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Kid Spaces: Making Room for the Brood
13 ways to take advantage of all the possible kid space in your house
Kids are a force to be reckoned with. With them come bundles of energy, loads of stuff and, to say it bluntly, the need for somewhere to put them. When the kids come, your home will have to adapt. And as your family head count grows, this can become more and more difficult, especially in smaller homes and apartments.
But a few design ideas that can help you create just the space you need to squeeze in a few extra bodies. If you’ve got a growing brood on your hands, take a glance at these photos. In the busiest households, having room for everyone will give you one less thing to worry about.
More: Guides to great kids' rooms
But a few design ideas that can help you create just the space you need to squeeze in a few extra bodies. If you’ve got a growing brood on your hands, take a glance at these photos. In the busiest households, having room for everyone will give you one less thing to worry about.
More: Guides to great kids' rooms
Room dividers. Don’t have an extra room to designate as the kids’ playroom? Consider building a divider in your living space. The kids will have their own area, and you’ll have a place to round up all the toys and gadgets out of sight.
Banquettes. It’s ideal to have everyone gathered around the table, sharing a meal, but this can be tricky if your kitchen doesn’t have room for a big dining table. Enter banquettes. Not only do they save space by being built into the wall, but they also fit many more little bodies. As for getting them to eat their vegetables, that one’s on you.
Booths. Another idea is booth style, which may work better depending on your space requirements. This still has the ability to fit more people than your standard table and chairs, especially in tighter areas.
Bonus spaces. Many homes have odd rooms that have leave you scratching your head — you know, the ones that are too small to be a media room, or can’t be an office because it won’t fit your desk. These are the perfect playrooms. Outfit it with a daybed so it can double as a guest room.
Halls. Think your hallway or stairway landing need be typical? Not when you need the space! Turn it into a reading nook or play space for the kids.
Shelves. It’s probable that any way you spin it, there’s just no extra space for a playroom. Have no fear: it’s possible to incorporate your kids without sacrificing your home's chicness. The ladder shelves help corral toys in a stylish fashion, while the colorful artwork grabs attention away from the playthings. If guests are scheduled to arrive, simply scoop away toys. The area will seem hardly kid-centric, thanks to the retro chair and table. Even the giraffe can stay; he can’t help but give the room some playful flair!
Flex tables. Here, the designer placed a stylish vintage kids' table in front of a fireplace. By day, it’s perfect for art projects. By night, swap the markers for hors d’oeuvres. Your guests will never know they’re cocktailing in the playroom.
Here’s a clever idea: Use a kids’ table as your coffee table. You can comfortably watch the 6 o'clock news while your kids get their dinner, and stow away the little chairs when need be.
Under-stair nooks. Take advantage of nooks and crannies. Kids love them because they’re just their size, and you’ll love it because it gives them somewhere to play and keeps all their stuff out of sight. A nook under the stairs is always a winner.
Alcoves. Once upon a time, your charming hallway nook may have been your very own reading spot. However, it may be time to hand it over to the kids. Swap out your novels and back issues of Vogue for picture books; giving them a comfortable place to relax will also encourage them to read. You can always sneak back in for a relaxing glass of wine after bedtime.
Bunk beds. Now, time to figure out where they’re all going to sleep. All hail the go-to space saver: bunk beds. When kids are sharing rooms, you simply cannot beat them, especially when they come with additional storage underneath.
Murphy bed. Is your child’s bedroom the only remaining space for a playroom? Outfit it with a Murphy bed. Pull it down for maximum sleeping comfort at night, push it into the wall for maximum play space by day.
Wardrobe. It’s possible your home has quite literally run out of bedrooms, meaning you may have to makeshift a space. If you’re worried about lack of closet, have no fear: There are many ways to create freestanding closets that will house both your kids wardrobe and stuff galore. Add a set of bunk beds and voila, a brand new bedroom!
More: Guides to inspiring kids' rooms
More: Guides to inspiring kids' rooms