New House Project: Kid Art

Here is the next update on Ellen's playroom. When we decided to start looking at houses, there were a few things on my wishlist: a 2-car garage, a mudroom / better laundry, and a kid playroom area. This house had all of those things, plus several more, and we've been very happy with how it has fit our needs. 

This room started as the original dining room. It is a pretty small room and wouldn't fit a very big dining table, plus the previous owners added an extra room to the back of the house several years ago that made the floor plan more flexible for a better dining room space. This room is right at the front of the house, but there is an alternate path to the rest of the house so you don't have to walk through Ellen's mess (though we often do).

Here it is today in a pretty clean state. I added the ceiling light (an industrial pendant from Home Depot in a galvanized metal finish, similar to this one, but less than $40) and I spray painted it yellow. I used Rust-Oleum in a soft yellow color, maybe summer squash? The rug is from Urban Outfitters.

 

I really wanted a place for Ellen's art and I had seen all kinds of great ideas on Pinterest and at friend's houses. My main issue is that I decided I wanted to have it done one day and didn't want to wait or order any supplies. If I have a bee in my bonnet, it's hard to divert my attention sometimes. Most of the time. 

So, this wall seemed to be a great spot. We got the easel on Craigslist for $15, but it's the Ikea version that also costs $15. I had really been stalking for one because it's a great price (many others are much pricier) and I wasn't sure how much play it would get (not much so far).

We have a broom / miscellaneous closet in our kitchen and I had previously retrofitted some shelves and brackets to the already-existing metal shelf tracks. It dawned on me that this might work - I tested the closet version with a magnet to make sure, and yes, it worked!

I trotted off to Home Depot to buy three of these Rubbermaid Single Tracks. There are a few different shelving systems in the store, I just chose this one because it is white and simple. Also, there is already a hole at each end that I planned to just put a nail through to hang. (Take a magnet and a nail in your purse when you shop to make sure it will work). They come in variable lengths - these are 35 inches. I hung three bars to leave room for art between and it has worked great!

Here is the rest of the room: Ellen's "homework" area. I found the old map at the Bottoms Up Antique Market about a year ago.  The desk was from our old house - two old filing cabinets of my dad's that I painted with RustOleum outdoor paint. The top of the desk is a hollow core door.

 

The chair is also from our old house - was actually left by the previous owners! I found a scrap of fabric at JoAnn and spray painted the chair the same yellow color as the ceiling light. 

 

Come on over and play some time!