It’s been over a year since I shared the design plan for Eliza’s playroom and that time plus a few months since I started on the space. I looked back at the design plan and laughed to myself when I saw that the reveal “goal” date I had disclosed in the plan was last June. But… life. And, even though I’m not great at wrapping projects up within ambitious timelines (or even reasonable time allotments), I always get it done 😉 And today, finally, I’m excited (and relieved) to share that Eliza’s playroom is finished! In today’s post, I’ll be sharing all the kids playroom decor elements and all the “stations” within the space and next week, I’ll be back to talk about storage and organization.
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Once Eliza’s playroom was actually in active progress, it didn’t take long to transform. The primary reason for the delay was right after we were set to begin the former guest bedroom transition, the flood happened and we had to turn what was supposed to be Eliza’s playroom into a master closet/bathroom storage/dumping ground. While we STILL aren’t back in our bathroom (I know), we moved back in our closet a while ago and did get to a point where we could continue on with Eliza’s playroom. And now… it’s complete.
Sources: Light Fixture (similar) | Wallpaper Mural | Teepee Tent | Faux Sheepskin Rug (similar) | Felted Pom Pom Garland | Mushroom Basket | Table | Chairs |Dandelion Stems (similar) |Pin Board | Butterflies | Rug | Tufted Storage Bench | Green Tassel Pillow Cover | Round Cushion w/Pom Poms | Floral Pillow Cover | Velvet Pillow Cover
Kids Playroom Decor — the Feature Wall
I’ve spoken at length about how the concept for Eliza’s forest playroom was born — basically, from me trying to create a way to naturally incorporate her Christmas trees and twinkle lights into a space she would enjoy year-round. From there, the camp-esque theme grew. Landing on THIS forest mural was simple considering the goal was to have a couple slender Christmas trees become “part” of the background. The shop owner was so accommodating and created the mural to our wall specifications. The peel and stick application is such an easy way to create a focal wall(s) — even on the most temporary of timeframes. I didn’t want to commit to anything longterm, plus, the easy vinyl guess-and-check friendly installation is a project I knew I could do on my own (with my mom’s set of hands), saving lots of $$$. You can see lots of forest, botanical, and whimsical playroom murals in THIS post I launched recently. By the way, the shop where the mural came from has a TON of peel and stick wallpaper options and I think can customize any of them to specific wall sizes — you can check out the full shop HERE. She shipped ours incredibly quickly!
With the mural and trees covered, I ordered THIS teepee style tent off Amazon. It comes with a carrying case for portability, ships free (with free returns), is on sale currently, AND has an additional 10% off coupon you can apply on the listing. You can find it HERE. I further personalized it with THIS adorable green and star themed felt pom pom garland.
It’s also worth noting, when Eliza first saw her finished playroom, she lost her mind in the very best way. Watching her creativity, personality and imagination shine in this space over the past few weeks has been pure joy. So many of her toys have been put away or difficult to access so in addition to the reveal of her new play space, a lot of her toys feel like new again.
Sources: Teepee Tent | Faux Sheepskin Rug (similar) | Felted Pom Pom Garland | Round Cushion w/Pom Poms | Floral Pillow Cover | Velvet Pillow Cover
By the way, how adorable is THIS lidded mushroom basket? It ships free, is under $40, and is also sweet for a nursery or kids bedroom. It currently serves as the home to her Maileg mice (and bunnies) 😉 If you’re into the Maileg mice, I actually purchased THESE cabana themed mice for Eliza to gift her before our beach trip — they’re adorable! I purchased a mom, dad, and “Eliza” mouse; you can find all the cabana options HERE.
Sources: Wallpaper Mural | Pom Pom Basket | Mushroom Basket | Raccoon Plush Animal
Sources: Teepee Tent | Felted Pom Pom Garland
Kids Playroom Decor — the Improvised Window Seat
I have lots of little storage solutions in plain sight as well as tucked away solutions, and I’ll be sharing all those in an upcoming playroom storage post next week! I wanted Eliza to have a little window seat of sorts but again, wanted to keep her playroom budget friendly and wasn’t going to have anything built. I sought out an upholstered storage bench specifically to be positioned under the window as a window seat/toy storage hybrid solution. (If you’re interested in what a window seat/built-in shelving unit looks like, I had those built around my office window HERE.)
