Reader Space: A Rustic Playroom

I heart Reader Spaces.  You all are the best at bringing in a variety of ideas and styles and keeping things interesting around here. 

Let's chat playrooms for a moment.  What I love most about playrooms is that there really is no limit to colors and patterns and you have the freedom to become a kid again while designing the space.  They are fun and forgiving and meant to spark imagination.  They really are the best spaces to design.  Aside from making it a fun place to be, how do you mix in adequate storage and functionality?  And most importantly, how do you keep it easy to maintain, especially when you want the littles to participate in the pick-up process?

I am honored to welcome Ashley, who blogs at Rustic Living.  She designed the most darling playroom and I am delighted to share it with you today.  I invited her here to share some more details about her new playful space.


What is the main function of this space?

"To be a space where our 10 month old, our nephews and nieces, and neighbor kids can have fun together, be creative together, and learn together.  It's a space that can be easily transitioned as the kids get older too.  A sitting area for the adults is nearby, so it's fun to watch the kids enjoy themselves while we can chat over a cup of coffee!"

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"Big storage bins with a wide opening are perfect for holding random items and make clean up a breeze.  It's easy and fun for the kids to help put items back in the storage bins when play time is over.  I love the black and white striped bins with rounded eyelet handles I got from Hobby Lobby, easy to carry around the room and they're very sturdy! "

What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?

"Definitely colorful labeled storage boxes!  Between Legos, play-doh, cards, game pieces, coloring tools, there are so many little pieces in a kids playroom that need a home.  I find that kids love seeing what's inside of them too.  I really liked the geometric and polka dot patterns from Michael's craft store, and you can often find them on sale!"

What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?

"My husband and I made the display wall for the children's books from molding we got at Home Depot for super cheap.  I was originally going to paint the molding but felt the natural wood looked great with the colorful books.  The quirky United States map is the perfect bold statement on a wall and the geometric bean bags were a fun, stylish addition to the space... every kid loves a beanbag!"

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

"I was having a hard time finding a kids table that fit well in the space, so I re purposed a thrift store coffee table that we've had for a few years.  Instead of putting the table flush against the wall I brought it straight out to make more room for seating. Included in the seating is a small red rocking chair that belonged to my husband when he was a child.  I incorporated adorable wood toys into the space that were also my husbands', so not only are they sentimental, but they add a vintage feel to the playroom as well."

How has this space impacted your life for the better?

"I think the only thing better than having an organized playroom is having a space that when kids come over they practically sprint to the room because they have developed happy memories there and can't wait to have more fun.  To see their faces light up and hear them say, 'look, this box has Legos!' or 'check out all these board games!' makes my heart so happy.  We look forward to seeing the room evolve as they get older and to spending lots of family time together in the space." 

So great right?   Here are a few of the key reasons why I personally heart it like crazy:

• It is cozy!  Key component to a playroom is creating a space that the kiddos feel comfortable in.  Ashley perfected it, those bean bags add the perfect welcoming touch!
• She combined open and concealed storage.  Open storage is great for encouraging kids to feel free to pull out toys and play.  It allows them to see their options, and also assists with easy pick-up.  If there are smaller items or things that should only be played with during certain play sessions {small pieces, art supplies, play-doh, etc...}, concealing those items in boxes will be an "out of sight, out of mind" for the kids.
• There are endless personal touches throughout this space.  Repurposed storage and furniture, toys from their childhood and even the old schoolhouse chair.  Everything works so well together to keep the space kid friendly and warm.
• They DIY'd the floating shelves to display books.  I love that it fills the walls with "art", while also encouraging reading.
• She added a table for crafts, building and game play!  Another playroom essential.  A coffee table really is an idea solution!
• How darling is the chalkboard?  Seriously.
• Having bins that are easy to tote around and collect the random toys is pretty brilliant.  Anything that makes cleaning up a playroom easy peasy, is a win!
• Can I get one more round of applause for those poufs? 

I love Ashley's style and playroom to the moon and back.  However, what she stated couldn't be more true.  Having an organized space is great; having a space that they love to be in creating memories is priceless.  Ashley, I think you accomplished what you set out to do!  A warm iHeart thank you goes out to Ashley for stopping by and sharing her playful place with us, and as always, you can find even more details on her blog here. 

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life, big or small.  They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room.  Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, and I would heart to feature them right here on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!