Wednesday, March 24, 2010

147 March Featured Space: Kids - Perfect Play Haven

I have been getting some requests inquiring about our "fun" zone, a.k.a. our playroom.   And consider me massive yippee skippy excited about sharing this space in our home.  I think IHeart it as much as the kids do, maybe even more!


That's right!  We have a pretty amazing play space for our dear little men.  And it's so swell that I had to share some of the secrets behind it for this month's blog featured space: Kid's Spaces.  I am going to condense this down to 5 really easy must haves for the absolute perfect play place for the ones we love most. 

1.  Book Storage!

Play room's don't have to be all play and no work!  In fact, many of my musts for a play room, aren't just for play, but also for reading, learning and being creative!  To tuck away the massive loads of books, yet make them super accessible whenever the kiddos are looking for some eye candy, I find that large canvas bins work pretty perfectly:


I found the brown flower canvas one there are Target awhile back, which they no longer stock, but now they have a stunning collection of Liberty Collection Canvas Bins that would look pretty fantastic in any play space!


I also heart using bookends for taking care of the little munchkin's reads.  These alphabet ones from Crate & Barrel are totally fitting for our play space, but are mod and cool enough for any adult space as well!!
 

I typically place the hard cover books or our absolute favorites up on a shelf with bookends, and the flimsier soft covers in the canvas bin.



2.  Workspace!

Having a good workspace is a great way to help the kiddos learn through creative art or educational play!  These Ikea tables couldn't be more suitable for crafty kid's zones, they are durable,  perfectly sized and cute to boot!


We also decided to add a small desk to house a computer that the handy tech hub created just for the boys.  It's an old hand-me-down pc that was wiped clean and is just used for educational gaming:


Above the computer station, we store the drawing supplies, high up away from little fingers so that mom and dad can monitor the craft use:


$1 planters from Ikea double as crayon, marker and color pencil storage, and add charm to the space!

And don't forget to look in odd places for canisters and containers from other rooms to corral awkward play things.  For example, this kitchen canister is quite perfect for magnetic alphabet letters:



3.  Toy Storage!

Now for the really good stuff.  What the playroom is all about.  TOYS!  Toy storage can be a crazy chaotic conundrum, but not in this space.  And do I ever have a chore when I walk into this room?  Nopers!  My fantastic threesome couldn't be better at keeping this space neat and tidy all on their own, because I made it easy for them to do so.

First I took the time to compile ALL of the toys in the house.  Sorting is so importantly key here.  I paired all "types" of toys together in piles: cars, blocks, train tracks, etc... some even down to very specific types of blocks and toys.  I then took inventory from there, to determine how many bins were needed to keep all toy types separated.  Yep, now singing, "You gotta keep 'em separated!"

It was a crazy overwhelming moment, I am not going to lie.  Our kids toys were taking over our home.  And we weren't to blame, it was our amazingly generous friends and family, that would joyfully gift during birthdays and holidays.  And when you have three little men receiving toys by the tons, it can add up in a quick blink.

Since organizing the playroom, I learned two important things.  A: When family and friends are inquiring on gift ideas, I ask that they expand upon current play sets that the kiddos already enjoy vs receiving a ton of random things that may or may not get touched.  B:  We must clean out our toy bins and areas every single birthday party and Christmas holiday, and donate old toys when replacing with new.  Sometimes it's hard for the kids to understand or let go, but they are learning some very valuable life lessons.  It also ensures that we don't need to build an addition onto our home just for toys, because that is just crazy talk.

So, once I had an inventory, it was time to create storage.  We chose to go with an open shelving system with the option of adding pull out bins:


 We also went with two additional toy storage shelving units with pull out bins, that we bridged together with some shelving and crown molding, which gave the two single pieces a more unified look:


The open shelving is great for easy peasy take out and put back type stuff and they are also wonderful options for storing odd shaped toys and goods:


  And the pull out bins hold way more than I originally imagined they could, and are even better because they come in three bin sizes based on your toy storage needs.

Now, with all the storage in place, it was time to get some labels going.  Again, when it comes to kid's spaces, labels are like little magic wands.  It's like playing a matching game.  Take a toy, match it to the label!  Fun stuff right?!