Sources: Teepee Tent | Faux Sheepskin Rug (similar) | Felted Pom Pom Garland | Round Cushion w/Pom Poms | Floral Pillow Cover | Velvet Pillow Cover | Tufted Storage Bench
Kids Playroom Decor — the Play Kitchen Area
Eliza was gifted her play kitchen two Christmases ago, in anticipation of it having a home in her someday playroom. Between being in our living room the first year and then moving upstairs, it’s stayed in pristine condition — it’s definitely a quality play kitchen. It’s substantial and large but with each piece is individual and can be reconfigured — great if you have a lot of space or not much space. You can even configure it on multiple walls in a corner. Dave jokes that Eliza’s kitchen is nicer than ours and well… he’s not wrong, haha. You can find it in multiple colors and individual pieces and as the full set HERE.
Sources: Play Kitchen | Rug | Step Stool (similar) | Butterfly Poster | Poster Frame (pack of 2) | Clock | Blushing Bird Art | Apron | Bins | Pots and Pans Set | Silicone Marble Utensil Set | Utensil Holder (similar)| Wooden Utensils | Round Ceramic Vase | Olivewood Serving Board | Rectangular Marble Board (similar)
Sources: Play Kitchen | Salad Kit | Cutting Fruit Set | Cutting Food Set | Pizza Play Set | Refrigerator Food Set | Condiment Set | Pasta Set | Canned Goods Set | Wooden Cookie Play Set | Toaster Set | White Handle Bins
Sources: Salad Kit | Pizza Play Set | Toaster Set (w/bread and jam)
Eliza loves helping in the kitchen and I wanted to accumulate accessories and tools that would help her mimic our actual kitchen… down to what she’s used to like Mommy’s boards, just miniature sized.
Sources: Play Kitchen | Step Stool (similar) | Apron | Pots and Pans Set | Silicone Marble Utensil Set | Utensil Holder (similar) | Wooden Utensils | Round Ceramic Vase | Towel Rod (for kitchen utensils) | S Hooks
To help with storage (and as cute styling), I had planned to fashion a pot rack above her stove from the beginning. I used THIS one from West Elm in the 24″ option but THIS one off Amazon is similar and a fraction of the price. Both come in multiple size options. I used two packs of THESE “S” hooks I found on Amazon to hang her cookware and utensils — hot pads and essentially anything with a loop could be hung from the bar depending on how much space you have.
I used an old pencil cup from my desk to serve has her wooden utensil crock (SIMILAR from Amazon) and her cute sink-side bud vase was a $5 Target find HERE. In addition to the tan color, it also comes in blue HERE.
Sources: Play Kitchen | Step Stool (similar) | Pots and Pans Set | Silicone Marble Utensil Set | Utensil Holder (similar) | Wooden Utensils | Round Ceramic Vase | Towel Rod (for kitchen utensils) | S Hooks
Her kitchen hooks hold decades-old potholders made and saved by Gran Nan, along with a miniature canvas bag — a souvenir from last year’s vacation — to serve as her reusable shopper tote.
Sources: Mini Ritz Carlton Canvas Bag | Homemade Pot Holder (courtesy of Gran Nan)
And I’d purchased this cute bunny hook for her nursery before she was born and never found a spot for it… until I decided it could be her apron hook 😉 I’ve shared it several times before as a gift idea but you can find Eliza’s pink gingham ruffle apron HERE; you can also personalize or monogram it.
Sources: Apron | Bunny Hook is no longer available (SIMILAR)
I had so much fun with her little gallery wall. My mom and I recently went to a local winery resort for an overnight and found inexpensive botanical posters and we grabbed several. I actually found them on Amazon when I returned home — the butterfly poster print is only $6.99 HERE and then I used THIS frame — also on Amazon and comes in a two-pack.
I also added THIS bluebird print I’ve used in her bedroom before and THIS inexpensive small wall clock — which just makes me think of a sweet little modern kitchen.
