“We are creating a magical play space for the children,” said my inner monologue as I scrolled through wallpaper samples for hours, days and weeks. There were many wallpapers I was attracted to, but I had to keep reigning myself in. I was creating a whimsical wonderland space for my kids to work on art and crafts, not a personal gratification project for Instagram.
With a little creativity and a few design tricks, like colour, composition and contrasting texture, any space can become one that sparks imagination and encourages hours of creativity. By relying on strong artistic elements I was able to bring a dull, lifeless and overly neutral built-in nook to life.
A navy blue built-in, painted the same colour as the wall, houses art and craft supplies for the kids to use. Baskets turn open shelves into functional storage and an antique wood table is the perfect crafting surface. An overhead pendant provides direct lighting.
Do you have a little nook, room or area, where you want to create a sense of playfulness for your kids?
Think about using bright and bold colours for stimulation, and then incorporating natural textural materials to ground the space. Soft rugs, plush toys and wood will all add elements of depth and dimension. Consider framing original art from your own family to give the space special meaning.
When it comes to designing a magical play space, working with what you have is often the best approach. Look for opportunities to repurpose items you already own, like toys, or using a colourful throw blanket as a makeshift tent. You might provide pillows and cushions for fort-building, or paper and pencils for art-making. By thinking outside the box, you can turn even the most ordinary objects into something extraordinary.
One design element that can instantly add magic to any play space is wallpaper. Consider using a large-scale pattern in a small area of the room, like behind a reading nook or on a single wall, to add a touch of whimsy without overwhelming the space. Pay attention to the small details that can make a big difference. Hang fairy lights or install a starry night sky projector to create a dreamy ambiance, or add a playful rug.
Don’t forget to ask your kids for their ideas and opinions. All of my children each took a look at wallpapers and picked out samples that caught their attention. I used their combined input to finally pick the perfect wallpaper for the space (everyone in my family raved about it when they saw it in person).
Thrifted items, like wood bookends, framed sketches and art books, add texture to the nook.
A vintage hand-made copper light fixture sourced from an Etsy seller is a fun task light over the art station work table. A table in a play room is a great idea for art time, games and much more.
Let’s take a look back at the before. Although neutral and plenty pleasing to look at, the cabinetry is functioning as a display for tchotchkes rather than a storage zone. Not only is it a lot more fun to look at now, it’s a much more practical use of space.
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