Toddlers play area in living room
My clients wish list for their 3 year old daughter Kathryn design was that it would be located in the living room and (2) that it would have lots of storage, oh and (3) look beautiful (of course!). Mission accomplished. Warning – lots of cuteness in the following photos.
My design: add storage bench, add wall mounted storage units that also served as shelves, add a wall mounted paper dispenser (for drawings) that also served as a shelf, sprinkle cuteness (like adding a wall elephant decal to the top of the dispenser), block bright sun from coming in with a soft light filtering window shade, and re-use some items the client already had (the toddler size table and chairs)
In the below photo I am using painters tape to attach placement guides on the wall so the contractor would know where to install the storage units..
We could had added a custom bench to the window space -or- go with the awesome economical route and simply add a bench that was proportional to the space. Yep, it took a bit of souring for the right size … color … style … and have dual functionality. Dual functional? Meaning, I needed this bench to be comfortable to sit/play and also serve as a storage space. I found the perfect soft gray chevron fabric bench. Adorable Kathryn immediately made the bench her doll’s bed, tucking them in every night. Hmm, so I guess it served triple functionality.
You seriously do NOT NEED TO add a lot to make a room beautiful and functional. Below are the 3 storage solutions I added to the play area which may be perfect for you too.
3 STORAGE SOLUTIONS
1. add a storage bench (not just a regular bench, but one that can store / HIDE all your stuff). // I looked through several benches to find the perfect fit (in size, style, and color).
For the play area, the cabinets were really for mom and dad to hide store away items from the little one.
2. add wall mounted cabinets (best thing-EVER bec not only does it provide you with extra storage INSIDE and ON TOP but it gives the room a visual height ‘balance’. So, instead of adding artwork to an empty wall maybe you want to opt for adding wall cabinets.
For the play area, we staggered the cabinets to give it a more fun elements, then used the top of the cabinets as EXTRA storage space.
3. shelves (use wisely!) When buying shelves, already KNOW what you plan on putting on the shelves, this will keep the shelf tidy / decorative / and functional instead of a drop-zone for anything and everything.
For the play area, I looked for a dual purpose shelf. Kids LOVE to draw to I found a wall shelf that held books and doubled as a paper bin. Easy access to new drawing paper while being stored out of the way was the perfect match for this space.
We also added soft roman shades, we didn’t want to hide the amazing view of lady liberty (yep, if you squint through the window you can spot the Statue of Liberty on the left). Perfect view in person, in my photo …. not so much, hence the squinting ; ) have fun looking through the rest of the photos . . .
