Kids Playroom Creation: Top Tips to Remember (Part-1)

Posted by jsimpson at 9:00 am

Jul 272011

Did you know that one of your visitors’ favorite rooms is the kid’s playroom? Yep. That’s right. Ranks right up there with the kitchen. Guess they come to play with your toys and eat your food. Is your playroom (if you have one) the most visited room in the house? Do you know what makes it the favorite place to be?

As part of the Kids Playroom Creation Series, I thought a few design guidelines would help if you need to create a playroom or make it the destination of choice. When it comes to the room itself, here are a few top tips to remember:

Floors: Easy-care, stain resistant, and durable is a must so don’t skimp here. Tile or laminate (in styles without dirt-collecting grout) wipe clean after messy play. Carpet or area rugs provide comfy place to lounge or play and reduce noise level.

play area for kids in basement family room with wood laminate floor

Easy to clean, durable laminate floor

Walls: Use quality paint with a durable finish for scrub-ability. Easy to change, easy to maintain. Add whimsical detail with murals to fuel imagination, chalkboards for budding artists, or wall words quotes for inspiration.

play rooms with chalkboard wall in art center

I love a good chalkboard!

Ceilings: Give kids something to view above when lying on their backs. Extend a wall mural to the ceiling; add stars, clouds, or airplanes. Include a fun ceiling fan, unless it interferes with physical activities in the room.

play area for kids in family room with tree house

Tree house with this ceiling would make anyone drift away to adventureland.

Color: Cheerful, bright, kid-friendly. Nix the neutrals and grayed-out shades adults love. Use intense colors without fear and kids will love it! Develop a color scheme by selecting one main hue and adding an accent or two.

play room with colorful walls in geometric shapes

Bold use of color is great in playrooms.

Light: Use blinds or shades to control natural light (most desirable source of light), reduce glare, and save energy. Install ample light fixtures, but avoid table and floor lamps. Wall mounted fixtures are best with overhead next. Select decorative, sturdy fixtures that are protected from occasional flying objects.