How To Design A Playroom: 3 Tips From A Stylist
Magdalene Liacopoulos from The Bebe Style Co shares her expert advice on how to create a unique play area for kids
Putting together a children’s playroom is no easy feat, especially when you have managed to accumulate a lot of ‘stuff’ in such a short amount of time!
It can be a challenge to make sense of it all, but a well-thought-out playroom can be a sensory space where your curious child can play, create and explore and ultimately, we all know that a happy child makes for a happy family and a happy home.
Tips for designing a playroom
#1 Sort and donate
When starting any home project, it’s a good opportunity to do a stocktake of what you have and what will stay versus what will be culled and given away or donated. It’s during this process you will begin to find bits and pieces that you forgot even existed, and that would be perfect for that craft corner you were planning to create! It’s also at this point where you can start to establish a shopping list. Depending on your child’s needs, likes and dislikes, this could range from a table and chairs to bookshelves and soft seating. Remember, you are creating a room that will inspire and cultivate your child, so it’s important to always keep them in mind. This brings me to my next point…
#2 Establish zones
When deciding on the room’s specific zones, think of what will enhance your child’s strengths and what will ultimately make them happy, because a playroom after all is just that—a play room!
Breaking the area into zones will also help to add some order to a room that can very quickly turn to chaos. This is why I encourage designated spots, like a reading nook that will have a bookshelf —it’s the perfect addition to house the seemingly endless amount of books your child has and will continue to gather. Add in soft, comfortable seating like Lorena Canals’ Circle Cushion, and you have yourself the perfect spot for downtime. This also means that during pack-up time the books go back to their ‘home’ and this same thought process can be carried through to the other zones, like the craft corner, or a toy and dress-up area.
#3 Have Lots of Storage Options
Sufficient storage solutions are a playroom must. Depending on available space, options range from wall shelving to an open storage unit that can be filled with baskets for maximum storage capacity. It might seem a little like storage overkill, but this will help to keep the room organized and functional. Another important factor is to ensure easy accessibility—the last thing you want is for your little one to be unable to reach items and climbing to try to get to something. This means having shelving and toys that are positioned at their level so they are able to reach everything easily and safely.
Babyletoo Presto Acrylic Bookcase Cart
$299
Safety is paramount, and I always recommend that you have the playroom baby-proofed by a professional and that any storage units, libraries and freestanding bookshelves are fixed to the wall to avoid them toppling over.
See The Tot’s Guide to Baby Proofing for more home safety recommendations.
A well-planned playroom can keep your children entertained for hours on end and can be a win for the whole family.
Top Picks for creating the perfect playroom
Oeuf’s Toy Storage provides much-needed storage – which will house everything from books to craft supplies to plush toys.
Oeuf Toy Storage
$498
Designed to help keep your tot’s room neat and organized, the Nico & Yeye Minimo Modern Kids Bookcase comes in walnut or maple, a range of colors and is sized for books, buddies, and baskets of toys.
Nico & Yeye Minimo Modern Kids Bookcase – Maple
$358
Looking to add a personal touch to your toy storage? Check out the range of custom puzzle stools and toy boxes by Hollow Woodworks!
Hollow Woodworks Personalized Classic Maple Toy Box
$299
Available in more colors
This soft furnishing by Lorena Canals is just the piece to add extra comfort and finish off a reading nook. I also love their floor cushions!
Lorena Canals Mini Tribu Washable Rug
$89
Lorena Canals Rugcycled Floor Cushion
$59
Storage hampers that are easily accessible are essential for every playroom. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
Pehr Pom Pom Hamper
$82
Available in more colors
Enhance imaginative play with this whimsical Tower Tent that will also double as soft seating for a reading area.
Domestic Objects Tower Tent
$165
Available in more colors
Every playroom needs good quality wooden toys like the Lily & River Birchwood Climber and Little Stackables or these pastel wooden blocks by Raduga Grez
Lily & River Birchwood Climber
$350 – $533.95
Lily & River Little Stackables
$49.95
Raduga Grez Pastel Earth Cube Set
$40
Perfect for arts + crafts, imaginative play and even meal time, the Lily & River Little Creator Table Set features a reversible tabletop that is truly designed for creativity and play, with a brick skin on one side, and a dry erase surface on the other. Made from FSC-certified wood, the lid is lightweight and easy for little hands to open, and the hidden organizer play pouches will help keep the playroom tidy and encourage independent clean-up.
Lily & River Little Creator Table Set
$299.95
For seating options, I suggest the range of chairs and couches from Made in USA brand, Franklin + Emily.
Franklin + Emily Two Seater Sofa
$660
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Franklin + Emily Chair – Walnut
$450
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
More on Kid’s Room Style
- Interior Stylist, Magdalene Liacopoulo talks about bedroom styling in her article on 6 ideas for styling a big kids room.
- About to welcome baby #2? See our article on How to design a shared nursery and toddler room.
