I had intentions of blogging my "early playroom plans" but once I got started, it happened quickly and now it's done. If you know me, you know I don't leave things unfinished very long. Well, except for my office that I stopped working on because I knew it would become a playroom sooner rather than later. And....turns out it happened very much sooner rather than later lol. Now I sit at the kitchen island blogging versus at my desk....
BUT....totally worth it.
Here's A Peek Inside The Cutest Room:
I wanted this space to feel fun and energetic and happy. I wanted the walls to be filled with fun prints and banners and her artwork. I wanted color. LOTS OF COLOR.
As I said before, I never truly finished my office. I did however, purchase a few items that transitioned into the playroom. (The small desk is currently in the attic now lol). The tall shelf from Urban Outfitters, cozy chair from Amazon, and one piece of art stayed. Additionally, the light fixtures stayed, thank goodness. My husband would've killed me if I asked him to swap those out lol.
I also moved the Montessori toy shelf from the nursery into the playroom. Jennings still loves it and plays at it far more than the tall shelf. The taller shelf we use more for back-up toy bins. I still rotate everything weekly or so and have a back stock of toys in her nursery closet.
Additionally, I transitioned the olive tree and basket from my office as well. I plan to take it out during the holidays and add in a Christmas tree instead.
I finally did it. I ordered a picker triangle and wow, Jennings LOVESSSS it. The one we purchased was from Amazon (there's literally a million and a half options out there) and came as a five-piece set. We currently have the ramp/climbing wall in the attic as it's a bit advance for 9 months old. Jennings is using the triangle for climbing and the arch (with the cushion) for sitting in/climbing on. She's also using the arch for rocking back and forth while she stands up. While terrifying, I'm certain it's helping her core muscles and balance which is encouraging her to stand independently and ultimately walk.
For more about the Pikler triangle, READ HERE. The Pikler triangle set, is designed to inspire exploration, creativity, and physical development in young adventurers.
Montessori toy storage is tricky for moms who don't like to see everything lol. While minimal and on a rotation, it's still there out where baby can grab them. Most Montessori articles I've read says 10-12 toys out where baby can grab them is ideal. Additionally, rotating through toys allows them to find a fresh interest in toys maybe they aren't seeming super interested in currently. I rotate no more than once per week and sometimes only once per month. It truly depends on your baby and how interested they stay in the toys, etc.
Anyway, back to storage. Because we leave mist toys out, the storage is minimal. I use these fabric bins from H&M Kids to group some toys (several wooden animals, farmer's market pretend food, etc) and these plastic pop-up bins to group others. These are smaller toys that she doesn't necessarily grab for very much but we will use when I am playing along side her. Things that I'll demonstrate how to play with. While you might think baskets aren't truly "Montessori based", containers are good for organizing small related pieces and fun for your kids to practice putting in and taking out.
This is where I got to have a lot of fun bringing colors and textures and patterns into the space. As I said above, only one piece of art (the only piece of art I had) stayed in the room. It's a numbered print from a hometown artist that my mom gave me for Christmas. It doesn't necessarily fit the vibe but it's staying for now because it's a cool piece. I added an orange and yellow pennant flag banner across it and have started clipping her art to it. It's a fun way to showcase her little crafts!
Now, onto the gallery wall. The "SHE IS MAGIC THAT ONE" banner, "THESE ARE THE GOOD OLE DAYS" flag and alphabet handmade garland are all Amazon finds that I LOVEEEEE. The quality of all three are great and add so much to the wall. Note: I switched the ribbon on the GOOD OLE DAYS banner for a girlie vibe. It did come with a small white twine so just make sure you purchase ribbon if you wish to recreate ours!
SHELF + ITEMS ON IT:
When we created our baby registry, we added a pack of three acrylic book shelves to the list. We ended up only needing two for J’s nursery so we’ve been holding onto the other one knowing we’d eventually use it somewhere else. Somewhere else was the playroom it turns out. Instead of a true “bookshelf” I’m using it more for decor and small items that tie the room together.
In the shelf you’ll find the following: two very sweet books we love to grab and read, a wavy mirror (I linked a similar one), a cutie little plant, one of our fave Maileg mice, a pink balloon dog, a little stand that holds a pack of fun postcards we will rotate through, and a Polaroid of the cutest kid on earth. It only makes sense to frame a picture of Jennings for her own playroom shelf right? Ha!
It’s the small things that tie a rook together. In the top of her shelf, there’s a lamp (I had this in my office), an I Love Dogs book, a few toys including the cutest Amazon wooden rainbow, a Today Is A Good Day wooden block, a little vase and flower, and a Polaroid of her favorite person, Loretta.
On the floor, we transitioned our orange playmat from Amazon that we used in the living room/nursery during playtime. On the chair I added her checkerboard blanket and a bright orange flower pillow. A pillow so good we bought it in two colors. The second one lives on her arch and is the sweetest shade of pink. Also on the arch, her potato (Tay) and her best friend puppy (Goldie) always hang out.
Okay, I think that’s it. Now y’all understand why it took me a week to get this post up. It’s a lot in such a small space but wow, it’s so fun to be in and watch our little girl play.
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