Create a child-friendly indoor play space with activity zones

Creating an indoor environment for your child or children will go a long way to help keep them happy and entertained during both cold and hot weather. But where do you start?

For kids, it’s all about having fun. Children need an engaging environment in which to play, enjoy themselves and be a kid.

I first suggest you divide your proposed children’s area into various activity zones. Begin by creating a movie or video game zone that works as an area for game playing and movie watching. Then, create a separate board game zone for traditional board games.

Finally, designate a flexible activity zone. This is an area that can be used for anything from train sets to dramatic play and puppetry to arcade-style games or even a pool table.

Creating different zones not only results in a floor plan that will help to best use your space, but will also ensure multiple children will be able to enjoy and be engaged for long play sessions.

CHILD-FRIENDLY COLORS

A mix of warm, cozy colors such as brown and deep orange with colors that are bright and cheery like mustard yellow or a crisp green works well.

Dark colors will go a long way toward concealing spills and stains, while bright, friendly colors will serve as a great contrast and help create a bright, friendly and inviting environment for a child.

Be sure to use neutral colors as your base palette. This way you can transform or renew the same space as children grow up simply by swapping in different colors.

ADDED TOUCHES

Lastly, playrooms needn’t be expensive. Invest in some key games, sturdy furniture and a quality television for viewing.

From there, some of your other pieces can be less expensive, such as items that are repainted or refurbished or repurposed from another area of the home.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com.