Kids do not need a playroom of their own if the house can't support it. I would not sacrifice my house to my kids. When we had a baby in a bouncer, the bouncer sat in our living room but we didn't reorganize all the furniture. Now we have a toddler. Her toys are in a cabinet and toy shelf in the living room and get put away when she's done playing. She has space in the basement for her kitchen and easel, but if we didn't have that space, those toys would be in her room. Take back your living space. If you really want them to have their own space, consider changing things around so the toys etc. are not the first thing people see when they come in your house (move it back by the kitchen). Consider getting something like this with cabinet doors to keep stuff hidden, and only keep the toys that fill that space in the room.

a couple options for storage that you can put on the long wall, I'm thinking you can get more than one if needed and then add art above for a gallery wall.

Loving the two ideas. I do know we need to put alot of this in the basement and move the official play area down there, its just been easy to put them on the ground over there while I'm cooking etc. With another baby on the way, I'm thinking we move back to a living room look with a larger rug and more storage pieces like recommended above. Thanks!

Could the front half of the room be a sitting area and the back half be a play area? The two blue chairs could go in front of the window and with the settee across acting as a divider between the areas.

@Lala yes, we used to have it like that but with grandparents visiting, they liked to have chairs facing the kids play area so I think that's how we ended up here.

I see nothing wrong with dedicating your living room to your kids' playroom, if that works with your life (such as visiting grandparents, who might not want to go into the basement). I think adding a long and low storage cabinet against the long wall would be great. With kids, I recommend something basic and inexpensive, because it's likely to get damaged.

These are Kallax units from Ikea; you can use inserts or cupboard doors if you like

Hello Lauren,

Congratulations on your upcoming new little one. How many do you have and what are their ages? It helps to know what age group we are working with for layout purposes.

Your original request was; "My main priority is organizing the kids toys and making this area look nice upon entry. Would love feedback on what toy storage makes sense and how to rearrange furniture, add rugs to help!" So let's see what we can do here.

Questions:

Can we have measurements of the rooms?

Pictures of the kitchen and family room area?

How many people use the areas each day?

The basement will be wonderful when the children get older and you can put fun things down there but up and down with babies in your arms, that could be very challenging indeed.

So I will check back with you to see if you were able to get us some more photos and the measurements.

Best wishes,

Marcie

Pity you couldn’t open up under the stairs, such wasted space and excellent for storage

I don’t know that you have enough floor space to spare to do buffet type horizontal cabinets. I would suggest going tall, slim and vertical if you need toy storage in the room.

https://www.arhaus.com/furniture/living-room-furniture/living-room-bookcases-and-cabinets/rattan-cabinet/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=free-shopping&utm_channel=free-shopping

Tall cabinets and kids do not work well together you need storage kids can reach and use .

No. I think it is the opposite. You will be putting the toys in and they will be taking the toys out. Plus, the idea is you don’t have the floor space. A tall, slim cabinet gives you much more storage with a smaller footprint.

If you want additional storage in the space that the children can access, an ottoman styled coffee table is one idea - and it is the best coffee table to have with children. You can get one with storage. And you could also get a bench with storage to put in foyer. Good for sitting down, taking off shoes putting on shoes, etc. I thought about storage bench for in front of windows also, but I don’t like idea of children climbing, etc. in front of windows. But storage bench in foyer and ottoman in LR - the kids can have access to those, and much better than cabinets - no sharp edges, etc.

A couple of examples:

Storage bench.

https://www.raymourflanigan.com/tatiana-storage-bench-374431181.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_LIA_Outlet&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2fDU0q_F6gIVFInICh2kggWNEAQYASABEgKijvD_BwE

Ottoman/Coffee table w/ storage. Comes in a couple of fabrics + a number of colors.

https://www.wayfair.com/Ebern-Designs--Kincade-Tufted-Storage-Ottoman-X111295956-L310-K~W000184845.html?refid=GX444236626306-W000184845_996231091&device=m&ptid=902875212386&network=g&targetid=aud-354999624471:pla-902875212386&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=40974261&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=996231091&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI37zUvrDF6gIVirbICh2JrAveEAQYCyABEgK_vPD_BwE&piid=996231091

Looks like the bay area where the windows are, that used to be your dining area, lends itself well to a play area. It’s not the first thing you see when you walk in the door, Because it’s around a corner. The sitting area could stay the same.

