From Office to Oasis: Our Playroom Makeover

Written By Amanda Lundberg

Have you ever wondered what happens when an underused home office collides with a whirlwind of DIY enthusiasm, two endlessly energetic kids, and a couple of parents who just can’t sit still? Well, buckle up, because you’re about to dive into a story of transformation that turned a "meh" space into a "wow" playroom. This isn't just any makeover; it's a labor of love, sweat, and yes, the occasional "oops!"

Why This Room? Why Now? Imagine an office space that saw more dust than work—yep, that was our so-called office. I'm more of a kitchen-counter worker, and this room was crying out for a new purpose. With our kids, ages almost 4 and 6, growing faster than a weed on fertilizer, we needed a space that kept them close but also let their imaginations run wild. And since the room has glass doors and is visible from the main areas, we couldn’t just let it be a chaotic jumble.

Dreaming and Scheming: The Plan Comes Together

Sketch It Out My planning process is a bit like cooking—start with a basic recipe and then toss in whatever feels right at the moment. I started with bird's-eye view sketches and drawings of each wall. But as anyone who's ever held a hammer knows, what works on paper doesn't always work in real life. When we realized the rock wall was too close to our storage unit (safety first, folks!), we had to pivot and push things around. The décor needed to be kid-friendly but not 'kid-only'—after all, this room is on our main floor.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves: The Building Begins

Safety, Storage, and a Little Bit of Swagger We kicked off the physical work by installing two unfinished wood cabinets from Lowe’s. I painted them the same color as the whole alcove to have some consistency. Then, we started the peel-and-stick wallpaper. This was not our first rodeo with this type of wallpaper, so we kind of have it down to a science now. I love the peel-and-stick type rather than messing with wallpaper glue. And because let’s face it, it’s all about the aesthetic, we picked a wallpaper that brought a little fun without screaming "daycare center."

Next, we began installing the art station. This consisted of two storage cabinets from Ikea, with an Ikea laminate top (easy to clean, easy to cut!). We did secure the cabinets to the wall, which meant cutting the baseboard so they laid flush against the wall. I wanted markers, pencils, paintbrushes, etc. to be displayed for easy reach for the kids, so we got these great containers from Ikea to hang. Also, I ordered these art display cases from Amazon so the kids can showcase their works of art. We moved the TV, and switched our new Ikea storage cabinet to the opposite wall to allow for more climbing…or should I say falling…space for the kids.

Spotlight on the Star Attraction: The Rock Wall

Finally we got around to the climbing wall. Our daughter’s newfound love for climbing meant that this feature wasn’t just desired; it was essential. Add to that monkey rings, a climbing ladder, and you’ve got a recipe for happy, healthy kids. I wrote a whole blog itself on the making of the climbing wall because it warrants a detailed description. Check it out here!

The Finishing Touches: Marrying Aesthetic and Functionality

Designing with Kids and Cleanliness in Mind When it came to the visual aspect of the renovation, every choice was critical—from the wallpaper patterns to the paint hues that needed to harmonize with our home's existing style. We opted for a palette that included Urbane Bronze, applying it in creative splashes throughout the playroom to maintain a cohesive look with the rest of our home. This color doesn't just fade into the background; it brings a sophisticated touch that elevates the space beyond the typical playroom vibe.

Our goal was clear: create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional, ensuring it's child-friendly without sacrificing style. Durable, washable paints were a must, allowing us to wipe away the art spills and other messes that come with active kids, keeping the playroom pristine and parent-approved.

The Big Ta-Da: The Grand Reveal

The Kids Weigh In After the last screw was tightened and the final piece of furniture put back into place, it was time for the true test—what did the kids think? As we removed the makeshift curtain (an old sheet we'd draped over the doorway), their eyes widened, and the room was met with gasps, giggles, and a rush of little feet. The excitement was palpable as they darted from the rock wall to the art station, their joyous laughter echoing off the walls. They immediately put every corner of the room to use, climbing, drawing, and enacting fantastical adventures.

It was clear from their endless hours of play and discovery that we had succeeded in more than just building a playroom; we had crafted an imaginative sanctuary that they adored. Their glowing faces and busy hands were all the feedback we needed to know we'd hit the mark, creating a space that they loved and we felt good about.

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Amanda Lundberg
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Scaling New Heights: The Epic Tale of Our DIY Climbing Wall Adventure