Making a space for your kids doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming, and you can adjust any of the methods below to a bedroom, a playroom, or just one side of a living room. While this may seem like a very child-focused activity, it can actually stop your entire house from becoming completely overrun with cuddly toys, crayons, and teeny-weeny handprints, leaving you something resembling a grown-up space (worth a shot at least!). Here are some cheap and easy ways to create a kid-zone:
A mural There are lots of cheap ways of getting this done—and you don’t have to be a master painter to achieve an interesting and fun mural for your child’s room/corner. A mural can be a simple picture painted on the wall, or just some interesting colours swirled together. Many shops that sell paint have small sample pots available for a few quid—though remember to use lead free paint. You could even let your child help you if you feel it’s appropriate.
A blackboard wall Many places now sell paint that can turn a wall or part of a wall into a blackboard. Kids can then write, draw, and erase to their heart’s content. A bucket of multi-coloured chalk, and they’re off. This might also stop them from doodling on other, less-forgiving walls!
Corkboard When your child is old enough that they don’t put everything into their mouths, and can understand that drawing pins are sharp and require some responsibility, you could put up a corkboard in their space. It’ll allow them to mount drawings, pictures, and things that are special to them, but in a way that allows for their rapidly changing tastes and ideas. A poster of Iggle Piggle one day, and Hannah Montana the next!
A small desk + chair Kids love to “work.” Like drawing with crayons, or slicing things up with safety scissors. (Not working out the financing of a new car including insurance rates and value depreciation – that’s your job!) So get them a small desk and chair for them to scribble at, great for those rainy days.
Boxes for storing things Also known as a toy box/treasure chest. You can have lots of small ones or one big one, to suit their space! There are a couple safety tips here: make sure the box you choose doesn’t have sharp edges or a heavy lid that can hurt little fingers, and make sure they can’t get trapped in it if they climb inside.