As a mother, I understand the struggle with wanting to keep an eye on the kids while cooking. First, I would agree with the person. that suggested Kallax cube organizer because it's practical, and low cost. I'll suggest getting inserts with the organizer so people can't see the mess.
Second, your children are a part of your family so it's okay, in my opinion, for guests to see a few of their toys. For example, you can display a kids book collection on your coffee table along with your other decorative items. Other bulky items can go to the basement.
Three, Do they play with all those toys,? probably not. Kids tend to have a favorite toy and they get bored with the rest easily. I would recommend talking to the kids about donating toys they don't use anymore.
Four, when you put your living room back together, you can use chests under your bay window. Put pillows on top of the chests so it doubles as a seating area.
Five, be patient. Soon the kids will grow out of the age they're in.

Hello Lauren,

I hope your day is going well. So much to do with little ones. Please let us know if you are still with us. And again may we have some pictures of the stairs walls on through to the family room with the TV.

Are the babies able to ride their bikes outside or are you confined by space or weather?

Honestly it looks as if you already have a lot that can be used if just rearranged. But the additional pictures will tell a better story.

Love it that the little ones fill up the house. It is so wonderful. First it was my child and now it is his little ones. I love it so much that their toys fill our home. That's what makes it a home not just a house. At least as a Nana and mother that is how I feel. Such precious moments.

I love this forum but sometimes I wish I could speak to our HOUZZ guest because so much more can be accomplished. I invite you to call me if you would like to talk.

Marcie

I love the idea of having the room be very workable as a play room for kids.

My first thought however was to put a double-sided storage unit to separate the dining area from the play area. That means you could store toys on one side, and use the other side as a dining buffet to store dishes, etc. Seems to me you could create this very easily buying 2 inexpensive matching cabinets (or one with doors to face the play area, but open shelves to face into the dining area) or have a unit like that built for you.

Then I would add a sturdy sectional sofa and ditch the chairs.

Apt2B Monroe 3-Piece Sectional Sofa, Mountain Gray, Chaise on Left · More Info

Lauren, looks like you have too much in the room. Keep outdoor items outdoors (ie bikes), similar items aren't needed - pretty baskets/bins are great but make sure they are shallow. Also think about rolating toys to keep them fresh for your child. Before you know it, you'll be asking for advise how to turn the room in to a teen hang out so enjoy this time

When my kids were little, we were in a 4-room apt...kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms and a bath...the kid's toys WERE allowed in the living room, but ONLY until just before suppertime...then they had to return them to their bedrooms where they belonged, so we "reclaimed" our living room each night to watch TV as a family or for hubby and I to "entertain guests" in...NO EXCEPTIONS....that said, I'm sure you don't want people to enter your home thinking it's a Day Care Center...LOL...I GET it !! So here are MY suggestions...IN MY OPINION ONLY.....Mickey Mouse belongs in a bedroom, so put him there...."ride-on" toys belong either OUTDOORS or in a designated playroom since we KNOW the kids will "run into" furniture inside and damage it.....and the large easel should be in a bedroom or the family room.......that leaves the large round infant's "activity center" ( which OBVIOUSLY must stay, perhaps in the bay window area??? ) and a bunch of misc. "little" toys....so perhaps you could try doing this.......a simple bookcase turned on it's side, with or without "feet" added, and a padded cushion on the top and baskets in the "cubbies" to hold Legos, etc. could be placed along the long wall of this space....you MIGHT even have room for TWO of these side by side....not only would you be able to get rid of the "visual clutter" of the toys, you would be providing extra seating for adults and kids alike when needed !!! Next, I LOVE the idea of ital mover's of using a sectional in that area, with LONG side along the pathway to the front door, so the "seating area" would be facing the long wall.....THEN put in a large square coffee table similar to this one, with drawers.......drawers could hold crayons and coloring books, board games ( for BOTH adults and kids ! ) etc....top of coffee table is perfect for kids to "work" on while sitting on floor, and perfect for "munchies and drinks" when the adults are entertaining !! And I love the large area rug you had in that area in the "before kids" picture !! Just a couple of MY suggestions to use this space for BOTH adults and kids !! Just remember the RULE....ALL TOYS MUST BE PICKED UP BEFORE SUPPERTIME !!! LOL...Hope this helps !!

I believe Lauren has left the building. :-)

This is different advice than I followed as a young mother, but if I had it to do over, I would abide it.

Decide whether your children are part of the household or not.

