For many the word ‘playroom’ conjures images of tipped over toy boxes, colourful plastic balls and crayon on the walls. Fear not, the team at Milka Interiors have shared with Minty Magazine their six top tips to nailing the ultimate playroom – and there isn’t a colourful plastic ball in sight!
TIP 1: PLAYROOM COLOURS AND PATTERNS
Choose colours and patterns with the growth and development of your children in mind. Select an option they won’t outgrow too quickly or go for a removable wallpaper if you love to change things up often. Geometric line patterns are a great way to incorporate a minimal feel for the eye and will compliment colourful artwork and fun multi-coloured toys that will bring the room to life.
TIP 2: PLAYROOM FURNITURE IDEAS
When purchasing furniture, think long term. I always select timeless furniture for a playroom as that has the ability to transition into an older child’s space later on. You don’t need a lot of furniture other than storage and shelving but these items will be used on a daily basis, so invest in good quality items that will last.
TIP 3: READING NOOK INSPIRATION
We all know how crucial reading is in a child’s development, so creating a cosy nook to encourage kids to read is one of the most important aspects of a playroom. I love the Tree Shelf (pictured below) because of the varying heights. The 18-month-old toddler can keep his books on the lower shelf and the older kids can keep their books up out of reach. By creating a whimsical place where the kids can sit with their favourite cushions and toys, we were able to bring the feeling of a magical story book to life.
TIP 4: STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE
Any kid’s space, regardless of it’s purpose, must include a variety of storage options. Larger storage or toy boxes like the Ikea ‘Stuva’s’, can hide all the messy, smaller pieces and visually horrendous toys our kids like to ‘keep’. Open storage, like the floor baskets and lower shelving are great for toys used more regularly and can be packed away quickly. And use wall mounted floating timber or wire baskets up high to display the stylish keepsake items that work beautifully in the room and allow for a little visual styling.
TIP 5: GET THE KIDS INVOLVED IN PLAYROOM SETUP
Allow the kids to have input into the design of the room and provide an opportunity for them to share their ideas. Consider which items they love the most and the play they most regularly engage in. Craft stations, dress ups, car tracks and lego building all provide the perfect foundation to design a functional and enjoyable space. They are also more likely to take pride in the room, which hopefully means less cleaning at the end of the day!
TIP 6: DON’T FORGET THE FUN
Sometimes when designing a playroom, it’s common to overlook the most important thing: that it’s a PLAY space for your kids. Remember to be practical, use hard wearing furniture and utilise all those amazing artworks they create to really make the room their own.