To make the labels, I just did a Google Image search to find a picture of the toy concealed within in the bins:


Of course I matted and laminated, and then I used an industrial strength Velcro to adhere the labels to the bins.  Potato Head on the outside, Potato Head on the inside:
 

I repeated for all of the slide out bins:


We also added bins to the bottom level of the open storage unit.  These bins hold the REALLY big toy collections, such as Dinosaurs, Duplo Blocks, Little People and Wooden Train Tracks.  They hold the REALLY big collections because the bins are REALLY big!  No joke:


And again, I totally added matching labels to the fronts.  But aside from that, I wasn't too keen on the toys shining through the clear bins because it added too much eye clutter, so I covered the fronts with a piece of scrapbook paper, a 12 x 12 sheet fits like a perfect glove in the front panel of the bin:


Plus, you can pick any color paper to match your space, making the bins totally customizable!  I should mention, the bins were purchased at Ikea also, where the shelving unit is from:

Doesn't even look like the same bin right?!  Gotta heart it! 


4.  Wall Art!

Every playroom deserves a little whimsical lovin'.  It says to the cute kids, "Get your creative juices flowing and have some fun!"  I do admit, I have some additional plans on adding some more color and art display for my clan, but for now, they have this great quote spread above their toy storage shelves:


It expresses EXACTLY what the space is used for!



And art doesn't have to cost anything in a funtastic play space!  Have your munchkins spend an afternoon whipping up some of their own masterpieces to display, hang a memo board full of pics of them in action or display their hand made sculptures on shelving!  Opportunities are endless really!  Another fantastic place to look for inexpensive art is on AllPosters.com, in which very inexpensive poster prints can be snagged and framed!  Whatever is clever, this space is definitely deserving!

We also hung photos of our little buddies above their workspace:


 
5.  Sitting Zone!

Last but definitely not least, creating a cozy sitting area in a playroom, is a for sure must!  And it can be as easy as tossing some pillows in a corner!  It gives your little ones a place to snuggle up with a good book, or to take some quiet down time.  They will appreciate it as much as you will!  The biggest benefit is that it encourages them to pick up a book, which circles us back to easy peasy step number 1.
Our sitting zone is in the form of a cozy chair.  Proud Mom Alert: Here is my little P showing off it's fantastic functionally:


You see how much he Hearts hanging out in this cozy space?  The room just wouldn't be the same or as great without the chair, or him!!

So there you have it!!  Ton's of super easy and simple ways to create the ultimate play zone!  And it can totally be done on any budget with a little creative energy!  And do you see why IHeart labels oh so very much?  I mean, they save EVERYONE so much time and keep the space so super tidy, it's barely a believable story!


So, I give my kid's eye candy in the form of books and art, where is my eye candy?  Any of you willing to share photo's of your play zones for me to drool over?  Come on, as I preach to my kiddos on a daily basis, "We Share Because We Care"!


147 comments:

  1. Wow. I love the organisation of your playroom. I'm in the middle of sorting out my daughters playroom and has given me some great ideas about storing toys. It's amazing how toys find themselves all over the house! Thanks for the insight.

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  2. Wow! What a great playroom! I just found your blog and I am jumping up and down with excitement!!! Keep the awesome ideas coming!

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  3. I stumbled onto your blog from Young House Love. All I can say is WOW! I love all the things you've done to your home. This playroom especially makes my heart sing. Great work!

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  4. Thanks so much everyone! The space is pretty special to us as well! :)

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  5. I love this room! Thank you for the great tips! I am taking my first trip to Ikea on Friday and you have given me inspiration on what to buy for my girls' playroom!

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  6. I love your playroom! Thanks to your great ideas, we're going to set up a computer station for the kids like what you've pictured. I'm wondering where you bought the slipcovered cube stool in front of the computer? Thanks for the inspiration!

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  7. Hi Jessica!

    So excited you are able to use some of the ideas! The stool was from ikea: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80109317

    Happy organizing!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  8. Great playroom. Definitely plan to check out Ikea for storage shelves. And I love the wall quote. Do you mind sharing where you got it from.

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  9. Hi Keke!

    I found it through an Upper Case Living consultant:

    http://www.uppercaseliving.com/

    You could also check out etsy.com. They have boatloads of incredible wall decals!

    Thanks!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  10. This is a fantastic playroom. A total inspiration. I also just found your blog while looking for a creative way to store school papers and I am loving it. Thank you for sharing all of your creative ideas.

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  11. just found your blog via MSM and i am in love! i heart everything about it! and one of my major to-do's this year is to update our gameroom into a tv/playroom. your space in your basement looks much larger than what i have to work with, but i'm wondering if you have a floor plan pic you can share. i'd love to see how you divided the space into multiple functional spaces as i don't think they are all in separate enclosed rooms, correct?

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  12. Hi karisa!

    I LOVE your idea of a floor plan pic. I don't have one off hand, in fact, there was never one created for our lower level since we did all the work ourselves. I will see if I can add a floor plan post to my list!

