PlayLoft Update on a Budget

I finally completed our Play Loft area!  I was able to incorporate some repurposed materials from furniture we had that needed retiring.  I also used a ton of artwork and photos I have been collecting from the kids. My favorite piece in the room is this butcher block top I took from this old kitchen cart that had seen better days. I had the idea that I wanted a US MAP that we could use to document our family travels.  We road trip a lot and have  a family goal to visit as many places as possible to expose our children to different cultures and traditions.  What better way to document our travels then to display them on the wall.  I decopaged this map onto the butcher block using Gloss Finish Modge Podge.  The cities we visited will be indicated by nailing brass brads onto the map. 

I found this ceiling light for $9.50(retailed 150.00) at Essex Bargin Hunt. It replaced an ugly contractor standard boob light. Because the loft is visible from the downstairs, it had a major visual impact.  Essex is a great place for treasure hunting. Most of its products come from salvage from Target, and are discounted at a greater discount based on how many weeks it remains on the shelf at Essex.  The best part is they carry many of their online order items including furniture, light fixtures, expensive brand strollers…you name it.  The slipcover is fantastic, its a 4 piece slipcover that looks custom from SureFit. 

These wood mount photos from Walgreens are my all time favorite way to display pictures. The color is vibrant and has a nice gloss finish to it. Walgreens frequently runs 50%discounts on its photography services. So you can get these moderately priced gems for a steal when they are on sale. 

I had this Ikea Kallax(previously known as expedit) storage unit for sometime. I have struggled to find storage that was kid proof to store toys.  Most big box retailers sell these cloth storage boxes, and they can be pricey. They also are EASILY destroyed by rambunctious boys, who use them to sit on etc. The rattan storage boxes also are prone to fraying and destruction but rough play. These metal storage bins from Walmart are not only super cute, but durable. They also have a snap in liner that can be washed, a chalkboard label, and plastic feet to protect your shelves.  They come in two sizes, small and medium. However the medium size fits the Kallax shelving PERFECTLY. Here I used the small boxes on the top for book storage. Previously they books were a complete mess; falling down in the storage unit.   I highly recommend putting books in a smaller storage compartments to keep them organized. A smaller size box allows the spines to be viewable for selection. 

The medium boxes are the perfect size for toy storage, and toys are easily tossed into the boxes without removing them completely from the shelf. 

 These periodic table wall tiles turned out fantastic, and were so simple and cheap!   Using a pack of blank canvas I bought from Joan Fabrics (8 bucks on sale)  I was able to yield my entire word. This website will turn convert any word into periodic table inspired letters. Some of the letters may be creatively inspired but the look is authentic to elements on the chart. Using regular printer paper I formatted the letters on a 9×10 paper, printed them and decoupaged them with Modge Podge gloss finish.  These wall tiles would be perfect for a boys room. 

Here is an easy way to display your children’s weekly artwork, or pictures. Grab some picture wire, 2 command strip wall hooks, and a pack of binder clips.  Super easy, cheap and fun!  Lastly there is no better artwork than your child’s own masterpieces. Using cheap frames from Ikea, these pieces are on display and have become talking points for our children when company is present. I have yet to find and endurable for the couch, and I need to conceal the wires behind the TV. Its a work in progress but better than the before!