The Basement: Playhouse - en francais!
While plumbing and electrical is still going on in the basement, I have some time to play around with decorating ideas. The one area that really excites me is the playhouse under the stairs. Since you all convinced me to have fun with this little nook, I've been thinking up different schemes, some country, some rustic. There's so many different looks I could create... barn, library, schoolhouse.
I decided instead to take some inspiration from our favourite city in the world, Paris.
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| Scenes from our honeymoon in Paris |
I'd love to make an awning over the opening, one that doesn't protrude too far into the hallway. It'll add some colour into the mostly white basement too. Overhead, a mini-schoolhouse light sconce with a bronze base would add a bistro touch. The little faux boxwood would be cute. Maybe its a decal or maybe I can get my artsy brother to do a tromp l'oeil? On the doors, nothing says French cafe more than chalkboards. I'd like to keep things fun inside too and could use some wallpaper scraps to lighten things up.
So that's another plan. Even photoshopped Chloe seems to like it ;)
What would you do with the playhouse-under-the-stairs?
27 comments
Love it. Nice photoshop work, too.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, for reasons I do not know, my siblings and I (there were five of us) had free reign to play in my dad's coat closet. It was also one of those under-the-stairs jobs. We'd part his clothes, walk in, and then spend hours under there. We were also allowed to use crayons all over the walls in there. The whole inside is just covered with years of doodles and scribbles from top to bottom.
I don't know why we were allowed to do this, but we're all so happy that was the case. We're all grown up now, but the closet is still covered in our "art". We've all decided that if our parent's ever move or we have to sell the house for some reason, we're surgically removing the drywall and the door so that we can preserve it forever. Such great memories.
HAHA I love your photoshop boards! This is a great idea, it will end up being the star of the reno!
ReplyDeleteGood idea! I'll have to figure out how to make it. We actually have a wider hallway than we thought we would so it might not be too big a problem if its open.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! What about an awning that moves in and out so when she isn't playing, it isn't in the way, but you can roll it out when the mood strikes?
ReplyDeleteLove it! We got the French Cafe in cardboard for the kids at Christmas. Have a look: http://www.littleplayspaces.com/French%20Cafe.html
ReplyDeleteI find the added poodle and bicycle also give it a French twist? And they love the open/close sign.
SO FUN. I've always wanted a super eclectic "glamping" nook - even as an adult. Layers of mosquito nettings, the floor covered in kilim pillows, a hanging lantern and a good book. Well. Now I know what I'm doing with my guest bedroom. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea. Chloe is one lucky girl. I would have gone crazy over something like this as a child. Oh wait, I think I'd be equally delighted now ;)
ReplyDeleteWay beyond cute! Also, I like how one of the three things on the menu is simply cheese. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Paris is such an amazing city and it would be great to have a little piece of it in your home & for your daughter to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIf only I had a space like that then it would be great to plan what I can do with it too. Ahh Paris! No one gets wrong when picking Paris, its hip, fashionable, romantic and all the things fun. Your Chloe is really in for a treat. Good luck, I hope it turns well. :)
ReplyDeleteLove it!! What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best idea of the ones you mentioned. So adorable and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteOoooh such fun! I love this idea.
ReplyDeleteSo does it come with piping hot croissants and the perfect cafe latte? :)
Oh my gosh, LOVE this!!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea. I think it'll be more timeless for her than something more rustic
ReplyDeleteIf you go the way of RED & WHITE [ivory] "checks", Let me KNOW!
ReplyDeleteIt could be really cute with a little winder to make it come in and out. I've seen them for backyards so maybe you could look at those mechanisms (just smaller!).
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome. Isn't it how funny kids love playing in the smallest and strangest of places? I bet your dad still gets a kick out of opening his coat closet and seeing all your doodles there.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be funny... the star is the smallest space in the whole basement ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm having fun with photoshop. I think I have to add a photoshopped Chloe in all my boards now, lol.
I saw that on Pinterest! So cute!!! Thanks for the link. Now I can see all the details. That open/close sign is a fun touch.
ReplyDeleteNow that sounds fun! Would be a great look to for an outdoor space, like a sunroom.
ReplyDeleteMe too :) She just might have to share the space with me!
ReplyDeletegreat idea! we have an under-the-stairs-space that i would like to do something with eventually for the girls. had one growing up too and loved it!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Can't wait to see how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteLove it! What an adorable idea.
ReplyDeleteOMG what a great idea and yes, Chloe looks so happy in her cafe!! LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteSince I don't have a kid ... hence no need for a playhouse, the area under my staircase may either be built-in storage or maybe a little mini bar with wine fridge, or a combination of both. Now I wish I have a basement!
Love it! Makes me want to be a kid again!
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