The Perfect Playroom

As your child reaches toddler-hood, you may have realized that he needs a room of his own for play and exploration. A playroom is the perfect space in which you can encourage your child's creative energies. If you plan it just so, you'll not only give him some of the right kind of stimulation, you'll also provide him with the perfect backdrop for socializing with his siblings and peers.

If you're short on space, you don't need to add an addition to the house or give up the next family vacation to finance your playroom design project. Most homes have some unused space. With a bit of creativity, such a space can function as the setting for your child's playroom.  

One mother had a room she designated as a sewing room, but then found she didn't have much time for sewing. The sewing room sat unused until it was reinvented as her child's playroom. Mother and child are thrilled with the results.

Maximum Usage

Maybe you have a spare bedroom you use when guests come to visit. If those actual visits are rare, consider turning the room into a playroom where it will get maximum usage.

Of course, you may have to think outside of the box a little to get your child his bit of space. Some parents have made good use of the crawlspace under a staircase or a large, walk-in closet. Kids like being in a small space. It makes the space feel private and cozy.

Now that you know where you will design your playroom, it's time to consider the child or children who will be the major beneficiaries of your project. Surfing the web is a good idea to get ideas on how to make your playroom both fun and functional. Start with names like Target and Ikea where you will find budget-friendly designs.

Universal Spaces

"Create universal spaces that will grow with your children," says The Art Institute of Las Vegas' Nancy Bohnett, the academic director of Interior Design at that institution.  "Your first child may be a 3-year-old girl who loves princesses, but she may outgrow her love for pink in a few years and gain a baby brother who will also use the space as he grows."

After you've gleaned some idea of how you expect the room to function, it's time to list the items you'll want to use. Think of your child's special gifts and the areas in which you'd like to help him grow. A budding artist may appreciate a large easel, while a future architect will thrill to a huge collection of wooden building slats in the form of a boxed set of Kapla. A chef in the making may appreciate a play kitchen. You may need to purchase certain items, while others may be hidden away in your attic or already ensconced in your child's crowded bedroom.