Last year we completely renovated the downstairs of our home
We tore down the walls of our 1930s home
Added a small extension
To create a large open living space
We have been back in the house for almost a year now
And though I love it
As we live in it I am finding things I would like to change
The playroom is the area of our downstairs that has the nicest position
With French doors onto the patio and a large picture window overlooking the garden
At the moment it is filled to bursting with too many toys
And I would like to reduce them
And create a clearer space for open ended play
I would also like to add some seating
To make this a more usable family space
Including a bench beneath the picture window
So we can all sit and read or enjoy a drink looking at the garden
The other area I want to change
Is the classroom
We have never used the space as this
In fact all we do is use the ‘room’
As a dumping ground
My idea now as the nights draw in
Is to make the room into a play space for Edie
With a sofa bed for daytime seating and guest sleeping
And beanbags for children to sit low to the ground
Where Edie plays to browse the many many books
Housed in that room
I think I would like to rename them
To refocus my plans
To create a family room
And a reading room (with space for Edie to play)
If money were no object
(I am keeping my eye on the Euromillions lottery results
Here are some of the things I would buy
Family Room
The main thing in this room
Is to reduce the number of toys
Thinking along the lines of
Fewer, better toys
Toys that will last
That are non specific
And so facilitate open ended
Creative play
I want to donate many of our current toys
And gradually buy new
Fewer, better toys
I also want the toys we do have
To be better organised
So that the children can easily find what they want
And put their toys away again
It would also be nice to have a window seat
Here are some of my thoughts
A storage bench to sit beneath the picture window
Toys to facilitate open ended play
Toy storage baskets and bags
Reading Room
This room I want to be warm, snug and comfy
A place to sit and read
A place to watch movies on the big screen
A place to talk together
I would also like to have a bed in here
Where friends and family can stay
Here are some of my dreams
Carts for books and small toys
Edie Play Space
I can see this area so clearly
I know exactly what I would buy our last little baby
If I could
Here is my wish list for Edie Mae
Playmat and Play Quilt from Scandiborn
Wooden play arch from Scandiborn
Storage basket from Kiddiewinkles
I have loved putting this post together
And little by little
I am determined to create these areas
In our home
Perfect places to live, work rest and play
Special places to be
This is a collaborative post