Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
1Listen to Your Kids
Read McKendreeIf your kids have (reasonable!) design requests for their playroom, making them come true will give them the space of their dreams. In this animal-accented playroom, designer Ariel Okin says that the kids “really wanted a swinging chair,” so she added one.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
2Choose a Fun Floor
Rikki SnyderAdd playfulness to the room by choosing a fun, patterned floor. The team at Becca Interiors chose this white, black, and burnt orange carpet for the playroom in this Connecticut home, giving the space a bit more life and vibrancy.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
3Opt for a Dutch Door
Jacob Snavely Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4Install a Climbing Wall
Jacob Snavely 5Don't Lose Your Style
Nate Sheets Photography LLCYes, the playroom in your home should appeal to the little ones, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your entire aesthetic. Designer Annie Kern did not shy away from the rich tones and textures that make up the rest of the house in this playroom idea.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
6Design It Around Sleepovers
Rikki Snyder Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7Paint a Colorful Mural
Jacob SnavelyA hand-painted mural is the stuff of playroom dreams—it will encourage imaginative play and give your children the fondest memories of growing up in such a beautiful space. In this home, designer Tina Ramchandani used a ceiling mural to add color without feeling chaotic.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
8Make It a Craft Room
Stacy Zarin GoldbergAs your kids get older and their interests change, their personal space should evolve too. What was once a playroom covered in stuffed animals may become a pint-sized workspace for arts and crafts. Designer Marika Meyer says that this colorful, inspiring craft room might just be her favorite in the entire project.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
9Hang Up Your Kids' Art
Emily J FollowillDecorate the kids-only space with art that they've done themselves. Do what designer Ashley Gilbreath did in this playroom idea and showcase their artwork in custom frames—it'll make your children feel so special to see their work on display.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10Keep Some Parts Neutral
Sara Ligorria-TrampAs designer Emily Henderson points out, kids outgrow things quickly—what they love today, they could be bored of tomorrow. “Keep large pieces neutral,” she says. “It's easier and more affordable to layer on pops of color and your kids' favorite characters or animals than it is to implement those motifs into the furniture and rugs.”
11Keep It Classic
Rikki SnyderImplement traditional patterns and elegant materials when figuring out your playroom ideas—it doesn't have to be all neon and bright colors. Designer Becca Casey added a beautiful toile print wallpaper and rattan accents to this room that will only get better with time.
Related Story: Toile de Jouy: The Famous French Pattern’s History and Enduring Appeal
12Utilize Weird Spaces
Christopher Stark Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13Carve Out a Study Section
Stacy Zarin GoldbergTeach your kids early on about the importance of separating work and home life by designing a little study area for them in their playroom. As they grow older and start working on homework after school, their desk space can mature with them, like in this space by Marika Meyer.
14Create an Indoor Playground
Stacy Zarin GoldbergCreate an indoor playground for your little ones, complete with swings, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, and hanging ladders. This Marika Meyer-designed space offers a great solution for rainy days or harsh winters when kids don't want to play outside.
15Be Maximalist
Mary Craven DawkinsDon't shy away from layering loud patterns, especially when it comes to playroom ideas. Designer Yancey Seibert Shearouse added so much simply by choosing a more maximalist style and doubling down on the vibrant prints.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16Add Eye-Catching Art
Jared Kuzia PhotographyDesigned by Dane Austin, this playroom in a modern home is extra playful and kid-friendly, but it also stays true to the overall design objective throughout the home. “It was very important to the homeowners that we stay true to the home’s natural wooded surroundings,” Austin says—so there are plenty of earthy materials throughout. With clever storage cubbies, a modern crafting table, and striking artwork, everyone will be happy!
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
17Hang Dress-Up Costumes
Place a pretty clothing rack in the playroom to keep dress-up costumes and props organized. This way, they'll be just as easy to put away as they are to pick out. We're loving how April Tomlin added little house structures to make games even more immersive.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
18Think Outside the Box
bettyclickerThere's just something therapeutic about making a mess, isn't there? This playroom designed by Kiki Slaughter includes drapes that enhance privacy and provide a very exciting canvas for scribbles.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19Set Up a Stage
Tria GiovanThe curtained stage in this playroom idea, designed by Phillip Sides, adds drama to everything from guitar practice to spontaneous productions. If your kids love music and the performing arts, consider setting up a similar space that can double as a rehearsal and performance arena (those curtains and wall-to-wall carpeting help absorb noise for a makeshift “soundproof” room.
20Use Vertical Space
Kevin WilkersonInstead of putting a mattress down on the lower bunk platform, design firm Marsh & Sea turned it into a dedicated play zone. The warm wood and crisp white paint create a solid foundation, and though each piece feels kid-friendly, it proves that even the tiniest of spaces can still make room for playtime.
TOUR THE ENTIRE HOME
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below