    You are right, it's one giant space divided. When you walk down our stairs, that's where our living/lounge area was, to the right around the corner was the play area, to the left around the opposite corner was our game room. It all flowed together, we didn't use any room dividers, just took advantage of an awkward layout!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  13. where did you buy the desk insert between the 2 tall ikea shelves?

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  14. Hi Karisa!

    The desk was actually a cheapo Ikea find as well. I don't believe they sell the same one any longer, however, I think this one would be comparable: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70077576

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  15. This looks fantastic! I adore the wall art! I have never been to Ikea (the nearest one is about 70 miles or more away), but I've heard it is a fantastic store. I'd love to get one of those tables for my son when he gets older.

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  16. Love, Love your playroom! I want to play in there! Very bright and organized!

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  17. THat is amazing! I want a playroom : ) And an IKEA!

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  18. I'd love for you to come and give me some pointers on my space! Love yours..I've got lots of age groups to entertain and find it hard to make a room that suits everyone.

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  19. Awesome play zone! Maybe one day we will have room for a play room!

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  20. Just perfect! We outgrew our IKEA table, but the stools are alive and well. :)

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  21. Your playroom is one of my favorites. Sooo nice!

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  22. This room is better than Potterybarn. For reals. I linked to you on my blog tonight; hope that's okay! Thanks for sharing such inspiring ideas and pictures. I'm so jealous of your Ikea furniture I'm a little green.

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  23. What is the green paint color called? I love it all!!!!

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  24. The paint color is from an old Martha Stewart line and it's call Seaweed.

    Thanks!
    xoxo!

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  25. I love this room!!! I had a question about the adorable ikea bins that you put 12x12 paper inside. Did you attach the paper to the bin in anyway or does it slide in? Did you have to laminate the paper first? Such a fantastic idea!

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  26. Hi Julie!

    You can just pop the paper in and secure it with some double stick tape and use an exacto knife to slice out the squares. Works like a charm!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  27. What are some of your boys favorite toys? We have the basic trains, legos, blocks, little people stuff. Do you have anything that's a little out of the norm but super fun?

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  28. Love this entire room idea. I'm organizing my office space and would love to do the pull out storage and desk combo you put together. Did you repaint the two cabinets and then add in the crown molding and shelf to combine the two? Just trying to recreate it for my office! Thanks for the great ideas!

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  29. Hi Laura!

    The kiddos have many of the typical toys, same as you mentioned, but their faves absolutely are the wooden train tracks and legos. Anything that they can build, destroy and build again is what it's all about for them. Lincoln logs are also a hit.

    Anonymous,
    The storage pieces with the pull out drawers were already white {from Ikea}, and the shelving we added in-between and up top were also already white. Then we just added white crown molding, actually didn't have to paint a thing!

    Hope that helps! I would heart to see how your project turns out!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  30. Jen, Did you get the added in-between shelf anywhere in particular? I was worried by adding additional pieces to the Ikea shelves that the whites wouldn't all match up. Doesn't look like that was a problem for you though! When I get my office completed, I'll definitely share!
    Thanks again....

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  31. We found it just at our local hardware store, it's typical white melamine shelving. It matched pretty closely for us, I originally wasn't being too picky since it was just for our playroom, and I was beyond thrilled with how well it actually all came together.

    Thanks again!

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  32. OMG W O W. I just found your blog and THANK-YOU!!!!!!!! Wonderful inspirational ideas, I am building a new house this year so CANNOT wait to put your ideas into motion. Sorry, bit excited here, just in love with this blog xxx
    Tash xxx

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  33. This post really inspired me to get our play room into ship shape!! So, I did! I got the Trofast shelves and the expedit shelves and got to work! It looks wonder, thank you!! I would send you a before and after picture if I could figure out how! :)

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  34. Your play room is wonderful! I'm wondering what thing you creatively turned into puzzle storage? Thanks!

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  35. Hi Tess!

    I actually placed them all into large Ziploc bags and popped them into one of the pull out drawer bins!

    Hope that helps!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  36. Can you please elaborate on the shelving that surrounds the desk? The two tall bookcases are from ikea, correct? How did you create/attach the storage section betwee the 2 bookcases? I am soooo excited about this project!!!

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  37. p.s. I HEART your blog!!!

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  38. Yes, the two tall storage bin holders are from Ikea {http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00100250}, they were secured to the wall, and then we just used to pieces of melamine board cut to size to attach the two pieces together. Then, we popped some crown molding onto the top to give it a more built in look!

    Hope that helps!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  39. Thank you! One more question... it looks like you used 1x2 affixed to the bookcase to support the bottom piece of melamine board. Is this correct?