If they are, then realize the house should adapt to them and let them feel the house is theirs as it is yours. Realize that you do Not have to care about what others think.

Are all of your [adult] things confined to one room, some baskets or a closet? Or do your things pervade the house landscape?

Children are children and yes, need to understand that they don't set the rules.

That doesn't mean, tho, that because they play [with a lot of stuff] that they should be made to feel ostracized in their own home.

Have the teaching moments be about picking up, putting away, helping clean.

Let them be who they are during this short, wonderful, learning and growing stage.

I think by what I see that you are a great and loving mom. It is so wonderful when folks make kind and supportive suggestions; so refreshing.

Lauren, I will be happy to put together a 3D rendition, if you like, that will give you answers to your original request. If you so choose please let me know.

When is your new one due?

Best Wishes to you and your family,

Marcie

I understand the need to have a play area close to the kitchen and other areas where Mom & Dad spend most of their time. I would have loved to keep toys in the basement when my kids were little but they invariably migrated to the main level because that's where Mom usually was. But whatever toy storage you come up with, you might consider paring down a bit on the toys that are kept in that room. That giant Mickey Mouse would be the first thing to go. In my experience with my children and grands, the stuffies are loved but not necessarily played with very much. You could store extras away in the basement and trade them out monthly or as you notice the kids growing less interested in what you have out. Kids seem to want to spend the most time with the toys that are new, so it's almost like Christmas when you pull out something they haven't seen in a while. Plus, if they have fewer toys to worry about at the end of the play day, cleaning them up is so much less overwhelming and they'll learn very quickly how and where each needs to be put away so they can do it themselves. As it is now, I think your biggest issue is that the toy area is spread across the entire room. I agree with those who have suggested moving the ride-on toys elsewhere and to designate the bay area as the toy area where it isn't the first thing seen as you enter the front door. Whatever you choose for toy storage, it needs to be kept to just one end of the room so you or any guests don't have to step over or around toys to get to the seating for a visit. A shelf or other storage unit could divide the areas. Keeping it low would make it reachable for the kids and would allow Grandma and Grandpa to still be involved. If they really want to be closer, stretch the play space out a bit and add a couple of chairs for them to sit and interact with the kids. Or the kids can bring just the blocks or whatever that they're playing with out to the area where Grandma and Grandpa are sitting. That would need to be put away before pulling out the next toy. It's not like they have to go far to do that. When the kids are older, they'll want to be further away from you in their play so you can move all their stuff to the basement then and reclaim that front room completely.

As for the jackets and shoes, you didn't ask specifically about storage for those but I know that can get overwhelming. If you do need to keep those things there, there should be limits to how many of each they can keep there. Is there a coat closet by the front door or do those things just get dropped on the floor? If there isn't a closet, or even if there is, hooks are more likely to be used by the kids than hangers. There should be a hook for each child within reach and only the one jacket or coat, depending on the season, should be kept there. If it's a double hook, they'd have a spot to hang hats and mittens as well or a basket could be kept there in the winter for those. As for the shoes, you could place a mat or rug there and allow for only one or two pairs per person and only what will fit on the rug. They're at least contained into that space, even if they don't line them up carefully. My daughter has 6 children and has had to insist that only their school shoes are to be kept by the front door or a pair of sandals in the summer. Any others go in their bedroom closet.

Here are some practical suggestions that might work. When the kids are older then create a basement hangout lounge. I totally get that during this stage you want them nearby while you get dinner, supervise homework, etc.

--Move your console by the stairs elsewhere to create entry space for the following:

--Get a very long, low storage shelving unit to create a "hallway" on one side and the back of the unit forms a low wall on the other. Something like this only turned so that it faces the opposite wall. Get baskets for toy storage. Use the top for keys, mail basket, etc. So toys on one side, grown-up things on top.

Living Room Media Bookcase · More Info

--Put the easel, a children's table and chairs with a washable, colorful floorcloth underneath at the kitchen end of the room. (Etsy has these.)

--Put your armchairs in the window nook where you can sit with the new baby.

--Put down a coordinating pattern soft rug in the rest of the space so kids can play with their toys on that.

--As someone suggested, use under-the-stairs space to create storage and hooks for coats, shoes, etc. something like this. If this is too expensive or too much hassle, then get a slim, low bench with cubbies underneath and hooks above.

