Play is important to a child's development, and provides an outlet for expression, creativity and even alone time. Creating a playroom is one way to offer kids a place to play, hang out and be themselves, while gathering all of their favorite things in one place, such as art supplies and toys. Pulling from your child's imagination and personal taste can help you fashion a playroom that will be well used and loved.
Sports
Sports themes are popular among kids of all ages. Walls can be painted in team colors, or left neutral. Add framed magazine images of your child's favorite player or team to the walls, and include a free standing basketball hoop or sports table for interactive play. Stencil the team logo on the wall or floor and use colored curtains and rugs to add team flair to the playroom. Mount a television to the wall and arrange comfortable seating, such as bean-bag chairs or foam furniture, which are versatile for watching television, reading or playing.
Horses
Horses are a long-time favorite of kids. A horse-themed playroom can be created using any color walls desired. Decorate the room with horse-themed curtains and rugs, which accent the wall color. A western theme can be achieved by using reds and browns, and choosing items which represent western motif. Consider accessorizing with large horse posters or stencils on the walls, and fun, innovative seating such as an old saddle mounted to a stand for a fun place to read or daydream. Adding a play barn and toy horses, or horse-themed coloring books or art activities will spark imaginative play.
Outdoors
Outdoors themes can be created in many ways, celebrating different tastes such as deer or duck hunting, camping or fishing. Leave the walls a neutral tan or white color and accessorizing the room with outdoor motif. Decorate the windows with camouflage curtains, and purchase camouflage mosquito netting at a hunting supply store to craft a small tent in the room for imaginary play. Fishing and camping motifs can be elaborated by adding themed accessories to the room, such as a small pup-tent in a corner, or criss-crossing fishing rods on the wall. Inspire your child to play by adding toy trucks, fishing boats or hunting-themed play sets.
Fantasy
Unicorns, fairies, trolls, all come to life in a fantasy playroom. Build upon your child's love of the fantasy world by using a pastel color palette and fantasy accents to decorate the room. Purples, pinks, oranges and yellows are good color choices for a fantasy-themed room. Tulle, available in a variety of colors, can be purchased at any fabric store and used as curtains, a drape or even to craft a tent for a creative place to rest. Decorate with silk flowers and ribbons for fun touches. Crowns, fairy wings and dress-up fairy or princess costumes allow girls to play fantasy while enjoying the room.
Gender Neutral
Creating a soothing playroom in neutral colors and with natural materials offers a quiet place to play and explore. Consider using white or tan walls, with natural accents, such as sisal mats, woven cotton rugs or cork flooring tiles and bamboo window shades. Decorate the walls with framed pieces of your child's artwork or family pictures to add pop to the neutral room. Wooden toys, such as puzzles or building blocks can boost imaginative play while staying in touch with the neutral room design.
