Home visit: create fun zones in a kids’ playroom
Whatever space you have to play with, planning your child’s room around the different things they want and need to do will make everything easier and more fun for them. Take inspiration from this shared room, designed to encourage imaginations and independence.
Room for fun
Having a space where they’re free to express themselves boosts children’s confidence. Make that the building block of your room plan. Find furniture they can customise so they can really make it theirs – chalkboard doors turn drawers from practical furniture into a blank canvas to explore. And storage that’s easy for them to open or move means they can take control of looking after their things.
In the room brothers Lucas (4) and Milo (2) share, the space has been divided into zones for art, dressing up and reading, with plenty of floor space left clear for tumbling and playing games.
Creative space
When things are on show, kids are more likely to use them, so store pens and paper where they’re easy to find and let creativity flow freely. We were inspired to hang the LUSTIGT colouring roll on the wall after watching art lover Lucas roll it out on the floor and get colouring. And make an art form of storage. Put up hooks for their favourite dress-up costumes at a height they can reach.
Lucas loves art. He would happily do it from the second he wakes up. He finds drawing so therapeutic.”
Katty
Imagination zone
Give your child props for role-playing games – it encourages them to use their imagination and develops social skills. Whether it’s cooking on a toy stove or playing parent and serving a meal to their soft toys, when children turn the things they see grown-ups do into play, it allows them to learn by mimicking. From language to taking turns and being caring, it’s building life skills.
We have two very different kids, but both boys have always been very free with their play. They love to dress up and to play make believe – it brings them together.”
Katty
Cosy corner
You only need a few textiles to turn a corner into a space where your little one can retreat from the big, real world into a comforting place that’s just their size. If it’s a reading corner, add a portable bookcase like FLISAT and a child-safe reading light – or a torch for imaginary trips taken under cover of night! Use textiles to cosy it up – big cushions to lie on, a canopy to make it snug.
We’re anti making the kids sign up for lots of activities! We don’t have a schedule or set bedtime. For now, before they start school, we just do what feels good and enjoy our time together.”
Katty
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.
Made by
Interior designer: Katie Phillips
Photographer: Benjamin Edwards
Follow Katty @denoffoxes
