creative kid spaces

my boss has asked me to help him design & layout his own basement renovation for a new work bench/laundry/mechanical room and children's playroom/someday guest bedroom. obviously i chose the more exciting space to work on first...the playroom! and i turned directly to one of my favorite inspirational source ottowa bloggers for everything children design related, the boo and the boy...


i'll start with the stairs...who says basement stairs have to be old & creepy? i love the idea of a fun color painted tread inviting you downstairs to all the fun!...


because the designated playroom space is sort of wide i think it's important to section off areas for different functions, but not necessarily with walls. bookshelves are an excellent way to do this and provide much needed storage. i've always had an affinity for the expedit bookcase from ikea, and the smaller one turned on its side is the perfect height for children...



it might be nice to put a back to every other shelf and paint it a bright color too, maybe something like this...


aside from a larger, wide open play space i wanted to create 2 other very distinctive spaces; a reading nook and an art corner...spaces i feel are vital to a child's development of creativity. work tables with chalkboards, cork boards and other methods of displaying their art are a must, and a durable laminate floor below too because there are bound to be spills...


equally as important is a super cozy reading corner to curl up with a good book in. something a little bit more intimate & private, maybe a space with lots of pillows or even a small matress on the floor...


and then of course there are things like media centers/stations...not really sure how i feel about computers & televisions yet, although i suppose they are necessary this day in age...still looking for inspiration....


toolbench/laundry/mechanical room ideas are clearly taking a back seat.