We’re so close to calling this playroom finished! If you caught my Instagram Stories recently, you may have seen a few spots that were still in progress. Here’s an updated, polished look at how the room is coming together, what has changed since the before photos, and the small details that have made a big difference.
The before:
After paint and the IKEA built-in project:
Current progress (still a few finishing touches left):
The transformation has been about more than paint and furniture—it’s about creating a functional, joyful space where a child can play, learn, and help keep things tidy. The labeled baskets for Olivia have honestly been a game-changer. Clear, easy-to-read labels make it simple for a child to know where each toy belongs, and that makes cleanup feel less like a chore and more like part of the routine. She’s been excited to put toys away because she can read the labels and knows exactly where everything goes.
To complement the organized storage, I added a light that ties the room together. I picked up a bamboo-toned fixture for $60 that blends with the natural wicker of the baskets and the top of the bookcase. It keeps the space feeling youthful while adding a warm, organic texture.
Earlier this year I found a play table on sale and couldn’t pass it up. It arrived as a darker finish, but a quick coat of white spray paint refreshed it and suited the room’s light palette. The table has adjustable legs so it will grow with Olivia—one of those practical, long-lasting choices that make sense for kids’ furniture. I also attached a paper roll holder so she can unroll fresh paper and color whenever she wants, which she does nearly every day.
The little metal bistro-style chairs we chose were on sale and are sturdy enough to last—an ideal combo of charm and durability for everyday use. Their classic silhouette adds personality without overpowering the rest of the room.
Small details make a big visual and practical impact. For example, I found an old sugar mold at an antique store and turned it into a sweet holder for markers and colored pencils. It’s a small touch, but it gives the table a curated, collected feel while keeping art supplies close at hand.
We also hung the DIY storybook art we created for our previous home, which brings color and a sense of whimsy to the space. Custom or handmade artwork helps make a playroom feel intentionally designed rather than purely functional.
There are still a few final decisions to make on the remaining walls. One of the finishing touches I’m considering is a limewash treatment to soften the orange brick—something that will tie the brick into the room’s softer palette while keeping texture and character. I’m hoping to tackle that soon.
Sources and details used in this space:
- Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
- Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
- Area rug (similar style noted in original sources)
- Play table with adjustable legs
- Play chairs — sturdy metal bistro style
- Light fixture with warm bamboo tones
- Bookcase built-ins (custom IKEA-based project)
- Watercolor map (similar options available)
- DIY storybook art
- Labeled baskets for toy organization
- Wicker trunk (similar styles available; our exact trunk has been discontinued)
Overall, this playroom is shaping up to be a bright, functional, and playful space. Thoughtful storage, adjustable furniture, and a few handmade accents have created a room that encourages creativity while staying manageable for everyday life. I’ll share the final photos once the last details are finished.