If you have kids and are lucky enough to have surplus space in your house, then a playroom is an absolute must. Emma had a large, unused room in her new home and when her daughter Arla turned one, she knew that the only way to utilise it was to transform it into a play space. Her husband Graeme was just a little put out when he realised his dreams of a ‘man den’ were scuppered, but even he recognized the value of a playroom to family life.
Here Emma talks us through her design choices and how the room has been a godsend, especially during lockdown.
Once I’d decided a playroom was the way forward, I began mood boarding. I couldn’t wait to get started on pulling the room together and knew I wanted something Scandi-inspired (don’t I always). My fellow Homebird Laura showed me some jungle themed mural wallpaper from Munks and Me and it sparked my vision for the whole room.
The room is quite awkward in shape, so I knew I needed to zone it. I created a cosy corner for reading, a snug area with a sofa and TV for chilling, a corner desk area for crafting and I left the middle of the room for general play (a teepee, slide and ball pit being the star attractions).
Dividing the space into these zones was made so much easier with a selection of Kallax storage units from Ikea and three carefully chosen rugs from Benuta.
I tried to keep all the furniture as neutral as possible, sticking to white and wood. Call me crazy, but I even opted for a cream sofa, injecting subtle pastel colours via the soft furnishings (cushions, throws and rugs). I was very conscious of wanting the wallpaper to be the show–stopper, so it was important that that I kept everything else as muted and subtle as possible.
I’ve always loved natural materials and so I incorporated lots of woven accessories into this design. The pendant light for example and the round rattan shelf from Matalan, not to mention the endless wicker baskets!
Blinds2Go came through for me with the perfect wooden blinds to tie in with the natural vibe, and they matched my oak effect Ikea units perfectly. I love how the tape gives the appearance of shutters.
I am still titivating this room and think I might be for some time. I just love the choice of children’s décor and accessories on the market right now, especially from independent stores like Leonie and the Leopard, where I sourced my hanging fabric wall flags.
This corner gets added to on a weekly basis and little Arla is working hard to fill the draped hessian ribbon with her masterpieces!
In true Homebirds style, I paid close attention to the details, like these beautiful wooden disc labels from Flynn & Dot.
I couldn’t be more thankful for this room. It has made the world of difference to our family and Arla loves nothing more than tottering off to explore and play in here. The value of this space to a pregnant woman with a toddler during lockdown is indescribable!
If a separate playroom isn’t possible in your home, why not consider creating a play corner in your living area? There are all sorts of creative and space saving ideas to explore. Head over to the ever-reliable Pinterest for some ideas like this one…
Alternatively, get in touch with us for remote and affordable room design. We can provide beautiful and practical solutions for all spaces with prices starting at just £199.
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Jungle wallpaper mural – Munks and Me
Blinds – Blinds2go
Kallax storage units – Ikea
All storage baskets and boxes – Ikea
Rugs – Benuta
Slide – Scandiborn
Teepee – The Modern Nursery
Grey play mat – The Modern Nursery
Storage labels – Flynn & Dot
Fabric wall flags – Leonie and the Leopard
Sofa – SLF24
Toucan cushion – Dunelm
Green throw – Asda George
Green and pink cushions on sofa – Asda George
Cream and green cushions in cosy corner – Ikea
Round rattan shelf – Matalan
Peg board – Ikea
Chalkboard – Wilko
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