Sources: Butterfly Poster | Poster Frame (pack of 2) | Blushing Bird Art | Clock | Pots and Pans Set | Silicone Marble Utensil Set | Olivewood Serving Board | Rectangular Marble Board (similar) | Towel Rod (for kitchen utensils) | S Hooks
Kids Playroom Decor — the Play Table Area
A table in Eliza’s playroom was a non-negotiable for me. I wanted her to have a place to host tea parties, to “prepare meals”, to put together puzzles, create art, etc. I ultimately went with THIS play table and THESE midcentury modern spindle chairs — both come in multiple colors.
Sources: Light Fixture (similar) | Wallpaper Mural | Teepee Tent | Faux Sheepskin Rug (similar) | Table | Chairs |Dandelion Stems (similar) | Pin Board | Butterflies | Rug | Felted Pom Pom Garland | Mushroom Basket | Pom Pom Basket | Raccoon Plush Animal | Paper Roll Holder | Paper Roll Holder (almost identical for a fraction of the price) | Round Cushion w/Pom Poms | Floral Pillow Cover | Velvet Pillow Cover
Positioned just above it, I wanted a place for her to hang special mementos, art, etc. Her gold framed pinboard JUST came back in stock HERE (like in the past few days) and also comes in an oval option HERE. I used butterflies from her Christmas tree two Christmases ago for a fun, whimsical (and still on-theme) element 😉
Sources: Wallpaper Mural | Table | Chairs |Dandelion Stems (similar) | Pin Board | Butterflies | Mushroom Basket | Pom Pom Basket | Paper Roll Holder | Paper Roll Holder (almost identical for a fraction of the price)
I purchased her paper roll from Ikea a few years ago, but THIS ONE from Melissa and Doug is almost identical and a fraction of the Amazon price.
I pieced her simple tea set together with THIS small teapot I found on Amazon, along with a few espresso cups.
Highlighting a few photos, artwork, and school projects…
And speaking of artwork, this was the first “art” Eliza and I ever did together — a finger painting from a few years ago. I’ve been saving it ever since until we had the perfect spot to hang it. I framed it with THIS gold matted frame I found on Amazon which Dave thinks makes it look like an actual masterpiece 😉 It comes in multiple colors, several sizes, and has a coupon on the listing today HERE.
Sources: Frame | Art (courtesy of Eliza — first at home finger painting — circa 2020)
Sources: Pin Board | Butterflies |Dandelion Stems (similar) | Paper Roll Holder | Paper Roll Holder (almost identical for a fraction of the price)
Kids Playroom Decor — Book Nook Ledges
Even though Eliza has THIS bookcase in her bedroom, I wanted book ledges for her playroom where she could rotate out books and have more visible options to read while she’s playing independently. I am SO happy with THESE clear acrylic book ledges — they’re strong and substantial, were easy to hang, come in a pack of four, and come in three size options. I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect balance of quality vs. cost and I understand why THESE have a perfect 5* rating.
Sources: Acrylic Floating Shelves (pack of 2)
Kids Playroom Decor — Dress Up
While her dress up clothes are in the playroom closet — which I’ll share next week — I was able to justify saving some of my old baubles and personal items I would have otherwise donated in the name of “dress up!”
Sources: Rug | Batik Forest Art | Over the Door Mirror | Tassel Pouf (similar) | Rattan Carriage | Balance Board
THIS mirror was a target find and can either be mounted on the wall, or hung on the door as I’ve done.
Eliza has done pretty well with her new play place — we just have to be consistent with reserving time after dinner for clean up and encourage her to pick up as she goes so there’s not one big mess at the end of the night. She’s adapted to taking only a few items out at a time; how clean it will stay as time goes on, who knows 😉 I’m just so relieved to actually have space for her things now and her bedroom can be her bedroom. I went through each room of the house and purged and pulled stay toys that can now all be housed in the playroom and I feel like I have just a little more order to my mind now that we have a little more order to Eliza’s play things.
