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| Reno Real Talk |

Reno Real Talk: Play in Color    

No playing favorites, but playrooms are a ton of fun to design! That said, the first checkbox is still practicality

Tehila Shoshana:

We were ready to expand our living space, and finishing our basement was the easiest way to do that. In addition to guest space and storage, we wanted to create a playroom that was fun and inviting. But like many old basements, we have a lot of mechanicals against the ceiling and support columns throughout the space. They left me at a loss on how to transform the space into one that would draw the kids in.

Esti:

No playing favorites, but playrooms are a ton of fun to design! That said, the first checkbox is still practicality. In a playroom, I prefer a few smaller closets rather than one or two larger ones. If there are separate closets for keeping little kids’ toys, bigger kids’ games, craft supplies, and books, that can help ensure that the little ones don’t take out things that they shouldn’t. All those basement nooks and crannies are perfect spaces to turn into smaller closets. Additionally, I like to leave enough space for comfortable seating in the playroom for mommies and readers. For some clients, we also take things like climbing walls and ceiling-mounted activities into account. Once we have a great layout, the options for color schemes, themes, and general design are refreshingly endless!

Unexpected Benefit

I personally love hanging out downstairs. I didn’t expect that! It is so comfortable and enjoyable to be down there now.

The Finishing Touch

All the different paint colors that we used really made the room. I love, love, love, love, love it. I get so many compliments on it. I know my contractor hated it and thought I was insane. He even told me to tell anyone who sees my basement that he didn’t choose my paint colors.

You’d Never Know

Once everything was painted, you’d never know how challenging it was to work with all the different configurations in my basement. In addition to the varying ceiling heights and the many poles, there were multiple design issues: the ceiling-high stair railing, the many doors around the playroom leading to bedrooms, a bathroom, the guest suite, and storage, and those many closets. By incorporating all that into the actual design through the paint colors, it looks almost intentional.

Sticker Shock

I went to get a cushion made for under the steps and had total sticker shock. I did it myself, which isn’t the same, but it’s totally functional.

Tiny Detail, Big Impact

The space under the stairs is one of the best spots in the playroom. I bought a cushion, cut it to size, and wrapped it in fabric. Then I added a bunch of colorful throw pillows and it’s been amazing. The kids use it as a clubhouse and tent, they use it for reading, and sometimes the kids sleep there when they have a sleepover. It worked out better than I ever imagined!

Hidden Secret

I like that my books are hidden in a closet and not on an open bookshelf. It keeps the room looking neater.

The Perfect Find

I couldn’t believe that I was able to find a sectional couch that fit exactly between the doorway and the poles!

The Key

I put locks on some of my closets so my kids can’t access everything on their own. Of course, the regular toys are always available, but messier things like craft supplies only come out under my watch.

To Do or Not to Do

I wasn’t sure about putting down a rug because of the poles. I wound up putting a smaller rug right in front of the couch and it’s perfect.

Biggest Regret

I didn’t splurge on real shelving. The shelves I have are melamine. It’s flimsy, and it just doesn’t feel finished to me.

Biggest Splurge

We didn’t spend much on the playroom because we invested more in the guest space and new bathrooms, but I did spend a bit more on the wraps for the support columns, because we have so many in the middle of the room. Unfortunately, they didn’t hold up the way I thought they would and don’t look so great anymore, so it was a little bit of a bummer of a splurge.

Never Ever

Never expect your playroom to actually stay in perfect condition. It was a good lesson for me. A solid cleanup twice a week keeps things under control, but kids will be kids and the playroom is the space for that.

Exceeded My Expectations
I would say all of it. Honestly. I really thought that, because we squished so much into my basement, my playroom would be very tiny, especially with the columns everywhere. I didn’t think that it would feel like a spacious, fun play area, but it really is. Little things made a huge difference — like closets for toys so things don’t have to be out! I’ve never really had that before, and it’s amazing.

What I Would Tell Someone Doing This

Working with someone who can help you maximize your space is worth the investment. We put in so much money, time, and energy into the construction, and I’m so grateful that we did it right and thought through every detail, because I really, really love our basement and our playroom.

My Most-Enjoyed Aspect

I love that my kids have a spot outside of the main part of our house so they can go play and make a mess without it stressing me out. It’s such a dream to have all the toys down in the basement. It’s just much easier to do cleanup and keep things contained. It’s a game-changer.

 

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 940)

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