As a parent, you’re always looking at ways to bring fun and excitement into the home, particularly for your kids as they grow.

If you’re fortunate enough to have space for a kids’ playroom in your home, then there are plenty of ways in which you can help elevate and design this space for your little ones. From balancing high-energy zones for physical play to the quiet nooks for reading and creativity, there’s a lot of potential to be explored when it comes to kids’ playrooms in the home.

1.  Zone the space by activity

Instead of just providing one large open space, think about dividing the room into specific zones. That way, your child or children can focus and keep the mess contained.

Active zone

A zone that’s intended for movement, with the use of soft play mats and climbing structures, can be great to keep your kids active. It’s a great zone to have in a playroom, if not for burning some energy after nursery or school and before bedtime. Jigsaw mats are worth the investment as they can provide a protective landing for when your child inevitably trips or falls over.

A creative corner

Creativity is something you want to inspire and nurture as your children grow. Setting up a durable table for arts, crafts, and puzzles is a good way of getting them inspired.

Use blackboard paint or a Lego wall to turn your walls into more interactive surfaces. It’s good to play creatively with the space as you design it, so think about the walls and floors and how they can play a part in the creative corner too.

The reading nook

A cosy retreat for those who want to sit back and enjoy a book is great for when you want to encourage some downtime.

Create this little reading nook with bean bags, floor cushions, and soft lighting.

Imagination zone

For sparking imagination in your child or children, dedicate a space for pretend play with a play kitchen, teepee tent, or dress-up rail for building dens.

2.  Implement smart storage

It’s imperative that you’ve got plenty of storage available when it comes to playtime. With that being said, look at how you can incorporate some smart storage that helps make the playroom functional and continues to provide the much-needed floor space.

Low-level accessibility

Make use of open shelving and baskets that are at your child’s height in order for them to reach toys and help with tidying up, too.

Labelled containers

Make use of clear bins with picture labels for younger kids or worded labels for the older ones. That way, toys can be categorised and put in the right boxes.

Toy rotation

Keep only a limited number of toys out at once. Store the others in closed cupboards and then rotate them weekly in order to maintain their interest.

3.  Choose durable and versatile finishes

Select materials that can withstand high energy and the inevitable messes, too. Make the floors easy to wipe and clean, and invest in furniture that’s multifunctional, like storage benches, for example.

Wipeable matte paint or patterned wallpaper is also helpful to hide scuffs and marks.

4.  Personalise and inspire

Finally, and most importantly, don’t forget to involve children in the design process to ensure the space reflects their interests.

Look at displaying artwork, for example, and making use of colour palettes that are vibrant and engaging to the senses.

With these tips, you’ll be able to perfect the design of a kids’ playroom within your own home this year.