Around this time of year, I tend to be a little bit of a grinch. I love Christmas. I just think that sometimes we tend to lose sight of the reason for the season (for lack of a better, non-rhyme-able phrase) and quite frankly, the idea of adding more toys to our overwhelming collection kind of stresses me out. Don’t get me wrong…we try to regularly purge and donate…and I love the whole santa thing. It’s just that I’m trying to teach my children there’s more to Christmas than the whole gifts aspect, and when the excitement dies down, I often find myself thinking, WHERE on EARTH is that GIANT buzzlightyearcastlehorsesuitbabydollhighchair thing going to go? Because we don’t exactly live in a castle ourselves…
So, as many of you remember our playroom makeover, you probably guessed it: I’m now trying to “beat the rush” if you will, and figure out ahead of time, what smart purchases we can make, all the while, being clever (or desperately attempt) about our space.
Of course, it’s usually the small things that can make a big difference, for when you don’t exactly feel like gutting out your staircase. Or in my case, building one so I CAN gut it out. I was browsing the web for more storage ideas for our playroom…and stumbled upon these. Here’s a little stackable roundup for you:
1. blue & green storage cubby: the ever-affordable Ikea • clear cubby: crate & barrel • orange: land of nod {we actually own these and LOVE them. SUPER durable.}
2. beadboard stacking stuffers : land of nod love these. Because, well, they stack.
3. modern toy chest : ikea : This has more of a streamlined look, but I kind of like the simple approach to a toy chest. You could always embellish the front of this with an attractive vinyl decal design. Of course I’m thinking white.
4. metal footlocker: land of nod : this is the tetanus free version, of course. A little crusty vintage never hurt anyone, but for chewable playrooms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. • one of my absolute favorites: target via Smith and Hawken. Check out the little chalkboard area for writing! • gotta love some dwell studio available here.
5. Need to store your toys in a common area? It doesn’t have to scream elephants and butterflies. Available via Target.
6. These guys make a nice little addition. For things like cars, and other random whatnots. Available via Ikea.
7. This little pinstriped bench via target also makes a another great common area storage unit. OR for a playroom as well. {more of that to come on a clients room, in a few weeks…stay tuned!} • of course it would work wonderfully with this bright blue modern cubby from crate and barrel. It’s always nice to throw in an unexpected version of the same color!
8. This little basket makes a great corner piece.
9. Just a bonus thrown in: Ikea : I think I own a bazillion of these, and I need more. I love these for the little things. They’re super durable!
Of course, there’s always the DIY option for the larger pieces. We recently inherited Jamin’s childhood toy box, and weren’t really sure what to do with it. I don’t have a wonderful before pic, as we were lucky enough to receive it already primed. But here’s a little preview of an area that wasn’t. HURRAY for avocado green! {And for parents who don’t mind if we paint some of the older stuff.}
Ever wonder if avacado green will make a comeback? I’m thinking I won’t be hanging on to my grandmother’s crock pot in high hopes. The kids desperately needed something to put all their halloween costumes in. We’ve got a few that have built up from over the years…and I wanted them to be able to use them whenever they wanted. But alas the storage issue…and then a design lightbulb went off in my head…
This little guy will actually sit in the hallway, for now, in between their rooms. But he makes a great storage/sitting area. I refinished him with some of our favorite colors around here, and then touched him up with a treatment of vinyl lettering at the top, along with a personalization of our last initial on the sides.
The kids love it…and dress up season is officially in full swing at the Mills hizzy. Maybe one day, Malone can refinish it again, in avacado green for his grandchildren. Surely by then, it’ll be back! What are some solutions you’ve used for some of your children’s toy conundrums???
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don’t forget to enter our big kaboom of fantabulous fun giveaway, here! ENDS at 12:00 tonight!