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The Playhouse Under The Stairs

by - Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I already shared the 3D magnetic wall with you and today I'm sharing the entire playhouse. I might be biased but I think this is the cutest playhouse under the stairs I've ever seen.




Playhouse Under Stairs


A very long time ago, I debated what to do with the area under the stairs. It could have been used as extra storage, an area to house built-in shelving. Or, we could use it for something custom for the smallest person in the house.

You all convinced me to go with the playhouse idea and I'm so glad you did! Now it's a sweet little nook where Chloe can hide away. What kid doesn't love tucking themselves into pint-sized spaces?

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse

I had debated putting a dutch door on this playhouse but we decided it would be safer to keep it an open area. It's not that big of a space but we wanted to turn it into a prized feature in our basement. In terms of finishing, all we had to do was carry the basement flooring into this area and frame out the doorway with casing.

Decorating A Playhouse


The decorating started with the stencilling of the walls which took much much longer than I thought it would. But it turned out well, creating a fun and playful look without being too loud or vibrant.

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse

I wanted to have a place to display some of Chloe's art. I found these plastic frames at Superstore.  They're art frames and have a slit in the back where you can slip the paper in and out. 

My hand-drawn wreath printable is in the top frame and Chloe's peach tree is a sunny addition to the bottom frame. I attached the frames to the wall with sticky-backed velcro.

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse 
playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse
playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse

Book Storage In The Playhouse


What's a reading nook without books? I used the popular Ikea-spice-rack-turned-bookshelf trick to make room for Chloe's latest favourites. Its hard to see but I painted the inside of the rack pink, just for fun. 

Below that, we hung the Fintorp rail and pails and filled them with Chloe's favourite cow doll and some dollar store flowers inside. As Chloe starts to read more, I'll add some reading implements - bookmarks, fun pointers, that kind of thing.

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse
playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse

Custom Floor Pillow

The down-filled floor cushion made by Tonic Living is the perfect spot to lie down and read or catch a nap. I should know - I've done it :) The 5 Minute Pillows I made add a bit of colour and comfort. Overhead, I've hung the mini-flag bunting I made for Chloe's Hot Air Balloon birthday party last year.

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse

DIY Magnetic Wall


Just outside the door is the magnetic wall. Chloe is really into drawing these days and is constantly running over to the wall to display her latest masterpiece. This one is titled At The Beach. I think that's me in the yellow one-piece?

diy awning, striped awning, playhouse awning, diy scalloped awning

DIY Scalloped Awning


Then there's the awning. This project sat for so long because I didn't have a sewing machine (but then Brother Canada came to the rescue!). 

I wish I could give you a tutorial on this but really it was mostly trial and error and lots of frustration. We used a pair of Ekby brackets and installed long dowels between them. Then I made a paper pattern, using a good old protractor to figure out the scallops.  The pattern was three parts - two sides and one top/front - and I transposed it onto a striped gray fabric with a white lining

I think if I didn't use striped fabric and had two layers of fabric, the sewing would have gone much easier. The fabric is held onto the bracket with velcro straps.

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse

The awning doesn't overhang too much into the hallway and adds just the hint of French bistro flair I was hoping for. Eventually, I'll make some matching curtains to close the doorway. Chloe said she likes it dark and I think she could use the curtains to hold puppet shows too.

playhouse under the stairs, diy playhouse, small playhouse 

But that's another project for another day. Let's call this playhouse done.

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