When we moved in to our home, we had two small children and a tween. We knew we needed some space for toys and where the kids could hang out away from us but we didn’t feel comfortable with them being upstairs (we have two-story home) by themselves. Instead of buying dining room furniture for our dining room, we chose instead to create a play room. At first, it was a unique “play room” that had a chandelier hanging up but the kids didn’t seem to mind at all. We kept the carpet (who puts carpet in a dining room to begin with?) and left it empty for a little while. Slowly, we moved all the kids toys into the dining room-turned- play room. Over time, more toys entered the space as well as places for the kids to rest and watch movies and read books.
As time goes on, the play room is no longer seen as a dining room at all. People that come in our house have no idea that it was once a place that people ate meals. I am not a dining room kind of person though so it has never bothered me to be without this space. We are a kid-friendly zone in our house and a dining room is just unnecessary. A play room is absolutely necessary though.
When we talked about buying new living room furniture it wasn’t a matter of design or color. We needed something that would withstand the abuse of kids and pets. Luckily, I found something that I really like. I didn’t buy end tables or a sofa table. As a matter of fact, the only table we have is in our kitchen. I didn’t want to have hard edges in the area where my kids learned to walk and play on a daily basis. I have an ottoman that acts as a makeshift table in our living room. Does it match the other furniture? Not so much. Does it matter? Not to me.
We have toys everywhere which should go without saying since we have small children. It amazes me the people that can keep their homes in model home condition after having children. I don’t mind all the toys and games. I want my family to be comfortable and others coming to visit don’t necessarily have to like that. What we do in our house is our business… and we live in our house.
Do you (or did you) have a special place for your kids to play? Is it on the main living level of your home or is away from the space others see when they visit?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
stairtreads says
No we don’t have such place in our home,but yes I agree with you that it is necessary to keep a separate place for playing.I enjoyed the reading of your article.
HisBell says
I agree… I am trying to rework our living to be more kid friendly… and love the ottoman idea!
Debby Pucci says
That was a good idea. We seldom use our dining room to eat in.
I had a toy box in our family room when the kids were little or the toys were in their room.
Doll Clothes Gal Pal says
Great Idea indeed with the ottoman. 🙂 Yes, we do have a separate play area for the kids, it is right next to my room where I work.
Marj M. says
Hallelujah! Love for our family is of utmost importance! I love the idea of an ottoman in the living room. I’ll pass that along to my granddaughter.