In a perfect world we’d have our own space for our own stuff. The children would leave their big chunks of colorful, noisy plastic from the playroom. The adults could fill the living room with books, breakable trinkets and white furniture.
Regrettably, the majority of us do not have the luxury of a playroom. Or even if we do, the huge chunks of colorful, loud plastic figure out how to find their way in among the books, trinkets and (nonwhite) furniture.
You will find ways to have — a living room where adults and kids could hang out together, where good design and Tinker Toys could coexist.
Designing Solutions
The Playful Space
Design a pattern- and – color-filled living room that really suits everybody. In case you’ve got a green couch, a blue rug along with a bright-tile fireplace, then the blue kiddie table doesn’t look like such an intruder.
Magic Cabin
Handmade Bamboo Stools – $59.98
Playful pieces of furniture such as this could live in perfect harmony in a living room that’s enjoyable but not childish.
softline.dk
Softline Children’s Indoor Swing
Call me mad, but I think this could work from the corner of a lively living room. Its easy, clean lines make it discreet, especially in black.
Enviable Designs Inc..
The situation for Baskets
Since the toys will find their way in, have a nice place awaiting them when they arrive. Baskets appear good and make cleanup pretty painless.
Wisteria
White-Dipped Barrel Baskets – $59
Even child-free living rooms can benefit from such beauties; they’re easy, elegant and discreet.
thetravelerscollection.com
African American Hamper – $108
Place on it. Nobody has to know this basket contains a broken Buzz Lightyear.
Ninainvorm
The Eclectic Room
It’s deliberate but not in Any Way stuffy. Colorful but not on the top. Modern diverse works for children and adults alike since it looks as if you can live inside. An artfully placed heap of books may include something by Annie Leibovitz and Dr. Seuss.
West Elm
Ryder Rocking Chair – $599
Simple, modern pieces such as this fit right in. You can rock your baby without giving up good design.
The Conran Shop
Lou Lou Ghost Kids Chair – EUR 64.60
A mini ghost chair is design savvy, kid friendly and kind of amusing.
A Fantastic Chick to Understand
Double-Duty Furniture
Let’s face it: To a youngster, this upholstered ottoman is a launching place, and those round poufs are landing pads. Furniture that could take a beating and still look acceptable is a fantastic approach to look for children and grownups. Basically anything you can flop onto will work.
VivaTerra
Puffball Pouf – $198
The perfect, floppable, comfy, good-looking piece.
Kim Woods
The Out-of-Sight Option
A more formal living room (or a really small one) just isn’t going to function if you attempt to incorporate the toys. So conceal them. Here you will find perfect built-ins for storing Lego bits and jigsaw puzzles.
Mod Mom Furniture
Gracie Toy Box, Walnut Stain – $515
No built-ins? A modern toy chest does the trick. You can use it like a pub when the children are asleep.
Rachel Reider Interiors
Take the Separate Route
if you’re able to swing it, then go different but equal. Behind this couch and through that threshold is a kids’ playroom — close but not too close, and the living room is adult.
Rachel Reider Interiors
The adjacent playroom is fun but still complex.
Ninetonine
Caballito Kits
A muted, discreet plaything like this could fit right in space.
More:
The Family Home: Living Rooms You Can Live In
Play-Space Secrets for All-Ages Homes
The Family Home: Creative Multi-Use Workspaces