Sources: Light Fixture (similar) | Wallpaper Mural | Teepee Tent | Faux Sheepskin Rug (similar) | Table | Chairs | Dandelion Stems (similar) | Pin Board | Butterflies | Tufted Storage Bench | Play Kitchen | Rug | Step Stool (similar) | Felted Pom Pom Garland | Mushroom Basket | Pom Pom Basket | Raccoon Plush Animal | Paper Roll Holder | Paper Roll Holder (almost identical for a fraction of the price) | Round Cushion w/Pom Poms | Floral Pillow Cover | Velvet Pillow Cover
And speaking of bedrooms, Eliza’s “project Big Girl bedroom” is officially underway! I ordered her bed last year and it still isn’t here but a few weeks ago, we went ahead and transitioned to an interim mattress on the floor so she could start adjusting. See — no more crib! These photos were snapped after she came home from school and saw the start of her “big girl bedroom” for the first time. *Cue the tears*
Sources: Nightstand | Lamp | Crown Catchall Dish | Piggy Bank (similar) | Bunny Garland (similar) | Song Lyrics Art (similar)| Frames
You can find her full big girl bedroom design plan — in her favorite color with some of her favorite things — HERE. The bedroom should come together quickly once the bed (and tardy trunk) arrive, and then she’ll be set for the next several years.
To catch the playroom storage solutions and see where exactly all the toys and *things* are hiding, along with Eliza’s upcoming big girl bedroom and more, be sure to subscribe to emails at the bottom of the post.
Shop the Kids Playroom Decor
Furnishings: Light Fixture | Teepee Tent | Table | Chairs | Tufted Storage Bench | Play Kitchen | Step Stool (similar) | Tassel Pouf (similar)
Art & Walls: Wallpaper Mural | Blushing Bird Art | Batik Forest Art | Lucite Shelves (pack of 2) | Over the Door Mirror | Pin Board | Butterfly Poster | Wooden Poster Frame — framing butterflies (pack of 2) |Gold Art Frame w/Mat (for personal art at entry)
Decor: Rug | Faux Sheepskin Rug (similar) |Felted Garland | Mushroom Basket | Pom Pom Basket | Green Tassel Pillow Cover | Round Cushion w/Pom Poms | Floral Pillow Cover | Velvet Pillow Cover | Dandelion Stems (similar) | Butterflies |
Kitchen Items: Play Kitchen | Towel Rod (for kitchen utensils) | S Hooks (for utensils) | Butterfly Poster | Poster Frame (pack of 2) | Clock | Blushing Bird Art | Apron | Bins | Pots and Pans Set | Silicone Marble Utensil Set | Utensil Holder (similar)| Wooden Utensils | Round Ceramic Vase | Olivewood Serving Board | Rectangular Marble Board (similar) | Tea Pot
Other Featured Toys: Raccoon Plush Animal | Paper Roll Holder | Paper Roll Holder (almost identical for a fraction of the price) | Wicker Doll Carriage | Flamingo | Elephant | Balance Board
Absolutely darling! Such great ideas!
Margaret, Thank you for taking the time to stop by! Eliza loves her new playroom, so I know we will be spending lots of time there.
This is the sweetest room ever!!!! Lucky, lucky little lady to have such a creative mom!!!
Hi Marion, Thank you for your sweet note. We had such fun putting the playroom together and I am such a lucky mom!
This is so well thought out & just an amazing playroom! She is one lucky little girl 🙂 She will be able to be creative in her own little space, which is wonderful. Great job momma!
Hi Paula, Thank you for visiting and for your kind note. I am so thankful that Eliza has this special place to call her own and that she can play and do to her heart’s content.
Adorable!!!
Hi Cassie, Thank you for stopping by and I really appreciate your note!
What an amazing playroom you made for your daughter! This gave me some great ideas for my kids toys. It’s a struggle to find the right spot for everything while still making it easily accessible for them.
Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and to leave a note. I loved putting the playroom together and it was important to find a spot for all the things. I’m so happy to know this post was helpful to you!
Love this and your style! So beautiful! What size is that white sheepskin rug?
Megan, Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for your kind note. I think the sheepskin rug is 3 x 5′.
I ran across your post while searching for playroom ideas on Pinterest and I just have to say thank you so much for the inspiration and ideas for my home daycare playroom! I am getting every single item you posted! It’s absolutely beautiful!!
Sandy, I’m so glad you stopped by and love that you found some ideas that are helpful to you. Your sweet note has made my day!