    :) K

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  40. No problem! The hubs just used extra board pieces as ledges that he screwed into the sides and then screwed down into to attach the middle shelf.

    Thanks again!

    xo!

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  41. This looks amazing! Thank you for so many good ideas! Do you have any suggestions for the larger playsets (little people, imaginext etc.) that cannot fit into a cube or bin? Thanks!

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  42. We put all the smaller pieces of our sets into the bins, use the shelves for the larger pieces. We also have an open shelving unit under our stairs for the really large toys, to keep them tucked away when not in use. Armoires are great for this as well!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  43. Oh, this is a good inspiration for an office space. With all those toys in the room, you'll still be able to get them organized and put 'em in those bins. I wonder if my sister can do the same with one corner of her office for the kids whenever they pay her a visit in Atlanta. How did you install the carpet?

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  44. @ Tanisha, we actually had the carpet installed professionally in this space!

    Thanks!

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  45. I want my sons toys, etc. to look like this. I soo pin'd this! You are AMAZING!

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  46. I LOVE your playroom! Looking at the picture, where did you get the shelf located in the left side of the room? Is it an IKEA piece?

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  47. Recently found your blog and I'm loving going through past posts. This is by far my favorite. So many ideas and so much inspiration. As a SAHM of four this is AWESOME! Thanks for sharing and I am definitely sticking around.

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  48. @Anonymous: The white shelf was a combination of pieces from Ikea from their BESTÅ/FRAMSTÅ/INREDA system {i am pretty sure of this, but not 100% since it's been awhile}. I just recall picking out pieces that fit together to create a custom cabinet.

    xoxo!
    Jen

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  49. so in the BESTÅ/FRAMSTÅ/INREDA system... did you had the doors on the top and bottom?

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  50. @Jen, I actually recently was looking into that unit and realized it's actually apart of the EFFECTIV line: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=effectiv

    We did add doors to the specific openings/pieces, also from Ikea.

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  51. Ok- you are officially my hero. I've been lurking around your blog as I try to come up with organizational ideas for our growing family... and this is AMAZING- I can't wait to see if we can create a space like this for our kids!

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  52. Hi Jen! I guess I am a little late on finding your AMAZING blog! I am inspired to create a similar play room for 2 little girls. Do you have the dimensions of this play room that you would be willing to share?
    ~Maria

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  53. the storage bin shelfs come up as an error on the ikea website.. how can i find these?

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  54. @Anonymous, thanks for letting me know, I updated the links embedded in the post. Here is a link to the storage unit: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30171123

    and the bins: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/95685100

    xoxo!
    Jen

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  55. Hi Jen,

    I am currently working on my daughters playroom and I love all these ideas!! Thanks for sharing. I especially love the quote "Create * Share * PLAY * Imagine * Dream". I've been looking for it all over the web but had no luck. Can you let me know where I can find it?

    Thanks and keep the great ideas coming :)
    Sonia

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  56. Such a great inspiration for me as I am looking to improve on our playroom!! Love it all. Can you tell me the size of your playroom? I'd love to compare it to our space to see if similar storage units will work.

    Thanks, Love you blog btw, have got so many great ideas!

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  57. I just found this blog and shared it on my facebook with great reaction from friends. We have a playroom for my daughter but often times she ends up playing at night in the more communal family room, have you found any strategies that work for you as far as storage and or play areas that fit in secondary play areas?


    Thanks and you've won over another reader!
    Christina

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  58. I love your blog and I love this playroom. I stumbled upon your blog yesterday via Pinterest and I just heart it lol! Now, I just need to accelerate finishing our basement so that I can create a space like this. We have a 2 story home with 2 children and toys do end up all over the place because the kids like to be on the main level with us sometimes. We've moved some toys downstairs but the kiddos don't love to go down there on their own.

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  59. @Sonia, I actually found it from Uppercase Living: http://www.uppercaseliving.com/

    However, I am not sure if they still offer that specific saying, as I had gotten it quite a few years ago.

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  60. I finally got around to uploading pics of our playroom... would love to know your thoughts!

    http://loopy.ca/post/11339736875/playroom-clutter-into-playroom-calm-and-no-it

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  61. Kids' Playroom? then call me a kid again...Love it--I want to play and create and relax in here! (I especially love the clear bins that you customized)--Just what I need! :)

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  62. Hi there, I also love what you did to the playroom and am inspired to create something similar. I looked up the Trofast frame on the Ikea website and it seems short - whereas it looks taller in your room (and taller than the cubicles which according to Ikea are the same height). I'm wondering if they changed the size. Do you know the height of yours?

    Thanks!

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  63. @anonymous - it seems as though they have discontinued the specific trofast pieces that we used. Ours were taller than the ones I see on their site now. Another option would be to use the tall 5 cube Expedits on either side.

