Playroom Essentials with a Modern Industrial Twist

Kid Space Area | Playroom Essentials | Modern Industrial | Classy Glam Living

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One night during our bedtime chat, little man told me that he missed our old house, because it had more room (read, more spacious).  I hear him for sure.  There was a ton of walk-through space at the old house, where he could run around with daddy during gun battles or played never-ending sessions of hide and seek.  

Of course, Daddy and Mommy can't wait to move into the new house either!  So far, it's making good progress, even in this dreary winter weather.  The builder had set up the scaffolding when we drove by last weekend (yes we still stalk our new house every weekend!), so they should be bricking this week.  In the meantime, the Mr. and I continue to play around with room ideas.  Looking at the floorplan, it seems our glass desk would be too large for the spare bedroom, which we naturally designated as our office.

Maybe we can get a smaller desk for the office?  Instead of getting stuck on the notion that we have an office, the Mr. came up with an ingenious idea (yet again).  How about we turn that room into little man's playroom?  

I was reluctant at first, but eventually gave in.  I guess we don't really need a home office - what I really wanted was the storage.  We would use the home office only occasionally back at the old house.  So I think the Mr. is right, the little man can use that extra space for toy storage and also for arts and crafts.

While I prefer the rest of the house to be a more traditional glammed up adult space, I also love the modern minimalist clean lines.  I think the playroom would be the best place to try out this modern and playful twist; maybe even adding some industrial chic!

I would love to incorporate these modern/ industrial elements for little man's playroom. 

image via Restoration Hardware

image via Restoration Hardware

image via bliss-athome.com

I love the "kidified" modern and clean feel of these rooms.  But clean???  Not sure about that for a PLAYROOM.  So I've come up with a list of 8 essentials for my vision of the modern and whimsical playroom.

1. CLOSED STORAGE

To achieve a "clean" look, I would want most of the smaller toys out of sight.  Storage units can easily hide the puzzles, legos, etc..  These units have that modern/ clean/ industrial feel I'm looking for.  I'm leaning towards the Restoration Hardware style.  I'll need to get the Mr. onboard for this DIY project. 

Closed Storage | Modern Industrial Playroom | Kid Space Area | Classy Glam Living

2. OPEN STORAGE

When I was a kid, I don't think I had any problems fitting my toys into a storage unit.  Did I not get enough toys, or are boys' toys bigger than girls'?  I need the open storage because a Star Wars light sabre, or Nerf gun, wouldn't fit into a storage unit!  I would keep these open storage in a neutral tone, just so they don't attract more attention than need be.

sources:  1. home decorators; 2. redinfred; 3. restoration hardware

sources:  1. home decorators; 2. redinfred; 3. restoration hardware

3. COMFY RUG

Kids love playing and rolling around on the floor.  A rug would also protect hardwood floors from being damaged by dropped toys.  "Oops, sorry mommy." - heard a lot of that when little man was a tiny toddler, trying to hold onto a toy too big or too heavy for himself.  

joss & main

joss & main

As much as I love this rug, it's a no go for the playroom.  Have you ever stepped on a piece of transparent lego?  No fun.  And shaggy rugs conceal every little piece of toy.  OUCH!

To spare our soles (and souls), we would go with a low pile one.  Maybe even an indoor/ outdoor rug for added durability.  

sources:  1. IKEA; 2. kORHANI; 3. pOTTERY BARN kIDS

sources:  1. IKEA; 2. kORHANI; 3. pOTTERY BARN kIDS

4. ARTS AND CRAFT AREA

Before the idea of this playroom came about, I was going to put an arts/ work area in his room.  I guess now we can spare that space in his bedroom, and move the arts and crafts area to the playroom.  Maybe he'll get even more inspired to channel his inner Picasso!  

I've always loved this round table from IKEA for its simple lines and great surface area.  Its modern look pairs well with any of these chairs, injecting some colours and whimsy to the playroom.

Arts & Crafts Area | Modern Industrial Playroom | Kid Space Area | Classy Glam Living

5. ART DISPLAY AREA

After little Picasso is done with his art, of course he would want the world to see it.  These are some pretty cool art displays to hang a ton of art.  

6. COOL LIGHT FIXTURE

With all the going-on's in the playroom, we need some comfortable lighting.  These light fixtures reinforce the modern look of the playroom, while adding a touch of industrial chic.

sources:  1. DOT & BO; 2. IKEA; 3. RH BABY & CHILD

sources:  1. DOT & BO; 2. IKEA; 3. RH BABY & CHILD

7. WHIMSICAL WALL ACCENTS

Just like any other rooms, the playroom can definitely use some accent pieces.  It's a legitimate space to add some fun accessories!  I've always loved these cardboard animal busts, and even better when they come in patterns!  The red plaid one would add a splash of colour!  

SOURCES:  1. CARDBOARD SAFARI; 2. UNCOMMON GOODS

Lighted marquee letters are everywhere these days. It's also a great way to add accent lighting.  I think I just found another DIY project for the Mr.!

Image via RH BABY & CHILD

Image via RH BABY & CHILD

These art prints are too adorable and they can make up a small gallery wall.  Having them all in grey frames would bring some uniformity to this accent wall. 

sources:  1. Etsy; 2. ONE KINGS LANE; 3. CHAPTERS INDIGO; 4. ZAZZLE; 5. HAUTELOOK

sources:  1. Etsy; 2. ONE KINGS LANE; 3. CHAPTERS INDIGO; 4. ZAZZLE; 5. HAUTELOOK

8. A PLACE TO CHILLAX

Last but not least, it's nice to have a spot to chillax in this chillaxing room.  Maybe after all the fighting with action figures, little man would want some quiet time and sit down with a book (in my dreams).  He would need a comfy spot for that, and these bean "chairs" just look so inviting.

SOURCE:  FAT BOY USA

SOURCE:  FAT BOY USA

Kids go bonkers with tents...  they love hiding in their own private space (as much as parents want to hide from them sometimes?).  I can see little man playing with his action figures in this teepee and then using it as a closed storage :-)

SOURCE:  RH BABY & CHILD

SOURCE:  RH BABY & CHILD

So how will everything fit in little man's tiny playroom?  I've tentatively come up with this layout/ moodboard.

Playroom Layout | Modern Industrial | Kid Space Area | Classy Glam Living
Playroom Essentials with a Modern Industrial Twist | Kid Space Area | Classy Glam Living

It's not a large room, but I want to pack it with fun stuff to look at.  The modern feel is accentuated with clean lines and neutral tones, while accent pieces infuse colours into the room.  This is a room that he can easily grow into as his study room once he's over the toys stage...  but will boys ever be done with toys?!

This room has large windows, which will bring in lots of natural light for little man to play and colour...  especially great during weekend mornings, when Daddy and Mommy prefer to sleep in.  

Did I miss any essentials for a playroom?  Please let us know...  whatever helps us get more sleep on weekend mornings!