Tara's creativity center DIY

When we first moved into our home, I looked at the landing space (going downstairs to our basement) and immediately decided to turn it into a creativity center for Tara. It was huge and bright and would otherwise be wasted. So...I did a few sketches and decided on this one right here. My goal was to create a space that was fun, functional and educational for Tara. So...with some hard work and a trip to Ikea...this is how it turned out. We are in love with this space now!!

*just found these pics. Thought I had lost them when our computer crashed! This is the space I started off with. as you can see...it's pretty huge and has good light but...blah + boring!

Blue painters tape works magic! Great for keeping lines straight and paint where you want it to go. If you need to make a curve..simply cut the outer edge and bend it!!

Painted the roof first...

... a bright cheery red (Behr's Crantini) and the bottom part with chalkboard paint (LOVE!!). I decided to paint the walls  a deep, rich green (Spanish Olive by Behr) . The walls have a texture to them so I had to use 2-3 coats of paint.

I picked up this curtain rod and hung Tara's art + pics. It's super awesome because you can custom size it to fit your space...just cut the wire!!

 

Next I had Tim put up a shelf that I picked up from Home Depot. I wanted a place to keep stuff that I don't want Tara to have access to by herself (paints etc). And these picture frames from Ikea ...child resistant and super cheap??? I bought tons in all different sizes for Tara's artwork.

Picked up the table and chairs from Ikea. and this nifty storage unit ( rail + container) ...totally awesome BTW; I have one in my studio as well. The storage container on the right is a stainless steel bathroom caddy from Walmart. It gives me vertical storage so we don't take up too much room on the table

Another view...

This little reading corner right here is cosy and comfy. I used one of Tara's baby blankets as a throw, added a teddy + books = adorable!! . I  added this dollhouse bookshelf (I painted this for Tara when I was pregnant!!).

These "shelves" are simply pieces of foamcore/molding?? that I bought from Home Depot. they custom cut the pieces for me and I secured them with nails. they are super awesome if you need shallow shelves for pictures etc.

I threw a couple of old rugs on the floor...



Another view...

I added a clock and gorgeous tin heart hooks I already had... and it's all done!!

 I love the way it turned out ...and the best part??? Tara loves spending time here playing and puttering around:) Also...I think that I can make minor adjustments as she grows and still keep it fun. Thanks for looking:)