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  64. So gorgeous and inspiring.

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  65. Where did you get the little desk and shelves? Did you add the shelf across the two tall shelves? The playroom has so many great ideas. Thanks

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  66. The shelves and desk both came from Ikea, however, they no longer sell either of those items. We did add the shelf between the two tall toy shelves, it was just melamine board and some decorative molding. Super easy!
    xoxo,
    Jen

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  67. A friend just posted this on FB and it couldn't have been better timing!!! My husband is deploying after the holidays and won's be home until mid-fall, I am due with our 3rd child in April, the kiddos and I are moving in with my sister and her daughter in February for 6 months (so I have to pack and move our entire house into storage before we go!), and I'm trying to finish my final semester for my AA. I NEED this blog like you wouldn't believe!!! My organizational skills are lacking and I know that is the one thing I can do to make all this a little easier :-) Thank you!!!

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  68. The idea to bridge two inexpensive pull out shelving units with a shelf and molding is genius. It looks like something that costs hundreds of dollars more

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  69. I just found this post from Pinterest. Lovely room! And the organization ideas are all fabulous!

    I was wondering if you could tell me what you used to store the wooden peg puzzles in, the green rack thing? Is that specifically for that purpose, or did you reuse something else? I'm trying to track down something similar for my son's puzzles, but the official Melissa and Doug puzzle racks like that aren't easy to come by here in Canada.

    Thanks!

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  70. @Kerry,

    It was actually a puzzle rack that came with the wooden puzzles as a set. The set was from Target. I haven't ever seen the racks sold individually.

    xoxo!
    Jen

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    Replies
    1. You can find puzzle storage racks at educational supply stores sometimes.

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    2. Such a bummer!

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  71. Awesome storage ideas. I love the puzzle rack and how you labeled the bins.

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  72. That room is amazing! I'm so inspired by your blog! Just wanted to let you know that I'm featuring it on my "Top 10 Organized Spaces" post @www.cheapcraftymama.com! Feel free to drop by and grab a button that shows that you were featured!

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  73. I love your tall shelves with the desk between. I've been looking for a way to move the computer to the playroom. :-)
    We sort and label toys in tubs too. The two-snap lids from Target fit perfectly on the shelving unit... I was making labels in the beginning, but now I just cut the label right from the toy packaging... not exactly uniform, but it gets done the same day. :-)

    Thank you!

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  74. Hi Jen,
    I am a preschool teacher. I love your room. It looks so similar to mine. I however have some "teacher" books that I purchase things out of. You can get wooden puzzles, puzzle racks, beads, blocks, furniture, etc. along with crafts. I have painted a tree on my wall with all of my preschoolers pictures on it. We change out our pictures underneath to match our themes/holidays and times of the year. Check out my favorite place to purchase quality toys that will last forever! Lakeshore. Just go to www.lakeshore.com you will love it!

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  75. Hi Jen,
    First off, I have to tell you how excited I was to see that I wasn't the only crazy one around who loved organizing! Secondly, I totally love your playroom. It is very similar to mine, however you've taking the creativity up a notch! Decorating the big plastic ikea bins on your lower shelves was a great idea! I have red ones, but I use them up a little higher for items the kids have to ask for, like balls, blocks, babies and plastic animals.
    Our playroom is part of our living room, which should really be a dining room. So, I am always trying to keep as many things tucked away as possible. I also run a home daycare so I'm sure you can imagine how many toys I have! I use large plastic toy bins with lids that fit right under my couch and I have to two large chairs where the seats lift up and you can store other things inside! One is used for diapers and the other is for wooden puzzles.
    It really is a challenge staying on top of cleaning, sorting through toys and moving them out (when new ones come in).
    Our basement is still unfinished and I tend to stash toys (on rotation) down there. I am going to keep checking back with your site for more ideas! Thank you. Sorry for the ramble! ;)

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  76. Love your blog. I have 4 boys and we are trying to organize our Legos and other toys. But I was looking at your playroom and noticed the containers for your CDs. Where did you get them? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny!

      They are from the Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10022645&N=&Ntt=acrylic+media

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  77. HI!
    I found this site on pinterest and I'm loving it! I have two little boys (ages 3 and 1) and their stuff is literally taking over! Do your boys share a room? I'm thinking of putting them in the same room and making the nursery into a playroom. Would you recommend this?

