Not Just For Kids

 

birch and lily

With eighteen weeks to go until our baby boy arrives, we are in full-on construction mode converting the garage into a playroom. I know what you're thinking, but I promise it isn't going to look like a garage when we're finished. In fact, it's already shaping up quite nicely, if a little s-l-o-o-o-o-w-l-y for my tastes. It was a playroom previously and someone converted it back into a garage. It was a little small for our cars, but it's going to be a great size for the barrage of toys that will soon overtake our life! That being said, I need a little inspiration for how to make it both child-friendly and chic, and I think these photos are going to do just the trick!

Peter Dunham Design

Originally, my husband and I told ourselves that we were going to buy something super practical for the playroom seating area. Maybe sofas in red or brown or something similarly dark, probably slipcovered so we could wash them. When we went shopping, though, literally the first thing we saw was a pair of white leather Chesterfield sofas. Before I had even said a thing Will said, "We're getting those, aren't we?" Six hours, ten million stores and four very tired shoppers (Mom and Dad came along for the trip) later we resigned ourselves to the fact that it was clearly meant to be. Plus, the salesman promised me they were easy to clean. I'm about 60 percent sure he was lying...

ivillage
We've also gotten a really cool cowhide ottoman. I think red marker will only bring out its character... But, the room is big enough to be divided and, like this one, the adults will have a space as well as the kids.

1st options



Alessandra Branca Design

This is one of my all-time favorite playrooms. It could potentially have been an awkward size for a room, but this is magnificent. The circus tent ceiling has so much imagination. Had I not already blown the budget with my sofas and ottoman it might have been a consideration. But they were worth it.



Pamplemousse Design
I love the green accents in this room. Green was a strong accent color contender, but I picked up a pair of orange end tables the other day, so I think we're going to go with accents of orange and Carolina blue (that's baby blue for those of you who aren't UNC fans!) instead.

Costas Picadas Photography

We got a little section of big, smushy floor tiles like these to put in the back section of the room over the bamboo floor, so he'll have a soft place to crawl and play on the floor -- and spill finger paint. My husband said he bet I would end up spending more time there doing yoga than little Will would crawling. He's probably right. I pulled one out and was sort of wondering why I hadn't gotten some earlier.

Costas Picadas Photography
I'm sure those little girls sit there nicely with all the toys stowed like that all the time! It's great to have so much floor space for playing, and that's definitely something we're going to do.

Decorpad

Little Moth

 Two very large sets of cabinets should provide a space for every firetruck, Thomas the Train, ball and stuffed animal. We left a ledge above the cabinets -- sort of like this one, but up in the air -- to display toys as well.





Mabley Handler Design

This is my absolute favorite playroom. I hope ours has a similar feel when it's all said and done. There's a place to play, yes, but you could also have an adult conversation if necessary.

 

Rachel Reider Design

Love the giraffe. The one I ordered for baby Will's nursery has shipped! I can't wait to see it!

Elizabeth Drinkel Design

We are building a window seat in our playroom (because I had one in my playroom when I was a little girl and loved it) and now I want this lion to sit in there. I was going to get him for the nursery, but now I'm thinking he's just so cute in the window. Plus, maybe he'd scare off some of the raccoons that are so fond of our yard. Can't wait to show you all the finished playroom product!