Before & After: See how a cluttered hallway was transformed to a chic play room
A former hallway has been transformed into a sunny playroom. The make-over was done on a tight budget, but the result is strikingly chic.
Chris and Julia Marcum’s current playroom started off as a temporary fix for a lack of other play room space. When the couple behind the blog Chris Loves Julia moved into their new home last summer, they needed somewhere to store toys while they gutted the ground floor.
Upstairs, a 7-by-10-foot nook that jutted out of a secondary hallway between the girls’ bedrooms already had floor-to-ceiling storage (it was used as a sewing space by the previous owners), so it was the perfect place to stow away toys while Chris and Julia thought about creating a cosier playroom for their three daughters, aged 10, 6 and 3.
Before
After
One year later, the couple realised they didn’t need another zone. The girls loved playing in this nook near their bedrooms, and Julia compared it to the fishbowl analogy: If the girls were given a bigger space, they would fill that, but they were just as happy in this smaller nook area. So Chris and Julia focussed on making this upstair hallway-playroom cosy and decorated instead.
Out went the dizzying red and white carpet, and in went new wide-plank engineered flooring. To soften the hard surface, they laid down a pretty rug and moved the toys back in.
See Also: Stylish Kids' Toy Storage Ideas
The couple decided on a vintage-inspired, soft colour palette anchored around a buttery yellow shade, which Julia used to paint over the built-in cupboard doors.
She then replaced the metal hardware with softer, wooden knobs painted to match, to give the doors an old English feel. A golden stripe wall covering from Chasing Paper gives the finishing touch.
See Also: Girl Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas and Boy Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas
The narrow square footage meant that very few pieces would work in the space without feeling cramped, but luckily the toys were already stored away.
Because her daughters love to sit on the floor and play, Julia kept bulky furniture to a minimum. They love to dress up, so they needed a chest for costumes. Julia gave it a double-duty function by propping up the girls’ play treehouse on top.
The chest of drawers in the hallway houses the kids' bedding. The space is central to all three rooms, so it’s the perfect place for it. Julia topped it with books and added a tiny chair next to it to form a cosy reading area.
Wicker lamp bases, framed portraits of the children, a furry chair and some whimsical toys including a pretend tree house and stables help complete the look.
Julia says: "Maybe one of my favourite things about the playroom is that it has a purpose now. It works hard. Definitely plays hard. And what once was a awkward hallway that felt more like wasted space (I’m the first to admit that!) now is filled with memory making and laughter and our girls love this hideout".
See more gorgeous play room ideas...
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
-
These 12 Best Table Lamps for Your Desk — Perfect Glows for a Creative Home Office
The best table lamps for your desk is have a soft, targeted glow. Elevate your WFH set-up with these stylish picks endorsed by Style Editor Brigid Kennedy
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
The Nespresso VertuoPlus is 30% Off for President's Day, and it's Kim Kardashian's Coffee Maker of Choice
This sleek and stylish coffee maker was spotted in Kim's home bar, and you can currently save $60 if you buy yours from Amazon
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
The simple way to a more sustainable and stylish life with Fisher & Paykel
This incredible new tech saves time, energy and has become the washing machine you need to know about
By Sponsored Published
-
Forget Cottagecore - Flora Fantasia by House of Hackney is Cottage hardcore
House of Hackney's Flora Fantasia collection blends the romanticised rural aesthetic with riotous punk elements
By Jacky Parker Published
-
Bert & May's new hexagon tiles collection is tapping into one of this year's biggest micro trends
Tap into the microtrend for hexagon tiles and make myriad patterns with this new collection from Bert & May
By Jacky Parker Published
-
Matthew Williamson’s tip for renovating a house on a budget is so simple, but incredibly effective
Renovating a house on a budget? See the savvy ways to control costs when managing an interior redesign
By Jacky Parker Published
-
The fabulous new Matthew Williamson furniture collection is a cocktail of color and print
This decorative Matthew Williamson furniture is the beautiful result of collaboration with Roome London
By Jacky Parker Published
-
Out & Out's new furniture collection is full of stylish storage solutions
This stylish storage will have your home organised in a jiffy - whatever its size
By Jacky Parker Published
-
Explore Sandra Bullock’s former coastal chic home in Georgia
Sandra Bullock has just sold her beautiful island beach house, giving us a glimpse at her coastal-inspired interior style.
By Lotte Brouwer Published
-
On your marks: new H&M furniture, lighting and homeware for SS21 about to drop
The new H&M furniture, lighting and homeware collections drop on 4 Feb, so earmark your favourite pieces now
By Jacky Parker Published