7 Tips to Combine a Playroom and Guest Room
7 Tips to Combine a Playroom and Guest Room
Nurture ABC fun by day and 'Zzzzz' at night with these ideas that cater to both kids and overnight guests
Most homeowners with children would love a playroom, but many
layouts don’t provide the space for one. But there is one room that
could work double duty: the guest room. Since guest rooms are usually
used only for small spurts of time, they’re ideal for taking on extra
function. These professional tips will put you well on your way to a
space that makes both guests and your kids feel comfortable and at home.
Pick out a daybed. Daybeds
provide an instant space for guests to sleep or children to read on.
“Upholster the mattress in a kid-friendly fabric and add a variety of
throw pillows to make the space inviting,” says interior designer Rebecca Driggs.
“It gives your room a tailored look, and you don’t have to worry about
remaking a fully dressed bed every time your kids jump on it.”
Or go with a sleeper sofa. If
you’d like to create more of a living room feel for your kids’
playroom, consider a sleeper sofa instead of a bed. “A comfy sleeper
sofa provides the perfect solution for seating and sleeping,” says
interior designer Linda Rosen. “Coordinate the sofa fabrics with other elements in the space to set the tone for the room and establish a color scheme.”
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Maximize storage with built-ins. In
a space that will be filled with toys, books, sheets, blankets and
more, adequate storage is key. "Consider building closed cabinets in
lower units approximately 24 inches deep,” advises Rosen. “Twelve-inch
bookcases with adjustable shelves should ideally rest on top of the
lower cabinets, allowing enough space to place accessories. Remember,
fill the bookcases with books for the kids as well as for guests.”
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by Planet Fur
by Planet Fur
Use a combination of closed and open storage.
Playrooms often have a lot of bulky plastic toys that are better suited
for closed storage than display, especially if the space is also to be
used as a guest retreat. “Use open storage and bookshelves for smaller
toys and books, and try to keep the open storage organized by using
baskets or bins,” says Driggs.
Invest in double-duty furnishings.
Make use of every inch by choosing furniture with hidden storage. “A
trunk that opens can serve as a coffee table, while end tables with
drawers and doors can house toys or clothes,” says Rosen. “A writing
table on one side of the sofa is the perfect place for a laptop.”
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Choose a color scheme that works for both a playroom and a guest room.
This space is going to be used by children and adults alike, so it’s
best to keep the color scheme neutral. Though the kids may beg, Driggs
advises to stay away from bright colors.
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Get the right window shades. Remember
that this room will used for playtime during the day and sleeping at
night, so the windows should be dressed for both. “Shutters, woven woods, Roman shades, roller shades and draperies
are beautiful and functional window treatments with easy access to
daylight as well as privacy and blackout come evening,” says Rosen.
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