Interior Style

How to create a play space for your kids that’s easy to keep tidy

Article by Your Home and Garden

The modern playroom is a space for imagining, learning… and making mess. Lots of mess. Create one that inspires, delights and is easy to keep tidy. Here are two we dreamed up

Storage is key

A bookshelf or cube unit is an easy, compact way to store lots of items. Boxes, baskets or mini suitcases are perfect for housing small toys and figurines. Ensure shelves are fixed to the wall for safety.

Baskets and crates are ideal for soft toys, dress-ups and larger toys; choose ones with lids to keep the contents out of sight. Stackable crates are another good option.

A traditional toybox looks the business and is a great catch-all option. However, it’s not always easy to find what you are looking for without emptying everything out!

Wooden or metal cabinets are great for storing flat objects such as board games and puzzles and are also good for more precious items. Metal lockers are a fantastic option.

Tub storage makes it easy for kids to find what they’re looking for and put the tub back when they’re done. This method is great for messy items such as Play-Doh, felts, crayons and pencils, blocks, plastic animals, small books and so on.

Get creative – patterned gift boxes are cheap and readily available, large jars are super-useful, vintage suitcases make great dress-up boxes… the options are endless.

Book display

Instead of a bulky bookshelf, install picture rails at a kid-friendly height to display books facing outwards – this looks beautiful, makes it easier for kids to find the book they’re looking for, and is simply to keep tidy.

Wall colour

A fail-safe approach for any kids’ space is to choose a neutral colour for the walls that allows toys and decorative elements to take centre stage. A beautiful wallpaper on one wall can also be a great way to add an extra element of fun.

Flooring

A durable carpet is the best option for a playroom as little ones spend so much time on the floor. However, a plastic mat under the arts and crafts table is a must! A large, soft rug will do the trick on wooden floors.

Added extras

Create a dress-up station with a clothing rack that will allow kids to easily see and access dress-ups. A basket for shoes and accessories makes tidying-up a breeze.
Add a tent or canopy for a cosy space with a little privacy where your young ones can dream. Floor cushions, pillows and a small rug or sheepskin are ideal for snuggle time.
Even on-the-go little people need somewhere to chill out, rest and, yes, maybe watch the odd episode of Peppa Pig. A sofa, chair, beanbag, large ottoman or a pile of floor cushions will never go amiss in this busy space.

Style tips

Grey or warm whites, sage green and duck egg are all great, neutral colour options in a playroom.
As kids grow, the toys lessen, so choose versatile pieces of furniture that will last them for years.

Shop the looks below

: 1 Mrs Mighetto Lonely in the Land of Letters book, $59, from Concrete Blush. 2 Ollie Ella Luggy basket, $99, from Tea Pea. 3 Ollie Ella Strolley, $189, from Tea Pea. 4 Ladder shelf, $89.95, from Mocka. 5 Mrs Mighetto ‘The Ocean Stories’ wallpaper, from $540, from Concrete Blush. 6 Felt storage box, $6, from Kmart. 7 Kids Concept xylophone, $49, from Dapper Mr Bear.

: 1 Wooden lion, $14, from Paper Plane. 2 Muskhane felt rug in pollen, $349, from Tea Pea. 3 Remi rocker, $89.95, from Mocka. 4 Wooden Story natural stacking toy, $99, from Dapper Mr Bear. 5 Kids’ bucket chair, $129, from Nood. 6 Bella kids’ table, $79.95, from Mocka. 7 Ooh Noo toy pram, $239, from Dapper Mr Bear.