Nearly two years ago in one of our very first room tours we shared Florence’s contemporary nursery with you. It was a big hit and recieved sighs of envy from the BG team. Florence’s Mama, Amanda one half of the team behind Nubie, has once again opened her doors to share her home with you. Today we are taking a peek inside Florence’s play room which is a comfortable open space for adults to gather while children play. I love how this room has lots packed in without becoming cluttered due to the clever use of storage. Here is an insight to the inspiration behind the room.
Did you plan the space or did it evolve?
The room evolved very slowly, it only started to spring to life once Flo was up and walking and then I was able to understand a little more about her personality and what would make the room work for her.
I knew that I wanted some comfy chairs for adults – so if friends came over we could easily sit in her playroom and be with her rather than sat in the kitchen. I read a great book called FamilyLifeStyle Home by Anita Kaushal which has some great pictures and inspiration for children’s spaces.
Having the business is a great advantage but it is quite hard to hold back and not cram all the things you see and love into the space. Although any damaged toy stock seems to find its way in here.
All off the items we have bought for our house, I would say having the toy cupboard built has made the most difference, it hides all of the clutter – the kitchen is joined to this space – so at the end of the day I can pile all the toys away quickly and the mess it gone (well, hidden).  All of Florence’s puzzles and games are at her height in the cupboard so she can easily grab anything she needs.
I use the coloured felt tubs to categorise the toys, orange box for crayons etc –  Florence helps me pack away at the end (often reluctantly). I am rather addicted to Parkhaus Felt Baskets! I think between Mischa (Nubie’s Co-Owner) and I we have all the colours, they sneak into the house slowly without the husband noticing….
What does Florence love about the space?
She knows this is her space and she can make it untidy as she wants and get stuck into her toys – I think she also likes the fact that it is off the kitchen so she can see us whilst she is playing.
Her favourite thing is dressing up and wearing dressing up shoes (must be in the genes) where do they suddenly get the urge to wear them? I have to tell her take them off after half hour – I am scared she will get bunions by the time she is 6!
She also has a wooden shop and trolley – still fascinates me as to how our mundane tasks become their favourite games.
What tips do you have for decorating children’s spaces?
Keep walls neutral and pull them together with colour wall decals or a feature wall.  Brightly coloured storage also helps to bring fun and vibrancy to a child’s space and means the toys are to hand too. Animal or character shaped cushions also help children identify their cosy chair for chilling out on.
Never rush decorating a space – in the first five years they grow so quickly that their needs and tastes change and you may have to decorate again if you make it to babyish.
As you child reaches two include a child’s height table if you can – I have seen it transform the way a child uses a room and play. It is usually their first piece of furniture and it really helps them identify their room or play space in the house. Easier for them to colour or draw than on the floor.
If you are inspired by Amanda’s style here is the low down on where to find some of the goodies:
From Nubie – Ferm Living bird cushions, Little Flare table by Magis, Children in Tree wall sticker, Isak Need to Know Wallpaper and Parkhaus felt storage tubs can all be found in the playroom and grown ups sections.
From other shops – Thorsten Van Elten Rocking Chair from Smallable, Babipur from Babipur, Mumbo Jumbo Wooden Fruit Stall from Faraway Tree and Maileg rabbits from Bohemia.
Thank you once again to Amanda and Florence for sharing this gorgeous space.
If you have a children’s room you would like to share please get in touch by emailing team {at} bambinogoodies.co.uk with one low res picture of the room and ‘room tour‘ in the subject line.
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