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    Replies
    1. My boys do share a room. Only so we can have a guest room. It was a bit of a selfish choice, but I figure since they have a designated play space, really the only thing they use their room for is clothing and sleep. :) It is working OK for us, but our kids are also older and didn't start sharing until after my youngest was three and my middle one was 5.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  78. Dear Jen:
    I have stumbled upon your blog while searching for ideas on decorating my children's playroom, which is becoming more clustered. I love the way you organized your boys' den! Thanks for sharing your ideas and inspiring me. I look forward to reading more of your creative and efficient ideas!

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  79. Hi, Jen

    I just found you on Pinterest and you are so inspiring!!! Thanks so much - I really needed it right now. I was wondering if you could tell me where that adorable basket in the middle of the round table came from. It's such a unique and cute design, and I can never have enough containers! Thank you!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shanna!

      I found the basket awhile back at The Container Store, but they have since discontinued it. So disappointing, I LOVE it! You can find really high end versions online if you google around for white lace bicycle basket, around $80 for one though.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  80. hi! how tall are the storage towers on either side of the computer station? I looked on ikea to see if there was anything comparable since they no longer carry the ones you used, and the tallest one they have is like 57 inches.....dont think that is going to work :(

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30171123/

    thanks!!
    christy

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    Replies
    1. Hi Christy!

      Unfortunately, we lost of the storage pieces in a lower level flood {they swelled up}, so we no longer have them. I don't believe that the new ones sold at IKEA are tall enough for this project.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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    2. We did it with the smaller ones. You can do a shelf at top and still looks nice!

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  81. HI Jen,

    I love, love, LOVE your site! Here's a link to our playroom makeover for our little ones and daycare kids. Its a work in progress but it was a pretty great transformation!

    http://allthingsmamma.com/2010/07/project-home-organization-a-playroom-makeover-on-a-budget/

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  82. I love your blog as well!! I need some advice on puzzle storage in the playroom. What exactly did you use? And do you have any other recs? Thanks!!

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  83. THank you! I just used a puzzle kit {it came with the stand and wood puzzles all together}. I have heard that the Melissa & Doug brand has options for storage. Also, scrapbook sized storage bins might also be an option size wise.

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  84. I love your space! Please come and re-organize my home daycare, LOL!

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  85. I am seeking a solution for out of control puzzles. Where did you purchase your puzzle rack?
    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I just read the answer. No need to respond.

      Delete
  86. Hello! I came across your website through Pinterest, I think, and I just love all of your ideas for organizing your home. Just bought some plastic drawers today for some much needed storage in our tiny bathroom and used your idea of scrapbook paper to hide the "eyeclutter" of what's being stored. Looks great! I look forward to trying some of your other organizing tips as spring comes along with the promise of renewal in the home! :-) Take care!

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  87. I had a quick question about the shelving unitt from Ikea. Did you stack two of them on top of each other or is each tower 57 1/8 in height.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alexandrea!

      We actually only had one tall piece on each side - they have since discontinued that one however. :(

      xoxo!
      Jen

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    2. Hi Jen,

      I was talking with my hsuband and he was thinking I could stack two of the 37 inch towers together since they are being mounted to the wall. What are your thoughts? You have been an answer to my prayers...I am obsessed with organziation and you have helped me put everything together. My playroom has no storage as we just added on the room.

      Thanks,
      Alexandrea

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    3. That could work as long as they are securely mounted to the wall, I would probably fasten them to one another as well by screwing up throw the stop of the lower one into the bottom of the upper one. Maybe check out the children's area in the IKEA showroom to see if they had done it also?

      Best wishes and thanks for the sweet comments! :)

      xxoo!
      Jen

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  88. This is just so absolutely beautiful!

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  89. You. Are. Amazing. :) Thank you for the functional ideas and sharing pictures.

    Mandy @ The Chockboard

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  90. I mostly love everything you do, they are all amazing. But with this room. I don't know... The storage and organization is super but on the other hand, there are shelves and cabinets all over the place. All walls are covered with them. It is as if the walls might come on to you when you are in that room. But that's only how I feel. I still think you made a fantastic job. Congratz...

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  91. Awesome playroom! What is the size of the space?

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  92. Ever since I moved to this house almost five years ago, I've been trying to find a suitable inspiration for our cluttered playroom. Everything I found showed me a GIGANTIC space (if I had that much room, it would be much easier for me to keep it neat!), or had a ton of hanging wall storage (we don't have drywall in our playroom, it's a weird upholstered-type wall from Owens-Corning basement finishers). This playroom design is *just* what I needed and all your product links are so helpful. Thank you so much!

