After receiving an overwhelming response to my last post about transforming my dining room into a play space, I have made some changes and wanted to share my progress with you. The suggestions and ideas shared by everyone were truly helpful, and I have already taken action on some of them.
Today, I will walk you through the updates I have made since my previous post, where I currently stand mentally regarding this project, and my plans for both spaces.
One of the main pieces of advice I received was to declutter and get rid of half of the toys. I have started phase one of this process by keeping most of the toys, except for those my daughter has outgrown, and finding a way to rotate them. This will not only reduce clutter but also allow me to pass on items to other families in the future.
Another suggestion was to designate one space as the “adult” room and make adjustments to the other space for my toddler. After much consideration, I have decided to keep my dining room as is, serving as a dining area and home office.
However, I have made changes to our living space to make it less cluttered and more functional as a play area. Let’s dive into the details.
Initial Setup
Looking back at the initial setup of the living and dining areas, I realize how cluttered it was. Puzzles on top of puzzles, toys hidden behind books, and drawers overflowing with items. It was overwhelming, and I could see that my daughter was playing despite the chaotic environment, not because of it.
One suggestion was to bring an IKEA Trofast unit to the living room to consolidate all toys in one place. This reminded me that the goal was always to have everything in one spot. I also repurposed a baby activity center as a toddler table in the dining room, where my daughter can engage in creative activities without worrying about making a mess.
Current Progress
Recently, I spent time decluttering and organizing the toys, putting away items that my daughter has outgrown and labeling bins for easy access. This has made a significant difference in the living room, creating a more open and inviting play area.
I also cleared out storage space under the TV wall for closed storage, reducing visual clutter and making the room more functional for playtime. Additionally, I created a “toy library” by rotating toys monthly to keep the play area fresh and engaging for my daughter.
I am thrilled with the progress and the positive impact it has had on the living room. The space feels more organized, and my daughter can easily find and enjoy her toys without feeling overwhelmed. There is still room for improvement, but I am taking small steps towards creating a more functional and aesthetically pleasing play area.
Future Plans
In the coming weeks, I plan to make further improvements to the living space by refreshing the decor and optimizing the layout to enhance the play area. This includes updating the rug, swapping out the coffee table for a more versatile option, and adding fun elements to make the space more inviting.
Additionally, I will be working on revamping the dining room to create a more adult-friendly space while still allowing room for my daughter to play. This may involve adding a rug, updating the lighting, and making small decor changes to make the room feel cohesive and comfortable for both adults and children.
Overall, the transformation of these spaces is an ongoing process, but I am already seeing positive results and feeling more at ease in my home. By making small changes and decluttering, I have been able to create a more functional and enjoyable environment for my family.
If you have any suggestions or advice, feel free to share them in the comments below. Thank you for following along on this journey, and stay tuned for more updates!