Description
We gave Jacob his very own play room as part of his first birthday present. This is a relatively small space, as one wall of the room consists of our home office (not finished yet), so I wanted to pack in a lot of storage, display many of his cute toys, and also leave plenty of open space for playing! I also wanted an area for creating -- hence the little table and the large chalkboard. This room is very budget-friendly, too!
Design Inspiration
I guess I originally started with the colors of the cube bins (navy, khaki, light green, and light blue), but the decor quickly expanded to a more primary palette because toddler toys are so colorful! I was also initially inspired by Jacob's many Eric Carle items (we did a Very Hungry Caterpillar First Birthday Party) and also the cute alphabet/animal decals.
Decorating Style
Eclectic, but somewhat classic/traditional
Project Details
Chalboard Quote Prints: My own designs from Eastwood Eclectic on Etsy
Valance: TailorMonte on Etsy
Navy "Anywhere Chair": Pottery Barn Kids
Wall Chalkboard: Chalkboard paint and trim from Lowes (Elmo drawing by my brother!)
Car Rug: Lowes
Table & Chairs: Custom built by my husband
Closet Maid Cube Shelving: Amazon.com
Cube Bins: Land of Nod
Alphabet Decals, Lanterns, Globe, & TV Wall Mount: Amazon.com
"Footstool" Floor Cushion & Little Apron: Handmade by my mother-in-law
White Peg Shelf and Windowpane Frame: Already had and re-painted
Many of the Little Accessories (Pencil Cups, Tote Bags etc.): Target Dollar Spot!
Many of the Wooden Toys: Melissa & Doug
Barn & Toy Box: My husband's from decades ago
Very Hungry Caterpillar Banner: Handmade by me for his first birthday party (will take down soon as he's almost 2 now!)
Favorite Items
I can't pick one! I designed the chalkboard quote prints to display "life lessons" from my favorite novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, so I love those. The vintage cross-stitched Mickey is another favorite because it was made by my grandmother (who is no longer with us). Also, I love the little table and chairs, built by my husband and stained a lovely natural-gray, and the red wooden barn (made almost 30 yrs. ago by a family friend for my husband when he was young).
Advice
Include the items you and your child love! Display them proudly, too. We have lots of toys stored in the bins and toy box, but I also leave many of his toys out because they are so cute that they become a part of the decor.