If you have little ones in your house, you know that — while they’re adorable — they’re not always the neatest.
Between crayon marks on walls and toys all over the carpet, it’s tough to hit the right balance between wanting your kids to have fun and wanting your house to look its best. But it’s possible!
Creating a dedicated play area in your living room can be a great way to corral the fun without compromising your design style. That’s what Samantha recently did in the Los Angeles home she shares with her husband and two children. She used online-only, reasonably priced, on-trend furniture and home decor from The Home Depot to carve out a child-friendly zone in a room that also hosts friends, fosters family time, and so much more. Here’s how she did it.
1. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Samantha set up the play area by a large window so that the kids could play in the sun, even inside. She also used decorative tricks like strategically placed wall mirrors to amp up the brightness. “They love seeing themselves in all the mirrors!” she says.
2. Upgrade Your Organizational Game
In a space where everything is in full view, aesthetically pleasing storage makes a huge difference. Samantha used an assortment of woven baskets for toys as well as living room essentials like throw blankets. They’re open, so little hands can reach inside easily, and the poms-poms add a playful touch!
3. Embrace Stealth Storage
Buffets are one of our favorite pieces of furniture: They’re usually associated with dining rooms but versatile enough for any space, and when it comes to storage, they mean business. Samantha chose a farmhouse-style console (it’s actually a TV stand!) to keep books, puzzles, and other toys organized and out of sight, but still within reach.
4. Make Your Area Rug Extra Cozy
Since so much playing happens directly on the floor, make sure yours is as soft as possible. Samantha laid down this fluffy sheepskin rug for maximum comfort during playtime. Keep cushy throw pillows nearby, too.
5. Add a Rocking Chair for Yourself
Yes to more comfortable quality time! Samantha completed the play area with a modern twist on a rocking chair that looks sophisticated and helps her get in on the family fun. Snuggle in for rainy day story time or rock the baby while your older kids play — you’ll be glad you have a seat close to the action. Now, Samantha says, “The kids love the whole space! The play nook is super cozy and fun.”
Keep reading on Apartment Therapy.
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