Our New Play Space
Monday, June 6, 2011 at 5:36AM Before Ellie got out of school her and KJ began sleeping in her full size bed together. I figured after a couple of weeks the excitement would wear off and they would want to be in their own rooms again, but I was wrong. They adore sleeping in the same room together. I knew sharing a bed wasn't helping towards a good night sleep for either of them so we ended up combining their rooms. One for sleep and the other for play. This is KJ's room which is now a space for letting their imaginations go wild. I took so many tips from the online course Playful Learning Spaces and incorporated them into both rooms.
Keep in mind I did not clean up this space for the shots. They had been playing in here all morning. The kiddos have been easily keeping it clean since we narrowed down their toys to only the basics and being sure to have a spot for everything.
For example Ellie has her dress up clothes, dollhouses, and kitchen. Granted each of the categories have a plethora of items, but since they are all basically the same she is able to keep it organized. The best part is that everything actually gets played with. They also are great for her imagination.
The kiddos share the art table with supplies, books, and stuffed animals. I believe these items keep their creative juices flowing although when people see the SMALL basket of stuffed animals they just laugh.
See the brown bin? That is all the stuffed animals we have. My kiddos love the ones they do have, but never ask to buy one so many are just gifts from others. Legos on the other hand it what we have a TON of. We adore them, maybe a little too much even. Ha.
When I asked Ellie and KJ how they felt about the room change this is what I got. Pure excitement! The room change is just for the summer for now. It may have to go back when Ellie starts school again. That girl needs her sleep.Time will tell I suppose.
I have a couple of more things to do in the bedroom, but I hope to have it done this week and will share the sleeping space next week. Oh, also the changes were done on the cheap since it may not be a permanent switch. I think the only thing I bought for the play space was the pegs to hang the dress up clothes on. I used mostly what we had on hand.
Reader Comments (24)
I love that they were so excited to be with one another! That has to make your heart so very happy!
I love, love, love it :-)
So great!!! My little Salma just moved out of her room to be with Jack!!!
Nicolle
www.jackandsalma.com
Looks great! Would you mind sharing where you got your play kitchen? I really like the design and size. Thanks!!
I'm an adult, but I'd love to play here! Looks like your kids love the space!
And what beautiful light you get in your home--how fantastic!
Awww! The kids look SO excited! Their space looks so bright and full of creative energy!
What a precious picture of the two of them! And what a sweet blessing that they want to be together!
I love that they are sharing spaces! I have a 10 year old girl and an almost 8 year old boy. They have slept in the same bed for years. I used to only let them on weekends and holidays, but finally surrendered to it. I figured it wouldn't last forever! At home in Texas, they each have their own rooms with full size beds that they alternate nights in; but while we are living overseas for this year, they are sharing a room with two twins pushed next to each other. I love that you are sharing your ideas on this and that other girl/boy moms out there let their kiddos share spaces! Looking forward to the sleeping space!
Everything looks so cute! I love the letters painted on the wall, it reminds me of a room that was in Cottage Living with the letters all over the walls!
Paula,
It looks great. Just curious where all the toys were before you had the play space. We have a boy and girl and only 3 bedrooms. any tips?
Love this idea! I have been toying around with the idea of changing my dining room into a playroom. Our playroom is in the basement, which is fine for the older kids but not for little ones. I'm tired of toys being everywhere and thought maybe this might confine them. And it would be temporary until everyone is older.
Happy Monday!
xo trina
This is every kids dream!
seriously cute. I hope my kids play together that well one day.
My children love sharing a room-- it makes it so much easier to put them to bed, put away laundry, etc. They have a playroom that used to be our nursery across the hall, as well-- but it is a leeeeetle bit messier than yours. Like, 7 tons more junk on the floor messy. Looks great!
My sister and I shared a room for awhile growing up and i'll always remember us saying goodnight to each other or waking up if one of us had a bad dream or just wanted to get something off our chests. The play room you've created for your kiddos is fantastic Paula! I'm definitely taking notes :)
How fun is that!!
Thanks for the link on playful learning spaces!! a GREAT resource! I think thats great that they are so close:)
Looks so good, I am sure they are in Heaven!
Love the doll houses and I'll be stealing your idea of low coat hooks. Simple but brilliant!
It looks great Paula! I have done the same things with my girls-although the spare room is now a combined office for me/ their playroom. Still trying to work out all the kinks and see what layout works best. Lots of inspiration from your space!