I’ve already shared the story behind the sunny yellow birch-forest feature wall, which (in case you’re new around here – hi there!) is not wallpaper, I painted it using a stencil. (You can read all about it here!)
I added Ikea Branäs baskets to hold toys, and installed cupboard fronts onto the unit to hide some of the clutter. I went for a random pattern with the cupboard fronts, based mostly on which bits I wanted to hide. I didn’t want a solid row of cupboards at the top, because I thought it would look too top-heavy, and I also didn’t want to alternate (one door, one open), because I had too much stuff to hide. It kinda turned out looking like a game of Tetris. The OCD in me is still really unconvinced about this look.
Unfortunately, the lazy girl in me is equally unconvinced about removing cupboard doors and re-installing them.
What do you think??
On top of the Ikea Expedit unit, I’ve added some chalkboard-fronted wooden trays (purchased at Pillow Talk) to store some of our frequently-accessed craft supplies, and puzzles that are too large to fit on the shelves.
I like how the woven baskets compliments the natural texture of the sisal floor rug. Other than that, to be honest, I haven’t been thrilled with the ‘ole Branäs baskets. At almost $20 a pop, they quickly add up to be a bigger expense than the unit itself. Which would be okay if the quality matched the price-tag, but sadly, I haven’t found that to be so. The bottoms keep falling out quite suddenly and dramatically, dumping a basket-load of small toys all over the floor each time and causing small children to cry. (And perhaps Mummies too, on occasion.)
It’s an unfortunate design flaw. I’m thinking of reinforcing the bottoms with zip-ties, but it’s a shame to have to cobble them together already when we’ve only had them a few months. I’m also noticing a bit of wear-and-tear and catching of the fibers as the baskets are pulled in and out. Nothing major, but I’m wishing I read a few reviews before forking out the bucks.
The cushions in the window seat are from One Duck Two. The yellow chevron cushion is a cheapie from Target. As you can see, I’m going for a yellow, navy, green and red colour scheme. I wanted it to look colourful and cheerful, as fitting for a playroom, but also not too kiddish, because this window seat is quite a visible feature from the dining room.
TO-DO for Playroom:
1. Install a cork pinboard-gallery for kids artworks
2. Paint a chalkboard feature wall
3. Paint some frames for A4-sized artworks and install them as a gallery wall
4. Add shelves to the reading nook
4. Label baskets with pictures of toys, to assist with packing up
It looks great! I think you nailed the colorful but not kiddish with those cushions.
It looks great! I think you nailed the colorful but not kiddish with those cushions.
Yay, thank you! I must admit I am a little bit in love with those cushions! š xo
Yay, thank you! I must admit I am a little bit in love with those cushions! š xo
Do I have a to-do list? Only one as long as my arm! I feel like we are making progress one day and totally overwhelmed with what is still to do the next! We are slowly renovating a 1970s "upside-down" house (living and kitchen upstairs to catch the bay view) and while somedays I feel quite triumphant about what we have achieved, others I am overwhelmed with wonky windows, hidden asbestos and various dodgy previous "reno" projects that we have to rectify! I love seeing your progress, especially those lovely cushions! š
Oooh – a house with a bay view?! Sounds glorious, Lynne! It will be worth all the effort in the end.
Do I have a to-do list? Only one as long as my arm! I feel like we are making progress one day and totally overwhelmed with what is still to do the next! We are slowly renovating a 1970s "upside-down" house (living and kitchen upstairs to catch the bay view) and while somedays I feel quite triumphant about what we have achieved, others I am overwhelmed with wonky windows, hidden asbestos and various dodgy previous "reno" projects that we have to rectify! I love seeing your progress, especially those lovely cushions! š
Oooh – a house with a bay view?! Sounds glorious, Lynne! It will be worth all the effort in the end.
I sure do have a very long to-do list. I am not very handy in the creative department so mine is so long due to procrastination mainly as I am worried it won't come out as good as in my head. We have an expedit in our family room and I put baskets in it I found at Target. (Aussie Target) I looked online but they aren't on there anymore š They were $24 a basket (!) and there was no way I was paying that and I was lucky enough to score them 1/2 price one day and I had a rare coupon as well so that helped. They are holding up well. I prefer baskets than doors but that's me. LOVE the chalkboard wooden trays, I think I need some of them in my life!
I identify with the procrastination thing – mostly because I'm such a perfectionist! This blog has been a great motivator to jump in and just get things done, even if they never end up exactly like I picture them! So cool that you found the right-sized baskets at Target!
I sure do have a very long to-do list. I am not very handy in the creative department so mine is so long due to procrastination mainly as I am worried it won't come out as good as in my head. We have an expedit in our family room and I put baskets in it I found at Target. (Aussie Target) I looked online but they aren't on there anymore š They were $24 a basket (!) and there was no way I was paying that and I was lucky enough to score them 1/2 price one day and I had a rare coupon as well so that helped. They are holding up well. I prefer baskets than doors but that's me. LOVE the chalkboard wooden trays, I think I need some of them in my life!
I identify with the procrastination thing – mostly because I'm such a perfectionist! This blog has been a great motivator to jump in and just get things done, even if they never end up exactly like I picture them! So cool that you found the right-sized baskets at Target!
What a fun and sweet room!
Thank you so much!! I'm so happy with the way it's headed – now to get it finished!
What a fun and sweet room!
Thank you so much!! I'm so happy with the way it's headed – now to get it finished!