on the boards: playroom/workroom {part 2}

Jane and her husband bought a great house with a few big projects that needed tackling (kitchen: check, powder room: check), but mostly, it was just a fantastic blank canvas for making their own. Their next project will be to turn the formal living and dining spaces, rooms they currently do not use, into a more functional play space for Baby E and work space for Jane.  I'm going to tag along with Jane on her room re-do journey and share it all with you here, every Tuesday, from design inspiration to what are sure to be the amazing AFTER photos.

This week I present to you the BEFORE pictures of Jane's formal living and dining spaces.  See what I mean about a blank canvas!

This week I met with Jane to measure the space and take stock of any existing furniture to be re-used and/or re-purposed for the space.  We also had a chance to talk more about her wants and needs for the space and this is what came up:

1. Locate play space in the former dining area, out of immediate view of the front entry.

2. Provide an arts and crafts area and art display solution in the play space.

3. Utilize as many existing pieces as possible.

4. Provide a space that can easily transition back to a more adult space in the future.

5. Identify a location for large toy storage solutions.

6. Create a plan that can be executed in stages. 

Jane had also chosen four color samples for the room, and painted them on the wall.  Paint and hardware stores now carry sample sized containers of paint mixed to any color you choose for a few dollars each.  This is a step that there is no longer any excuse to skip.  Make sure to get a range of shades to test on your wall, and see how they look in the light of your room, at all times of day.  It's much easier to paint a room once!

After looking at the colors for a week, Jane and her husband agreed on the Van Courtland Blue for both rooms.  As painting gets underway, I have begun working on the floor plans.  Check back in next week for finalized floor plans for the room and a round-up of all the DIY projects we hope to tackle to bring these rooms to life!