With small kids, a mess is inevitable. Even if your little ones have their own room, chances are their toys are all over the place.
If you have ever experienced the pain of stepping on a Lego in the middle of the night or found yourself shoving toys under the couch one minute before the guests arrive, chances are you are in desperate need of a playhouse.
Having a place where they can build their own workshop, open an ice cream shop, or a doctor’s office will not only benefit your children but also make your everyday life far less stressful.
So, where can you build a playhouse that is just for them? If you have an old shed that has lost its purpose, consider converting it into an oasis for your kids.
Playing pretend in their new playhouse will benefit them on multiple levels, spending time in the fresh air away from the computer being just one of them.
Transforming a shed into a playhouse is not a complicated project, but nevertheless requires attention to detail and some serious planning.
If your shed is in a bad shape, there is some work that needs to be completed before you can get to the fun part – decorating.
To make sure you have everything under control, go over the following list and see what exactly you need to consider when undertaking this type of project.
1. Install insulation
When you were building the shed, insulation probably wasn’t on your mind. After all, your tools and old furniture pieces surely do not care whether it is hot or cold inside.
However, if your kids will be spending hours and hours in this place, you need to ensure that they can safely play in all types of weather.
With proper insulation, you will prevent hot summer and cold winter air from making its way inside, therefore ensuring an optimum temperature in the playhouse.
With do it yourself spray foam insulation you will not only ensure minimal heat loss but also provide a moisture barrier.
By controlling moisture levels in the playhouse, you will prevent mould growth which can harm your children’s health.
2. Get new flooring
The flooring in your kids’ new playhouse needs to be durable, as your little ones will play there with their shoes on. It needs to be water-resistant and able to hold up against everyday wear and tear.
Nowadays vinyl tiles come in all shapes, sizes, and patterns, so you can surely find styles and colours that will meet your needs.
If you want to make this space even cosier, consider placing a small rug on the floor where your children can play.
3. Let there be light
Many sheds are built with just one small window or no windows at all, which is something you will need to address if you wish to turn yours into a playhouse.
Your little ones will need plenty of natural light, so add more windows to this place. Since they will also spend plenty of evenings in their playhouse, you also need to think about light fixtures.
To make sure everything is in order, call a professional who will handle the wiring. Of course, you can always go the other way and opt for battery-operated options.
That means you won’t need to run wires through your floor and walls, which is why this is a more cost-effective choice.
4. Grab the brush
Since your kids will be spending a lot of time here, it is wise to let them choose the colours they like for their new space.
Show them a couple of vibrant colour pallets and kid-themed colour schemes and see which one they prefer the most. If your kids are up for it, you can also include them in the painting process.
By letting them paint shapes on the walls with stencils, they will feel helpful and feel like they’ve had an important part in building their playhouse.
When you are done with painting, add shelves to the walls that will store their favourite toys.
5. Make their house a home
Small details such as adding curtains can go a long way. By adding them to the interior you will make this place feel warm and welcoming, and your children will feel like they actually have a house of their own.
Choose a pattern that is playful and colourful, or better yet, let your kids pick it out.
6. Bring the toys in
There are several directions you can choose when decorating your kids’ playhouse. If they wish their playhouse to be like a tiny home, choose the toys and furniture accordingly.
Opt for child-sized décor that still looks mature, and divide the space into several sections. For instance, one corner of the playhouse can be the kitchen, while the other one can be the living room.
When it comes to filling out the kitchen with toys, you have so many options, from wooden stoves and sinks to tiny dishes, vegetables, fruits, and utensils.
There are so many baking and cooking sets on the market, you can easily find something your children will love playing with.
Their playhouse living room, on the other hand, should be a cosy place where they can play, paint, or read. Make sure there is a small table as well as several fluffy pillows.
If your children are not into playing house right now, choose a theme for your décor. It can be anything from the sea, space, and jungle theme, to the princess and caste theme.
Make sure your children are included in the transformation process by letting them choose the props. In case your children are a bit older, you can turn the playhouse into an extension of their room.
Place books on the shelves, put toys into colourful bins, and create a warm atmosphere with fairy lights.
Converting your old, dusty shed into a playhouse your kids and their friends will enjoy is not an easy job, but is definitely a gratifying project you will enjoy.
At the end of the day, your little ones will have a place to call their own where they can let their imagination run wild, and your actual home will finally be clutter-free.
