December 2023
If you are starting here, at what likely looks like the simplest of projects, this playroom refresh is a great example of what it can mean to let mental health lead the way.
When I decided to take this space, scattered with toys, and turn it into an environment that invited my son to build and jump, I had 3 things in mind.
First, I was overwhelmed. My wife and I were on what seemed to be a never-ending fertility journey to grow our family. The emotional toll that can take on an individual is something that can’t be explained, but I promise, there is a reason they call them warriors.
Second, my financial availability. I only recently have discovered companies that will contribute to benefits that help your family expand. Without that type of support, there is a very real (very large) bill that comes with trying to get pregnant. This project had to remain simple.
Lastly, I was inspired by my closet. Not because it was simple and modest. Instead, it was overflowing with items that I had yet to find a place for but refused to get rid of. We’ve been in this home for 2 years. It was now – or Goodwill.
Playroom Refresh Inspiration
Just for reference, this is what I was working with. (Image from the original listing, because I rarely remember to take a before photo.)
It started with a shelf. I had purchased it to support the truckload of stuffed animals one inherits while pregnant. Once J turned a year old, we re-homed the soft unused lovey’s and the shelf earned a spot in my closet.
Choosing to do it at toddler height, I mounted it to every stud within reach. The fact that it was shallow worked in my favor. There’s not enough space for storage on the shelf, encouraging me not to use it for storage. Without any preconceived distractions of how to use the space, J does whatever he wants. Usually dinosaurs, an airport, a highway, or a construction site.
With one small piece of certainty, I was ready to paint.
Mental Health Takeaway
Breaking away from the minimalist white-wall aesthetic can feel ambiguous. Luckily, according to individuals with years of experience and knowledge, bright happy colors can increase mental Activity. Going as far as to make you feel physically recharged
Step 1. Clean & Paint
I started by clearing as many toys from the space as I could, Then, I broke out the steamer to remove built up dirt and dog hair from corners and trim.
If you ever want to know how dirty everything really is, use a steamer.
As a recovering white-wall addict, I was excited to get painting and decided on two-tone, stopping right below eye level. If you aren’t using caulk for straight lines, I promise you are making more work for yourself.
The previous owners took it upon themselves to turn an outdoor patio into an extra room, and I love the added space. However, I don’t know that they had much professional help.
Originally, I measured from the baseboards up, but learned quickly that the was resulting in extremely un-level lines. Instead, I used a long level and slowly worked my way around the room to create a straight line. After the line was drawn I was able to confidently tape off the area.
From there, I added small dots of caulk to my finger and spread it thinly over the edge of the tape that would be painted. Double-check the product, but it is usually paint ready in a couple hours.
Two coats later, and after a little dry time, it peels away beautifully.
Step 2. Decorate & Declutter
A big part of this playroom refresh was that I wanted to use the things that were starting taking up space in a closet.
After the shelf was up, it was easy to tell that the space above would be best used to show off some art work by the little dude.
Finally, looking through crammed closets and overstuffed bedrooms, I found a few things that helped pull the space together and provide storage.
Cubby Storage
Cubes for train storage
Shelf for Feelings Corner
Hidden Shoe Rack
Step 3. Adding Shelf for Toy Rotation
In a separate post, I walk through taking advantage of high storage space available.