Guest Picks: Playful Ideas Inspired by the Outdoors
Swings, grass, flowers and more can work inside when it's too cold to leave the house
Houzz Contributor. Founder of design blog http://www.smallforbig.com
Toy designer, artist, professor, mom, chocolate hog, pianist, and creative type. Stop by the blog for more of my faves, DIY, and inspiration!
Houzz Contributor. Founder of design blog http://www.smallforbig.com
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There are times when you just can't get enough of the outdoors — particularly in the dead of winter. Instead of waiting for a warm, sunny afternoon, bring some spring into your home. Let's cure our Cabin Fever with ideas inspired by the outdoors that work indoors as well. — Mari from Small For Big
The proof is in the picture — this kiddo loves having a swing inside, and so do I! It adds the "play" to playroom.
by Earthflora
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What is the best way to bring the outdoors in? Add some grass. These plastic grass tiles are the perfect answer.
If you can get to an Ikea, this kid-sized swing is perfect for the indoors. I have the larger version, and the shape keeps it from swinging as wide as a regular swing, making it safer. Plus, it's comfortable.
I can't bring the outdoors in without some plants. Store them in a modern planter like this; not only does it look good, it will keep grabby toddlers away!
by Fat Brain Toys
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My girl loves ladybugs, and we love our WheelyBug. With this roller, we can get our cute bug fix year round, even on the darkest, dreariest days.
by fawn&forest
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Rockin' and rollin' is a lot easier for me to stomach when it's on a rocker as modern and kick-arse as this one. It's also available in gorgeous wood.
by Magic Cabin
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I wish we'd had this adorable wooden swing when my daughter was younger. It looks like it belongs in a natural setting, unlike those ubiquitous plastic toddler swings you see everywhere.
This wooden wonder is super classic (and not made of ugly primary-colored plastic). It's the best indoor slide I've seen. Score!
My 3 year old has been saying this particular phrase all the time lately: "I want to ride my bike."
by Magic Cabin
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I'd choose the plain option, but boy, a toadstool is a pretty awesome find for a kid's room. I'd love to see a couple paired with a really modern white crafting table.
by fawn&forest
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What's springtime without an adorable frog? This plush pal is furniture and oversized pal all in one. I can hear my daughter now, "Froggy, I looooves you."
by Generate Design
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This seesaw is a handmade wonder. If we had a play room, a gorgeous seesaw like this would be the perfect pièce de résistance.
Ikea's leaf canopy is still the best way to bring some bright green jungle time into your boring old kids' room. These things are large; I just want to snuggle underneath it with a stack of my girl's favorite books (and her!).
by G H Design
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This faux grass ottoman is exhilarating enough to inspire an entire playroom.
by Magic Cabin
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When I was a kid, my favorite thing to do was build forts from blankets, or branches outside. This canopy combines the best of both, with a lot less fuss.
I need to take heed of this poster more often, let's all "turn off the computer and go outside!"
Kids love seeds and plants anyway, but this kit takes it to the next level: Fairy Tale seeds based on your favorite fairy tales! What a great way to bring a story to life.
There are loads of canvas tipis out there now, but I love seeing how people incorporate them into an actual room. This tipi looks so cozy!
Need some sunshine in your life? I'm betting these brightly colored puzzles will add just the right dose.
by Magic Cabin
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Beautiful flowers that will bloom year-round, these hand-carved stools will add a little whimsy. I wonder if they'd work in the bathroom by the sink?
Next: Backyard Play Spaces That Put Kids Front and Center
Next: Backyard Play Spaces That Put Kids Front and Center
Ideabook published on March 7, 2012.
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Believe me, im a total bargain hunter, so I hear you.
When I'm creating an idea book, I look to include products with a range of prices - some of these things are much more affordable than others. If it was a list of planters only, I'd definitely include a range of prices and options.
I see idea books as a chance to be inspirational too!