Playroom Zones 101
We find that parents can get STUMPED when it comes to setting up a playroom. Aesthetics + functionality + their child(ren’s) specific needs ends up being a lot to consider. When we start the intake process with a new client, we ask questions that help us learn which play zones should be prioritized in the layout. Here are some that usually get a feature in our designs!
Atelier
This is your classic art studio space. If you have a window in your playroom, try to save this area for your atelier. The natural light is *chef’s kiss*. We love tucking a little floating desk under the window, but note that you lose some seating with this option. You can store art supplies on the table (lazy susan’s rock for this) or on shelves above (out of reach) if you have toddlers who require more supervision.
Gross Motor
This could include permanent features like a climbing wall or swing, or more mobile items like a nugget couch or gymnastics mat. Our hot take here? Don’t underestimate the power of the latter. A ball pit is OF COURSE cool, but children also like to have ownership over their environment and foam pieces and mats are things that can be transformed into countless different configurations. So, all we’re saying is no need to stress if you don’t have the budget or space for an indoor gym, the other options are pretty stellar too. See below for some nugget build inspo!
Building & Small World Play
We include these in the same category because your children will likely engage with these kinds of materials on the floor or low table, and often in combination with one another! Small world play is exactly what it sounds like- the creation of small worlds with blocks, Legos, figurines, animals and loose parts. Sometimes there’s a theme- dinosaurs, space, woodland forest, and sometimes it’s random. Let’s be real, it’s often random, which is the BEST!
Dramatic Play
Dramatic play includes dress-ups, a play kitchen, a “house,” anything that inspires imaginative play and abstract thought! This is one of our ~favorite~ zones to outfit. After having taught at several schools, we’ve seen some prettttty creative dramatic play materials in classrooms. Stay tuned for our picks... they're probably not what you think ;)
Library & Cozy Space
If you don’t have the square footage for a cozy space, or you’d rather include this in your children’s bedroom, don’t stress. If you’re not hurting for space in your playroom and have an avid reader on your hands, plan for one of these! We recommend putting your library near your cozy space. You can hang flush bookshelves on the wall (make sure some are at child height so they can access on their own) or create a built-ins library. A cozy space can come in the form of adult seating or be something lower to the ground like a fort or floor cushions in a corner.
What play zones does your child need?
Let’s chat and find out! Every child is one-of-a-kind. We’d love to learn more about your child’s developmental needs and interests so we can create a space where their play will thrive!