A Classically Beautiful Playroom With a Surprising DIY Touch

Name: Opal ( 4 years old)
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Despite being one of the nicest rooms in our house, for years this space was our dysfunctional office and dumping ground. We really wanted a play space on the ground floor so that our daughter could still be close to us while we’re cooking or folding laundry, and also to prevent the creep of toys into the main living areas. We also needed the space to function as an occasional guest room, so we wanted to make sure it wasn’t too childish or theme-y.

My favorite thing about the room is the simple hinged chalkboard playhouse. It turns out there are few games that don’t benefit from having a window to look and reach through. My husband and I designed and built it, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out.

The rug is a family heirloom, and while I wouldn’t ordinarily think of putting an antique persian rug in a playroom, it doesn’t fit in any other room in our house, and it is way to beautiful to keep in storage.

The wallpaper is from Anthropologie. It was my first experience hanging wallpaper, and luckily my friend and co-blogger Katie was there to help! It transformed the room, and makes a fitting backdrop for Opal’s stories, many of which begin “deep in a magical forest in the olden days . . . .”

The daybed is from Land of Nod. The walls are painted Peach Fade, by Behr.

Thanks, Mera!

Curious about that amazing chalk house? Mera put together a DIY post so you can build your own.

To read more about Opal’s room check out Mera’s blogRed House West.

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