With the new normal children are safer in their houses rather than elsewhere. In such a scenario ensuring that they ‘enjoy’ staying indoors is a priority.
Perhaps the most painful downside of the global pandemic is the fact that it’s snatched away the luxury of outdoor sports from children. Where earlier a child could simply drop his satchel, gulp down his milk and cookies, change into his casuals and rush out to play with his friends; now the same child is restricted within the four walls of his house where he – eats, studies, sleeps and yes plays also. Understandably, this leads to boredom creeping in.
While the eating and sleeping needs and environ are successfully being taken care of by the nurturer; and education is being looked after by the academic institution – an area which has been unknowingly neglected is the need for playing. Parents cite constricted spaces as a reason for this. But a tad out-of-the-box thinking may open up new hidden spaces for playrooms – it could be an attic; or even free space beneath the staircase; or even a portion of the bedroom could be cordoned off … there are options galore if one actually puts one mind to it.
The word ‘playroom’ does not necessarily need to be equated with chaos. But yes, what it does mean is a space which children can call their own and where they can play with abandon; have unlimited fun; be creative without worrying about the mess being created in the process; and where they can easily reach out to their toys and games. While small homes can offer playroom zones; larger residential realty can offer rooms designated as playrooms.
But parents and interior designers are perpetually faced with the herculean challenge of designing a space which not only looks chic and organized; but also retains an element of fun with dolls, crayons, toys, board games and gadgets casually and invitingly strewn around.
Tips to Design A Child-Friendly Playroom
Relax, through this blog the Gharpedia Team, brings to you cues to help you design a child-friendly playroom…and that too at an affordable budget! Read on to know how…
01. Opt for Decorations, Patterns, and Colours in Playroom That Can Grow Up with Your Child
Yes, we know that since time immemorial pink is for girls and blue is for boys; but a friendly word of counsel would be NOT to apply these learnings to the walls and interiors of your child’s playroom. With changing times, the new generation boys may have a penchant for pink and the tomboy girls may lean towards blue rather than pink! Moreover, unlike their predecessors, this generation gets bored very quickly so while lime green maybe THE colour for them this week; their tastes may turn to stark red next week! So, the best thing to do here would be to opt for soft, neutral hues as it would allow the room to organically grow with your kids as they transition from toddler to child to teen.
Also be a little futuristic and scout the interior décor market for durable wallpaper in patterns that will continue to be age-appropriate a couple of years down the line. Remember to include the opinion and help of your older children in the setting up the playroom to ensure everyone on-board is pleased!
02. Furniture and Furnishing Tips for your Child’s Playroom
Opt for a sofa or lounge chair on which you can comfortably sprawl with them to read a book together. Select tables and chairs with softly-rounded edges and corners; and sturdy enough not to collapse if a sulky child plops into it and small-sized enough to make the child feel it’s specially prepared for him! Rugs and other furnishings need to be stain and spill resistant – leather is an alternative worth checking out. Ensure that all the sockets are plugged and the wiring is concealed to minimize electric and fire mishaps. Windows need to have grills as we don’t want your son to ape his superheroes and attempt ‘flying out’ of the window, do we!
A tent is a must-have for all playrooms irrespective of their size! It’s a sanctuary where he withdraws when he’s angry with the world and more importantly it is a place where he can be himself!
To know more on how to create a home environment for kids, we have an apt blog which will surely help you:
03. Optimize Storage Space in Playroom
With restricted spaces maximizing on this resource is critical. Follow the Biblical rule here – A place for everything and everything in place. So, ensure that there’s adequate storage space for toys, craft supplies and those absolutely awesome artworks of your child prodigy. Furniture options like an ottoman or bench which conceals storage space are a must-have. Wall shelves, cubbies, a hanging ‘clothesline’ from the ceiling for clipping the painting endeavours or even hanging hammocks for that teddy bear which you gifted to your princess on her fifth birthday … there are a plethora of innovative ideas just waiting to be explored!
04. Open Space Is A Mandate in Playroom
Have some dedicated open space in the playroom to give wings to the creativity of your little one as to how to fill it up or what activity to do in it. This could be something as simple as a soft warm rug or even a space cordoned off with a collapsible partition. The positive downside here is that quietly observing what your child does in and with this open space would be a pointer to potential career options; say for instance your daughter struts around on this rug then you have a model in the making; in case your son jogs on this rug you’ve got a Milkha Singh in the family et al.
05. Select Multi-Utility Items for Playroom
With space being a major constraint, the thrust should be on efficient furniture choices…explore innovative options like paint stations that double up as chalkboards or alternatively tables which when turned over transforms into an easel!
06. Blend Functionality, Aesthetics and Child’s Hobbies in Playroom
Ensure that your child’s favourite game forms the focal point of the playroom – say she loves to dress-up but hates blocks then the costume box should have central focus and the blocks should be neatly packed away on a shelf.
Invest in a writing wall – it occupies minimal space as it is flat and the mess threshold is also pretty low; but you can blindly trust us on this – it’ll give your child the freedom to express himself. Post the initial expense you just need to buy chalk.
Want to check if your child is a Mozart in the making? Simply set up a music corner with a toy xylophone, guitar, drum set or microphone and watch what your child does with them!
To blend functionality along with keeping aesthetics and child’s hobbies in mind is a bit difficult task to inculcate. But if you read our blog, the process for designing will surely get easier:
Many readers have been benefited by our designing tips. If you feel like you have been fortunate by reading our tips, please do let us know!
07. Keep in Mind the Purpose of a Playroom
Whenever you do up your child’s playroom or play space remember the objective – it’s not only to allow them to have a good time but also facilitate stimulation of their intellect; besides providing them with a place where they are the masters of their universe. When provided with a space where they can independently explore, reflect and create or even destroy they’ll end up getting a practical hang on themselves and the world around them. This will lead to all-round growth – physically, emotionally and intellectually.
While selecting the décor the underlying point to be kept in mind is that it should portray the fun element; it should embody a safety cocoon and most importantly parents need to be there to play with them.
Conclusively remember the oft-quoted words of Albert Einstein – ‘Play is the highest form of research’. It is when your children pay that their curiosity and inquisitiveness are stoked and satisfied; without which they will never be able to learn new things or ignite new ideas.
We hope that you surely liked our article on playroom for children. Just as playing is so important to them; so is studying… So, let’s not waste time and also see the children study room design tips as well:
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Author Bio
Huta Raval – An English Literature and Journalism Topper, Huta Raval has graduated from the L D Arts College, Ahmedabad. Post serving for 23 years in the NBFC and Public Library Sectors her desire for ‘writing the unwritten’ brought her to the creative field of content writing. Her clientele comprises of NGOs, Blogging Platforms, Newspapers, Academic Institutions, et al.