You Asked: IHeart Answering - Playroom Must Haves

Playrooms are my most favorite space to design and organize.  Most days, I wish that was my full time gig, designing and organizing playrooms.  Love.  Knowing that it will be a space for kids to enjoy and spend their time and let their imaginations go wild, something about it all just makes me giddy inside.  Since I have a sweet obsession with playrooms, it is no surprise that I chat about them frequently here on the blog, and that I couldn't wait to answer today's reader question.

Rachel asked:

"Hi Jen!  IHeart your playroom!  I am desperate for ideas and inspiration for ours right now, it is so blah.  What are your must have items for a playroom?"

So, I thought back to all of the playrooms I have drooled over, pinned, designed and created and came up with a simple list of items that seem to be consistent throughout each dreamy space.

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Since playroom's typically come with all sorts of kid gear, from toys to learning objects to crafting supplies, storage is a must.  My favorite piece of storage for any playroom is the Expedit, since it holds boatloads of toys and can be mixed and matched with either concealed or open storage.  Armoires and deep cabinets are really great for those larger toys that create crazy eye clutter and need to be tucked behind doors. 

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I am a huge believer that the youngsters using the play space should be helpful in maintaining it.  To make this possible and easy for them, labels are all toy bins and shelves ensure that each item makes its way back home.  If the space is being used by older kiddos that can read, then standard labels are fabulous.  If the space is also being used by littles that are too young to read, picture labels typically do the trick!

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I love putting an activity table in each and every play space, since it can serve endless purposes.  Crafting, building, playing or even for a quick snack, tables always come in handy.  And since many crafts are created in the playroom, why not find a fun way to display them in the room to create additional inspiration for little imaginations?

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A playroom is the one room in the house where a kid can be a kid.  They can whip up a colorful masterpiece or pretend a slew of dragons just invaded the race track to kidnap the town princess.  To get imaginations brewing, I love bringing in all sorts of graphic elements, including a large fun focal wall.  Whether through posters, artwork, over sized maps or a fun paint treatment, something that is an attention grabber is always a win with the kids.

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Kids typically go from sitting to standing and back to sitting again while they play.  So, whether they are taking a break, working on a craft, reading a book or just plain playing, some cush under their tush is a plus.  Mini chairs, floor cushions or built in benches are all great playroom options since they are kid sized and versatile.

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I personally incorporate books into any space that my kids use, and a playroom is no exception.  It's the perfect place to give them a little quiet nook to curl up and enjoy a good read.  Since reading is such a great way to encourage imagination and role play, I always suggest some sort of book storage at kid level.


How about you?  Any playroom "must haves" on your list?  What's your little one's favorite moment in their play area?  If you could make a living designing any one room type, what would it be?