floor of your home, don’t despair! Consider the option of a kids’ playroom! Whether you use a bonus room, office, basement or part of a bedroom, these fun spaces are where kids can be kids with freedom. The playroom also frees you from a mess throughout your home!
Picking your space – When we talk about a playroom, we’re not talking about the dark and dank basement rec room that you might have played in as a child. Instead, think about a bright space that gives your children the opportunity to spread their wings and fly with their imaginations.
Wherever you choose to put the playroom, kid-friendly vinyl or laminate flooring is a must for the rough-and-tumble nature of a playroom, and it is easy to clean. Consider also having softer floor coverings like carpet tiles that allow for gentler active play or lounging area.
If you choose to put the playroom in the basement, try painting the walls a warm white. Lights are also incredibly important in the basement, as it can mimic natural light that you might not have. Numerous durable ceiling light fixtures are a must, as they will keep the room bright, as well as be able to handle the occasional ball hit!
Of course, size is very much an issue when choosing a playroom space. In a lot of ways, the bigger you can get it, the better. A bigger play area can mean your kids can safely run around indoors and use up all that extra energy. Leaving an open space in the centre leaves the opportunity for the playroom to be anything from a mini-soccer game stadium to a ballroom!
Furniture – You want the playroom to be a durable, comfortable and safe space for your kids. Make sure play surfaces all have rounded corners and edges. Tables and desks are an option, with a few easy-to-move chairs. Consider gently-used pieces you find at thrift stores or online. That way if they get scratched, colored or glued, they are easy to replace - without breaking the bank. Also, by having them on the edges of the play space, it gives your children the opportunity to draw, color and craft, while still allowing them the bigger open areas in the centre. If you want a bit more comfort in the room, also consider bean bag chairs, child-sized arm chairs or a sectional with washable slipcovers. This way, there is space to read, relax and cuddle in their private place.
Storage – Storage can be one of the most difficult aspects to include in a playroom. How to house so many toys and supplies while avoiding clutter? How do you keep it organized in a way that your kids will be able to follow?
Bookcases are a must. Once you’ve safely secured them to the walls, bookcases are a great place to keep books, toys and games. Higher shelves can be used too for books and items that aren’t regularly used or haven’t been grown into yet. Coordinating the bottom shelves is a matter of finding a system for the kids being able to find and replace the items that they usually use. Consider numbered baskets, which help children remember what is inside by matching numbers to items.
If you are looking for a unified effect, choose matching baskets, buckets and furniture. This technique conceals items in a way that looks deliberately decorative. However, don’t hesitate to use cheerful bold colors. Kids love them!
Consult the experts… your kids! Consider your children’s interests when designing their play room. Even better, ask them what they think. They could give you the idea that sparks a unique theme or color scheme that works for both your kids and you!
Try including their artwork in the design of the play area. This will help give the room that vibrancy that you’re looking for!
No matter what you choose, it will help you and your family to have a designated play area. They can have some independence and, perhaps, you can even get a little peace.
To see why Stepper Custom Homes is Calgary’s family home builder, contact Stepper Custom Homes at 403-250-1033 or visit www.stepperhomes.com and www.facebook.com/stepperhomes.
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