Musical Rooms Part 2: A New Playroom!

On Saturday I gave you a peek into the new cozy little sewing room I’ve just finished setting up in my basement, and today I’m excited to share a few pics of the playroom I’ve put together for the kids, right off the living and dining rooms, in my old sewing space. Afterall, now that I’m about to dive into the world of 4 kids under the age of 5, who will all be sharing bedrooms, I figure these little crazies finally deserve a space of their own where they can hang out, get creative, read, and play.

I’m on a super low budget here, but am pleased with what I’ve been able to come up with for under $200. Still needs a few final touches…simple valances, some art on one of the walls- but you get the idea.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Bright, fun, and casual, just as I’d hoped! I stacked a couple of 2X2 IKEA Expedits on top of the desk space to help me organize puzzles, games, crafts, and dress-up clothes, while the larger toys, big legos, books, and coloring supplies are easy for little hands to get to.

A $10 can of chalkboard paint and a Bygel rail from IKEA for chalk and erasers = magic!  They LOVE the freedom of being able to color on the walls!

I love this little unexpected reading corner…throw down a couple of pillow and a bucket of books, and they flock to it like moths to a light.

I heard somewhere that babies and young children are especially stimulated by black & white prints…and I can see why…this chevron rug just makes me want to do the jig! Adds just the visual “pop” that I was looking for.

Ok, I know, it’s a little old school, but hey, I deserve a little sanity. This wooden accordion-style gate that used to keep little grabby little fingers from hurting themselves on my sewing notions, now creates a bit of a boundary to help us stay focused when we’re working on a project together or enjoying some playtime…rather than drag toys and art supplies all over the house. Nothin wrong with some healthy boundaries. :)

Well, I know it’s not a quilt- in fact barely any fabric involved in this project- but boy, does it feel amazing to be getting things in order as I try to prepare myself, and my house, for a tidal wave of toddlers. A little scared, but more excited than anything!