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Kelly-Moore Paints · More Info

So sorry Lauren, you came to this site for help with your storage and overall design of your front room not parenting lessons.

So with that said you may find the help you really want by contacting a local designer/organizer who can come into your home and see what can be done. Many will offer free consultations. HOUZZ may have someone locally who can come in and help you. I believe they can still come to your house and use the appropriate precautions to protect you and your family with the COVID 19 still in place in many locations.

Best Wishes,

Marcie

Not sure if the OP is still here but I think it is a stage in life. Yes there are ways to hide the toys better but the reality is little kids have bigger toys and stuff. Now that mine are older I'm shocked ad how fewer toys they have and how our living space is suddenly our own again.

We had the old expedit, now kallax, in our playroom and still have it in the family room downstairs. It is great because it hides all the stuff. We also had tall cabinets, bolted to the wall, that had stuff we didn't want the kids having constant access to like art supplies and special books. Seemed to work very well and kept things clean when they needed to be but still accessible.

Good luck!

I think baskets are always the most practical for several reasons...they are easy to remove if needed..they are excellent training tools to teach children to put things away...they are attractive but cheap in comparison to the other options...having storage nearby to stash them is optimum but if not ...a decorative screen attached to the wall at one end is an excellent “garage”..that is so perfect for kids to park their bikes and wagons behind...and stash the baskets ....most of us just do the cleanup as it is quicker than training..begging ..the kids to do it...but it is an investment in their development that is worth the effort...kids learn faster than anyone..and can be taught to take pride in doing their part( no matter how small)..all that being said if nothing changes you can take comfort in the thought it wont last forever...

I was always raised to put my toys away when I was finished with them...no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It was a strict rule and it had to be followed. I would think this would be an easy solution here.

I don't think it looks bad as it is now. Maybe just a little more storage and you're in good shape!

Below are some updated photos after removing some toys and the playmat. Def need some help with. the shoe storage under that bench. A kallax won't fit here next to the trim and the current entry table.

Kaplan needs to go under the picture where the jumper toy is.

The entry table needs to go and be replaced with something that can store shoes. The bench is too big for the space. Alternatively get rid of the table/dresser, move bench down. Add a few nice bins under it for the shoes to keep them hidden, add a few hooks above for hanging things.

Kallax not Kaplan sorry!

Also all the toys can easily go away when not in use. Let them play with them in day but where do they go when kids in bed?

Looks good. What about a toy box? A Kallax unit is a great idea. Best wishes to you and your family and congratulations on your upcoming little one.

Marcie

Great job, Lauren !! May I suggest some simple baskets under the bench...one for each member of the family, to put their shoes in? Dollar Store carries them made out of fabric, and you can't beat the price...LOL..that way the shoes wouldn't be "visible" to the eye, but would still be handy when needed !! You've done an awesome job of turning your living room from looking like a "day care center" to looking like a loving home where kids live...congratulations !!

Here is a 3D rendition with several of the suggestions incorporated; for your consideration.

Yes the furniture is not exactly like yours but it's the placement that is being presented.

The seating area is just as you already have it with a slight adjustment.

The world globe is not in the rendering

The long bench has been replaced with a cubby with containers in it (dollar store, love it!!)

A floor lamp like the one you already have was added

Two baskets for toys

A storage unit with more containers like one you can find at IKEA; Kallax it believe

As you can see the dresser and mirror were moved to the opposite wall to make room for the storage unit.

Thank you @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design, very cool way to look at this! I appreciate the drawing. Whats your thoughts on putting an entryway piece there instead of the kallax storage units? Something like this, but in White and obviously would have to find something to fit under the stairs trim. But we do not have a coat closet on first floor and really need a solid solution to coats, hats and shoes with three kids and us.

Kallax should be for toys.

Something more built in and close able should be for entry solution. Do you want your guests essentially sitting in a mudroom? You need a cabinet type thing for storing all the shoes and coats that looks nice closed

I had the same problem when my twins got to the ages where they had more items than I did. We went for the cube method with some very stylish baskets in each box and made sure they understood that when they are done with their toys, they must put their toys in the cubbies (they call them cubbies, it's really the baskets). We have been able to maintain a (semi) charming look to the room, but there is an element of toddler for sure- it makes it ours instead of theirs.

I looked at the “spam” and the furniture was adorable…in this case it seems okay..to me…considering the discussion is about playroom design🤷🏼‍♀️ it does look a little too expensive for the average family…but you never know…