This playroom makeover transformed a cluttered, bright-yellow room into a colorful space with clearer storage, room for creative projects, and a cozy reading nook. The family set a goal at the start of the year to finish before March, and the completed room now feels distinct from the more subdued spaces elsewhere in the house.
Playroom Makeover: From Clutter to Clear Zones
The first step was removing items that no longer served the room. Unwanted belongings were donated, and a sofa that had mostly become a place to store stuffed animals was taken out. After the walls were painted, the family added storage and adjusted the layout to make better use of the available space.
A useful starting point for a similar project is to sort toys before choosing storage. Grouping items by type makes it easier to decide how many baskets or shelves are needed, while clearing out unused furniture can open up space for play.
With a place for more of the toys, the room became easier to keep tidy. Simple, consistent storage can make cleanup less complicated for children, especially when each container has a clear purpose.
Refreshing the Fireplace and Its Surroundings
The room was originally the home’s living room when the house was built in the 1960s. A later addition in the 1980s created the current living room, leaving the former one with a fireplace that now sits in the playroom. The fireplace was lime-washed to refresh its appearance while leaving it intact.
Rather than permanently closing off the fireplace, a small secondhand dollhouse—purchased for $10 and fixed up—was placed in front of it. The family considered adding a metal fireplace screen with alphabet magnets or a chalkboard when the baby arrives in the fall. Any fireplace in a child’s play area deserves careful attention: keep children away from hot surfaces and use an appropriate safety barrier when needed.
Decluttering and organizing also made this corner of the room more useful. Wall art was added to help give the space a personal feel for Olivia.
A Reading Nook and Storage That Children Can Use
On the opposite side of the room, an older wall cabinet—thought to have once been installed above a desk—was removed. A DIY wardrobe inspired by Narnia was anchored in its place to create a reading nook.
Built-in shelves made from IKEA bookcases provide additional storage. Baskets with toy labels help Olivia identify where items belong, making it easier to put things away. For families planning similar shelving, anchoring furniture securely is an important step, particularly in a room used by young children.
Labels work best when they are simple and easy for children to understand. They can show a word, a picture, or both, depending on the child’s age and reading ability. Keeping frequently used toys on accessible shelves can also make independent play and cleanup more manageable.
Making Space for Art, Play, and Everyday Use
A table with adjustable legs and metal chairs gives Olivia a dedicated place for coloring and Play-Doh, activities she enjoys daily. Providing a clear work surface can help contain art supplies and make it easier to switch between creative activities and other kinds of play.
The room’s finishes and details include Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee walls, Benjamin Moore Simply White trim, and a Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron door. The built-in shelving and mantel are painted Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow. Other room elements include a rug, pendant light, cork board, letterboard, framed art, pillows, a stuffed-animal basket, and a marker and crayon holder.
Playroom Makeover Details and Lasting Memories
The project combines practical updates with personal touches: labeled baskets, built-in shelving, a DIY reading nook, a lime-washed fireplace, and storybook-inspired artwork. The room is designed to support everyday play, but it does not need to stay perfectly organized to be successful. Toys, crayons, and craft materials are part of a well-used play space, and flexible storage makes it easier to reset the room when needed.
This playroom makeover gives the family a more functional place to read, create, and play, with room to adapt as the children grow. For anyone planning a similar update, start with decluttering, set up storage around real play habits, and keep child safety in mind when arranging shelves and fireplace areas.
- Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
- Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
- Built-in and mantel color: Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow
- Room details: rug, adjustable-leg table, metal chairs, baskets, built-in shelving, and pendant light
- DIY projects: Narnia-inspired reading nook, lime-washed fireplace, and storybook art
- Decor: watercolor map art, letterboard, square frames, cork board, pillows, and animal artwork
With the playroom complete, Olivia’s bedroom and the nursery are next on the family’s list of children’s spaces. As the room evolves, its storage and activity areas can be adjusted to suit changing interests and needs.