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  93. I love your organizing blog! I see you have two playroom blogs, is this the same space or different? Thanks for sharing!!! Stephanie :)

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  94. Hi Jen! I am so happy I found your blog! We are making a playroom for our little ones now, and I love the two storage units bridged with the crown molding. Can you tell us how you guys did that?? Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. The shelves and desk both came from Ikea, however, they no longer sell either of those items. We did add the shelf between the two tall toy shelves, it was just melamine board and some decorative molding. Super easy!
      xoxo,
      Jen
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  95. Love love love your playroom!!!! Just wondering where I can get the unit to the left of the picture?

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    Replies
    1. It's pieced together from the IKEA EFFECTIV line. I believe they still stock most of the pieces that we used.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  96. I love the color on the walls. I'm starting my very first playroom for my little one (and future ones). What color is on the walls? I want to paint it this green. Sorry if you have already answered this.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Olivia!

      The green is Martha Stewart Seaweed. It was from about five or six years ago.

      xoxo,
      Jen

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    2. Love all of the great ideas! I am trying to piece together some of this for a new playroom. I can't seem to find the clear bins. Do you know if Ikea still has them?

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  97. WOW I don't even have kids and I want this playroom!I love how fnctional and yet warm and cute it is==Jessiejack

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  98. I just found your blog - another friend added a link in her blog - and I LOOOOOOVE it! Thanks for the great ideas. My baby is still too small for us to have a mess of toys around, but it won't be long! Love your little boys, too. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

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  99. I recently got an Expedit shelf unit for my kid's bedroom. I wasn't keen on the bins as the "clear" one seemed to have a purple hue. Never thought about putting the scrapbook paper in to change the color and perhaps add a pattern. Love it. I'm going back to pick the bins up tomorrow! Thanks!

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  100. So cute!! I love all your ideas. Do you remember where you found that puzzle storage?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah!

      It was actually a puzzle rack that came with the wooden puzzles as a set. The set was from Target. I have heard that you can find Melissa & Doug wooden puzzle racks, but I haven't explored that too much.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  101. Oh... this may be a life saver. Where, oh where did you find the shelving/rack for your puzzles? (Lime green too!) :) I am desperate to organize them - we have had it with them falling out of the cubby that they are currently just stacked in (and all the MANY pieces go everywhere!) Any tip appreciated - thank you!

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  102. Hi Jen! This is so inspiring! I read how you organize the Little People sets. So you don't keep the sets together? You put all the people and animals in a bin? We also have so many toys with balls!! Trucks, tops, swirly things. You do the same with those as well?

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  103. Hi Jen! This is so inspiring! I read how you organize the Little People sets. So you don't keep the sets together? You put all the people and animals in a bin? We also have so many toys with balls!! Trucks, tops, swirly things. You do the same with those as well?

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  104. great ideas! Thanks for sharing.

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  105. Hey... I'm in the storage solutions industry and i just wanted to say that I love seeing how you've been using those bins. I recommend plastic bins to people almost every day as a solution for toy storage. There a simple and easy way for your kids to clean up their mess and make everyone's life easy and less cluttered. Just wanted to tell you :)

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  106. What is the green shelf thing holding the wooden puzzles?

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    Replies
    1. It was a puzzle rack that came with the puzzles. It was CIRCO brand from Target a few years back.

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  107. Hi there,love the room. Question, how do your kiddos get their toys from high up the shelves? Or do you have to do that for them?

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,

      Yes, when the kids were younger, I put the items with smaller pieces on the upper shelves so they would have to ask for me to get them down for them.

      xo!
      Jen

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  108. This playroom is AMAZING! We are currently in the process of changing our office into a playroom. We love the desk/toy storage arrangement you have! I have been bugging my husband to make one EXACTLY like yours. Any tips?

    Shannon

    Shannonmariehad@yahoo.com

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  109. just curious... if you have all boys, why does it look like a girls play room? don't get me wrong, it's awesome but is the decor actually pink or is it the lighting in the room making it appear pink? Any how, it really is awesome, I was just confused for a bit.

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    Replies
    1. It was very much the lighting, and lack of natural light. The room was very gender neutral as I used to watch a few extra kiddos during the day.

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  110. Hi! I love your blog and I love the Lekman Bins that you use to store toys! I want to do the same with my Expedit unit, including the scrapbook paper idea to pretty them up. The bins are used by a 9 month old so the paper can't be accessible though. Is there a pouch in the front panel or did you just attach the paper to the panel?

    I'm hoping you come back and tell me there is a pouch. Please please please please!

    Thanks in advance for the information!

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    Replies
    1. Sorry doll! I just stuck the paper in the fronts and attached with tape. No pouches. :(

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  111. Hi! love your blog! can you please share with us a link on where to find those mesh sorters you use to storage the puzzles? I've been trying to find them online, but the ones I find are to bulky..

    Thanks!!

