5.03.2012

Playroom Design with Centsational Girl

green_blue_playroom_design_ikea

Last weekend design-savvy, DIY extraordinaire, Kate from Centsational Girl and her team of volunteers installed  the playroom {and much more} for the Alma House Project. I had the pleasure of working with Kate on the initial design concepts for the room which flows openly from the kitchen. Kate envisioned a kid-friendly space that was colorful, multifunctional and provided loads of storage. We had to work with the existing navy carpet and ceiling, but every thing could be changed.

Over the phone we conversed and brainstormed ideas. Kate’s budget was $1,000 for the space, so we had to think creatively. And as you know, Kate is the best at taking inexpensive or yard-sale finds and transforming them, so I knew it could be done! In fact, with donations and smart purchases of Kate’s doing, the total cost of the room was $885.

world_map_wallpaper_green_blue

Maps and wallpaper both are a huge design trends, but I also feel that the combined look can be classic and timeless. I knew that a large-scale world map wallpaper on the wall opposite the window would make a huge impact in the space and work well with the existing carpet. Kate was on-board and the green and blue color scheme was set! Not only do maps help educate young ones about our world, but my hope too was that it allowed these children to dream beyond the walls of their home.

wavey_blue_green_outdoor_fabricRichloom_Outdoor_Variations_Poolside_drapes

Indoor / outdoor fabrics are terrific for kids’ spaces and it was a must for this playroom. I gravitated to the wavy pattern in Richloom’s Indoor/Outdoor Variation Poolside fabric – it had different shades of  blue and green which I especially liked. Kate loved the fabric too and knew instantly that she wanted to use it for floor length drapes  - which she made – yep, she sews too! Kate discusses the details of creating the drapes here. They turned out gorgeous! How does this girl find the time?

Kate also transformed the round child’s table she scored on Craigslist for $45. She is living up to her blog’s name, that’s for sure!

richloom_bindis_summer_fabricworld_map_wallpaper_playroom

For throw pillows, I liked Richloom’s Indoor/Outdoor Bindis Summer fabric because it coordinated so beautifully with the Variations Poolside – We fell in love with the medallion pattern! Turns out Kate found floor pillows at a local store in the exact same fabric! How does she do it?

you_are_my_sunshine_artwork_etsyyou_are_my_sunshine_artwork_playroom

When my kids were babies, I used to sing “You Are My Sunshine” before they’d fall asleep. I’ve always wanted to use these prints in a project and am so glad it worked in this playroom! I love how Kate stacked them and placed near an art easel. Love!

ikea_billy_bookcase_painted_playroom

Kate worked her magic with a series of three Billy bookcases from Ikea. Love the “Green Lane” paint by Glidden she selected for the back of the bookcases. They look custom don’t you think? Here are the details on how she did it.

moravian_star_light_fixture

I loved the Moravian Star fixture Kate found. It was the perfect accent for the subtle nautical feel. It was generously donated by Shades of Light.

ikea_expedit_as_bench_playroom

To create a window bench for reading and additional storage, an Ikea Expedit bookcase was placed horizontally. I love the ikat pillow Kate found that coordinates with the drapes so beautifully!

world_map_wallpaper_green_blue

Kate also sourced the fabulous Checkered Past carpet tiles in Laural/Lime by FLOR which was layered over the existing carpet. I love to use FLOR tiles in kids' spaces because they are so easy to remove one to clean or have it replaced. FLOR also generously donated the tiles too!

To fully appreciate this project and all of Kate’s hard work, you need to see the incredible transformation:

Before:
centsational_girl_playroom_before

After:
centsational_girl_playroom_map

Amazing, don’t you think? 


For a complete list of products used in the room or to donate to the Alma Project, please visit Centsational Girl. Wonderful work Kate and team!!!

circle of moms design bloggers

{Shameless plug, again!}
As I you may have heard, Simplified Bee has been nominated for  Circle of Moms’ Top 25 Home Design Moms contest. I’d appreciate your vote here. It’s really fast and simple {no need to sign up for anything!} Also, you can vote once every 24 hours until May 15th. 

Big hug for your support!
 
 
*Photo Credit: Centsational Girl

6 comments:

  1. I just love Kate's re-do! Great job! Those kids are going to enjoy that room for years. :)

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  2. This is just outstanding! I love all the bright color going on, but it still looks chic and stylish. That map wall is to-die-for.....I'm filing that idea away for the future :) Great post, and great job!

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  3. Fabulous transformation! What a great room...and for a great cause. Lovely!

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  4. Great redo! Love the bold colors; any kid would love to play in that space!!

    www.donnaviningblog.com

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  5. How adorable! Love those lyrics as an art! Have a fabulous end of the week, Kellie xx

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  6. Thank you so much Cristin for all your valuable input in transforming this space! It is a marvelous place to inspire our future generation, so cheerful! Thank you for the feature too, so proud of this fun playspace!
    Kate

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