It’s where the Wild Oates play…
Not all playroom rooms can be created equal with good reason! Every family is different, with children that learn individually and spaces that will differ from house to house. That doesn’t mean you cannot create a space that not only encourages play and imagination but works with your home, budget and compliment your style too.
When I created this space in my mind I wanted it to be simple, still fit in with the overall aesthetic of our home, be easy to keep tidy and did not cost an absolute fortune to put together.
It needed to grow with the kids AND as much as I love looking at play spaces with everything on display it wasn’t for me as they only stay tidy for minutes – I don’t want to see the mess, so it meant cupboards with doors for me haha.
I drew up a rough sketch of what I had in mind and went through the existing toys, games and craft supplies BEFORE buying anything first. I culled broken toys they didn’t ever play with.
- FIND YOUR THEME – Search the net, Pinterest, Instagram for inspiration and ideas of the look you want to achieve. Think about what your home looks like, the existing furniture and toys you want to keep and tie in. Consider whether you want the playroom to fit in with your home’s overall look or if you are happy to create a themed wonderland specifically designed around the kids.
- DECLUTTER – Go through the kids existing toys, games, craft, books and supplies BEFORE buying anything first. You don’t want to have to create space and storage for things they don’t use or like. I culled broken toys and donated toys they grew out of or never played with anymore. If they are old enough even get them involved in the process – they know what they love .
- MEASURE – Measure everything! Measure the room or the space you are working with, this is really important for especially if you need to buy any furniture or storage. Once I decluttered I knew what I had to work with and store , so knowing my room dimensions made it easier to find a unit or cabinet that would fit the wall and our needs. Dont forget to measure shelving / cupboard spaces before you run out and buy containers and storage items, the last thing you want is to come home only to find they dont fit or work in the space.
These are the EKET cabinets from @ikea_australia that I used.
There is 4 cabinets each with 2 doors and 1 shelf, 70x35x70 cm which I placed side by side and cost $115 each.
On a tighter budget? I have found some gems on Facebook Marketplace, gumtree and even the odd verge collection find – for little or free! I love a bargain! Might just need a lick of paint to give it new life!
I went with Ikea cabinets as they were more affordable to achieve a custom look/fit for the room plus kids are hard on stuff and especially while they are younger I didn’t want to spend a fortune on furniture – that will definitely cop a hit or a 1000!
Our walls were bad, couldn’t even handle blu tack without peeling so Craig and my brother Dario put up @easycraft.panels from Bunnings. I love the look they give and they also are harder wearing than the bare walls especially for a kids space – not to mention they can take hits and don’t chip.
Rug @missamaraloves similar pattern linked
Sweet little books @kmartaus
Rattan flowers @junimoon_store
Where the wild ones play @avaandharperco
Print @thenewdevine
Pram @my_darling_valentine
Pot @mowglistudio
Book stand – is a Lid holder from Kitchen Dept: Ikea
Basket Robert Gordon
Pot and hanger Bunnings Pot hanger
We didn’t do this all overnight, it started with the walls first and slowly I added pieces bit by bit. The walls were the most expensive part of this room but definitely worth it for us – as one day it won’t always be the ‘playroom’ and probably end up a teen retreat instead.
Rose xx
Book shelf – Flisat from @ikea_australia can be found HERE
Rose Oates - Just your average Rose 