Parenting is a process filled with surprises. For instance, you probably didn’t realise that one child could spend so long crying, and my goodness, no one told you that the contents of their nappies would look like that. When it comes to the impact on your house, though, few things are more surprising than the amount of clutter kids can bring.
From buggies and changing tables were bad enough, to toys and pointless plastic things, the childhood clutter really never ends. And, when you’re in the midst of this chaos, it can feel like everyone’s suddenly talking about the power of the playroom.
But, did you know that many homeowners actually cite their playroom as one of the worst wasted spaces in their homes? Luckily, it is possible to add a playroom that actually lives up to its promise. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Try Open Plan Instead
Giving an entire room over to the purposes of play is a major undertaking, and the fact that playrooms are often upstairs out of sight, or added on as extensions, means that they often feel distanced and remain unused. This is a problem, but it’s something you can overcome by trying an open plan play setup instead.
Admittedly, going entirely open plan is a pretty major renovation undertaking, and you might want to look into secured home improvement loans if you’re going down this route. But once you’ve got the right financing in place, this simple switch could see your play space becoming a far more integrated , and therefore well used, part of your home. Your kids could even play here while you cook, clean, and do whatever else you need to finish elsewhere in the house!
Make it Multifunctional
Playrooms can also be problematic because they have a very specific usage requirement. They’re only really relevant when your kids are young enough to enjoy their toys, and when your entire family is around to enter the space.
By shifting to a more multifunctional approach, you can make a playroom that actually gets used all day, by every family member. Smart storage solutions and integrated wardrobes are especially useful here, as they ensure that toys are easily hidden where required. Then, you could quickly transform this space into a home office, library, or even a yoga studio once the sun sets or the kids head to school.
Don’t Slip into the Habit of Dumping
Home clutter doesn’t just consist of toys, and you may slip into the habit of shoving unhoused boxes and bits in your playroom when it’s not in use. But our list tip is to avoid all costs.
As well as limiting the play potential of this room, using the space as a dumping ground could quickly lead to avoidance of the space. And, that’s the fastest way to waste the playroom you worked so hard to create!
Are playrooms worth adding to your property? They could be if you keep these tips in mind.
*This is a collaborative post
