Playing up the Playroom

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

05 Jan 2007 09:59 AM

Decorating your child's playroom may be one of the most fun room makeovers you'll ever do. Even if you go for a sophisticated look, you'll obviously still want to add some whimsical touches, since it is after all a "play" room intended for good times.

You don't have to be particular and fussy when it comes to this space. You can be as daring as you like, because kids love funky, brightly colored, interesting objects. Furnishings and accessories don't need to follow any rigid rules; they just need to come together to fashion an inviting place to play, create, and imagine.

The best place to start is generally with kid friendly furniture. Low tables, small chairs, stepstools, and storage bins or containers made for small hands, are good options. Childlike artwork, or artwork actually made by your child is also a great touch, especially when displayed in brightly colored or decorative, playful frames.

Softness is also important. Thick rugs, plenty of pillows and cushions, rounded corners, and padded surfaces, are good ideas especially when toddlers also use the space. Toppers are easy to make if you'd like to add some padding to different surfaces. The simplest option is having a piece of 1-2" foam cut to the size of a pillowcase. Slip it inside and sew or use seam tape or washable fabric glue to close the open end. Choose a pillowcase in a bright color or fun print or one with trademark characters. For large surfaces, opt for king size pillowcases or those made for body pillows.

Sometimes adults decorate every space in the home to their own taste, but it's good to think like a child when decorating children's bedrooms and playrooms. Stop and think. What would you have liked as a child? What would your child like? Have you asked him or her for input?

*Remember, the most fun spaces are those that are fun to create.

Other articles that may be of interest:

Displaying Children's Artwork

Trading Spaces

If You Own a Camera, You Can Make Artwork

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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