3 Things to Prioritize When Designing your Playroom
If you’re thinking of investing in a wonderful play area for your kiddos, why not do it right!? Here are three things we keep in mind when starting a new project!
Floor coverings that fit your family’s needs
Floor coverings are simply temporary flooring options (rugs and play mats). Here are the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing this temporary, yet important component of your playroom.
Plush Rug- Do you have an infant who needs a plush spot for tummy time? Or a child who loves lying on the ground to read? A cozy rug will be the best fit for your family. Note that if you have an avid builder on your hands, a plush rug may not be an ideal option, since its uneven surface makes it a precarious platform.
High Performance/Washable Rug- Is your child obsessed with art projects? Do you have a sensory bin nearby? Is your dog your kid’s favorite playmate? If so, choose something that will withstand the messes that come with play. If you know your family is reallllly prone to spills, choose a washable rug over a high performance rug. High performance must be spot cleaned/drycleaned, while washable ones can simply be thrown in your washing machine. Thankfully there are more kid/pet friendly rugs on the market than ever before, so look out for that specific language during your shopping process!
Play Mat- Do you have a child who loves tumbling, jumping and dancing? Do you plan to add a Gross Motor zone to your playroom (climbing wall, rope swing, monkey bars)? If you need a safe, thick surface for your active kiddo, a play mat is a great solution. These are often most appropriate for children ages 0-5, so if you want a more lasting look, opt for a rug instead.
An elevated theme
Longevity matters- so choose a vibe that will feel cool to your child when they’re 2 and 12. No this does not have to mean a “sad beige playroom.” We are all for adding color on color to a playroom, BUT there are a few things we would avoid to keep things a little more sophisticated.
Primary colors- the plain old red, blue and yellow scheme is a bit childish and outdated.
Character branded items- Ryder, Chase and Rubble are adorable on the screen, but let’s keep them there ;)
Plastic everything- You don’t need to invest in a $1000 art table, but choose items that you would be pleased to have for the next few years. Wood and metal will be more durable and are 10x cuter than plastic.
Comfortable Seating
Whether it’s a sectional couch, bean bags or built-in bench, choose something that will allow your child to relax & regulate after a long day. Also, who isn’t more inclined to curl up with a good book when there’s a cozy seat calling your name? And trust me, this isn’t just for your kiddos, when you’re in there supervising or playing with them, you’re not going to want to sit on a teeny kid’s chair for hours.
Let’s work together :)
We do all of the above for a living! Child development and aesthetics are equally important at Little Kingdoms. Click below so we can get chattin’ about your dream playroom!