It's a story of evolution. Evolution of the playroom over the last six months. Yes, it's been that long. So here is the final product of this epic retro DIY playroom makeover. I hope you like the vibe and will get some ideas on how to decorate and design your playroom.
As always, on the budget. Pretty much every object in this room I made myself. And this is why I call this room labor of love😁
Related: Plans for kids playroom
Three years ago when we moved to this house, this room was my office. I painted this beautiful mural there but after a while, I built a bunk bed for my girls and decided to move them into the same room upstairs so I could expand my office haha (*evil laugh*).
I moved all their stuff to this room and for a while didn't do much about it.
It's been a journey, for sure. And I can't wait to show you how it looks now!
But first, let's see how it looked before... so you can get that shocking wow effect haha.
I started by painting the whole room white. It was the hardest part of the whole makeover - to choose the right white color😬 but I think I nailed it. I chose Whisper white and it has these warm undertones while still being bright!
This room is very dark. It's covered by the patio on one side and by the trees on the other. So pretty much all the time it's super dark in here.
That's why having white walls was so important. The white color reflects the light and the room becomes bigger and brighter.
If I think about why it took me so long to finish this room, the only reason that comes to mind is... kids haha. I have no idea why but every time I'd clean up the playroom and get ready to continue adding some customs furniture to it, my kids would trash the room.
Haha I'm sure parents out there would understand my struggle😁
So I constantly had to clear the place out. At some point, I did a huge haul and got rid of a lot of toys that we had. Well, I donated it to my kid's daycare. So my kids still can play with them but I don't have to clean it up haha
I came up with a great rotation system for kids' toys. But since they are mostly in daycare these days, I feel it makes no sense to keep the toys at home. I only kept the most precious ones. But if you have smaller kids, you can watch this video where I explain my 3 step toy storage and organization system.
Related:
- The ultimate guide to toy storage organization
- DIY Montessori toy shelf
- Mom's best hack: how to keep toys organized
So let's see by the matter of occurrence what we've got in this beautiful retro playroom.
IKEA hack toy storage
This one is my absolute favorite IKEA hack. I used two TROFAST units and made a piece of furniture from them.
Combining both of them together and adding legs, cane and hardware made a miracle.
Although, let me be honest with you. The cane on the doors didn't hold up. I need to fix it and I promise I'll show you what I've done to better secure the cane.
Also, notice on the bottom DIY play silks that I made a few years ago and oh well, they definitely have been used a lot. Watch me make it here.
Related:
DIY tassel chandelier
This chandelier was inspired by FELA from Anthropologie but of course, I decided to make it in color instead of neutrals. You can find all the details on how to make it on the blog!
Related: Watch me make it
Arched bookshelf with ledgers and a bookcase
I absolutely love this yellow arched bookcase/ledger, I never know what to call this thing. I love the colors that I chose for it, the concept, pretty much everything. It's amazing since my kids are still little and when they have books on display it's easier for them to get interested in a book.
The bottom bookcase holds the rest of the books that we usually rotate.
Related:
Old 9-drawer dresser makeover
I was so happy when I scored this dresser for I think $20. And oh boy, it definitely went through a transformation!
I added hardware and mid-century modern legs, cut off the bottom, and painted the top. I think it looks fabulous. My kids totally agree since they don't stop playing with it 😁 I wish the drawers were a bit wider but oh well, you can't complain when you get such a wonderful piece for $20. Find all the details on the blog.
Related: watch me make it
And can you believe that I found it in March 2021? (I'm writing this a week of Thanksgiving 2021).
This playroom makeover is definitely a labor of love.
I wish I could also add some wallpaper on the wall of this playroom and maybe some trim, but since it's a rental, I'm keeping it simple.
The nugget
I didn't make this one haha but can you believe that I was thinking about it? I know, I was crazy enough at some point to start searching how to DIY the nugget 😁 here is the DIYers problem. Finally, I got myself together and just ordered a damn thing😁
I love it! Kids are obsessed with it!
DIY desk with drawers
I'm not gonna lie, I think this is my most favorite build so far. It was so challenging to make the drawers since it was my first time. But I did it!! And I feel after this desk I can do anything!!!
I love the flute trim and the color of it. And also the fact that it coordinates with the rest of the colors. The top of the desk is Vanilla paste, as well as the 9 drawer dresser and the ledgers on the bookshelf. Oh, and the sides on the bottom are also the same color!
I have plans available for this desk with drawers if you want to make one for yourself.
And note these DIY building blocks that I made a few years ago. They are roughed up but I call it "they have a sign of life" lol They definitely have been used a lot.
Related:
DIY pinboard with butterflies
Oh! Did I say that the desk was my favorite? I take it back! This pinboard with butterflies is my absolute favorite!!
I made butterflies from epoxy (the first time ever using it) and made a floating frame from scratch.
I don't know what you think about it but I think it's fabulous! And I can't get my eyes off it!!!
Related:
- Watch me make it
- Tips on how to use epoxy
DIY bubble shelves
The idea for these shelves came so randomly. I was looking at the space and it had so many shapes and circles that I decided to make coordinating shelves with it.
I chose also coordinating colors for it and made one of them with pegs, so kids could hang their princess dresses on it.
What do you think about them? I love them!
Related: Watch me make it
Decor
For decor, I used a lot of things that I found on an antique market, like this horse, or an old phone. I think I might hang it on the wall. It would look cute.
I was debating about the curtains if I'd want to go with some bright pattern but decided that since there is plenty of furniture in bright colors then curtains should be quieter. I chose these curtains and I love them. They are also available on Amazon.
The cherry on top was this neon sign that I found from Amazon. It's not a real neon, it's acrylic, but guess what? I wouldn't trust my kids with real neon either way! So for $15 it does the job and looks absolutely fabulous here!!
You can also see the alphabet print that I have here. This one is a Russian alphabet since my daughter is learning Russian now. But we have a variety of transport prints and alphabets, dinosaurs, the English alphabet, and much more. This handpainted watercolor alphabet, along with other gorgeous watercolor prints, is available at my store and at my shop on Etsy.
Since you are my favorite reader, you get a discount to buy them 🙂 Here is a link or type IFONLY30 at check out.
I think I covered it all in this post. Let me know if you have any questions!
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Sources: (for things I actually bought lol)
- Curtains: French Connection (or Amazon here)
- Couch: The Nugget
- Neon sign: Ice cream sign
- Russian alphabet: Watercolor print from Etsy
- Mouse in a box: Maileg
- Balance board: Bamboo wooden board
- Stacking toy: Fat brain toys
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xoxo,
April
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