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    Replies
    1. Hello,

      It is actually an entire kit that I purchased from Target {it came with the stand and wood puzzles all together}. I have heard that the Melissa & Doug brand has options for storage or to check educational supply stores. Also, scrapbook sized storage bins might also be an option size wise.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  112. Hi Jen! I can't begin to tell you how much I love the storage ideas and your entire toy/play room! I have been aching over this forever I just want a neat toy room and got a couple canvas toy boxes, WHAT A MISTAKE, and that didn't work but all your work is awesome! I aslo thought of a few sturdy toy boxes, but toy boxes are so juvenile looking and not attractive and not really that functional! LOVE THIS!!! Thank you so much for sharing all the links to the stuff that you bought. The only thing that I would really like to know about is the one shelf/cabinet that you have in the toy room that has glass doors on the top and the cupboard door on the bottom on the front. Where can I get that entire piece at? Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there!

      The piece was a combination of EFFECTIV items from Ikea. I am not sure that they carry all of the items any longer.

      xoxo!
      Jen

      Delete
  113. Hi Jen, I wanted to check with you. The trofast storage that you have with the bins I found on IKEA but it is less than 5 feet tall, and they don't have anything taller. Yours in the pictures seems to be much taller. I know that you have the top on it to bridge the 2 units but I just wanted to find out about those shelves. Under 5 feet is just not tall enough. Maybe they had something taller when you actually did it? Let me know. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      That is correct, the taller versions are no longer at IKEA :(. I am not sure how stacking them would work... another option may be to use the Expedit bookcases, I have done this as well and LOVE it!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
    2. Can you provide a link for the bookcases & how you used them? I found them but they seem slimmer than the trofast system. I really liked that unit but like the other person, less then 5ft will look funny on my wall. I am trying to combine my scrapbook with my toy room so it has its challenges.

      Delete
  114. Beautiful playroom! I have a suggestion. When I labelled children's toy baskets, I always wrote the words also, in a clear font, so they were learning spelling and reading, too. It seemed to be very effective. I also posted a sign in their playroom with our address prominently typed, so they would learn it, plus Mom & Dad's cell numbers. In case of emergencies, they had these memorized quite young. Another tip I learned: our boys wore uniforms to school, so we wrote our cell #s inside their belts, for emergencies. All thru elementary school, I put (with Sharpie marker) the cell #s inside their belts. :) Thank the Lord they never needed them.... and are now grown.

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  115. Love love love this space! I read through all the questions and don't see this one. Where did you find that little barn at the top of your storage unit? I'm looking for one just like it! Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It was a gift from a family friend. I apologize, I don't know the original source.

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  116. Hi Jen,

    We are building a playroom in our basement and aren't making it too big. Do you know what the room size is? It looks around the size of the one we are making but just wanted to compare if it was?

    Thanks!

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  117. I love this space. I run a daycare and wish I would have seen this before customising mine. Was not certain of what pieces ikea still sold if any. I like how the large bins are stored. I sooo want that unit.

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  118. So, I have a question for you. I am a HUGE propenent of pare down, minimize, get rid of the excess, etc... BUT, the books. Oh, the books. I have books that were mine as a child, books that were given to the kids, books I read as a young adult, books of my husbands, books for homeschooling, books books!! How do you decide what should stay? I feel like a book hoarder and I don't have the room for it. Help! lol

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  119. Super inspiring and helpful. I am going to re-organize my son's play room. We really need one. I love the idea of sorting toys and the comfy sofa. We really need that! Thanks again for sharing. I have subscribed to your blog and will be always looking forward to reading new posts

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  120. Amazing! What is the green rack you used for the Wooden Puzzle Storage?

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  121. Hi there,

    Thanks for your blog, which is obviously a good inspiration for lots of moms. Being also a toddler mom but oviously not grown in the same mindset, I have a few constructive criticism comments to submit down here:
    - quote: "sometimes it's hard for the kids to understand or let go, but they are learning some very valuable life lessons." Which valuable lessons are there? I find it soooo hard for a toddler to get rid of its own things that I believe it makes more hurt than benefit. In my family we used to keep things, my mum reused our own toys for my boys and I was so proud of it!! Also I do really find that you have definetely too much toys in this room, my kids didn't have a half of what you have here. I believe your blog is helpful for very rich and bored people, not for mr everybody's real life.
    - where is the window in your room? Besides of having a wonderful play room, most important for kids is to discover nature, go out,see cars and trucks and trains, which is of much interest for them.
    Your kids may have grown older since you posted this blog, hope they still have a good idea of your place.

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  122. Wow beautiful kids play room! Wish we had a room like that! Awesome work!

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