When we first moved, my mother gave me one big piece of advice, and that was to hold off on decorating too much until we’d actually lived in the house for awhile and figured out what made the most sense for us.
Did I take that advice?
…
You’re kidding, right?
It hasn’t turned out too badly, but I do see what she was getting at: as an example, the coffee table that we bought pre-move ended up being a little small for the space; my office is very cute (I think) but more or less totally unused, since I work at the dining room table, and I cannot tell you what I would do for a bed that leaves me entirely unaware of Kendrick’s existence at night (by which I mean a king-sized, plz).
One place where I did actually take her advice: our attic. I just had no idea what to do with it. It’s such a beautiful space, with awesome bookshelves and lots of light…and it’s actually pretty big (about 600 square feet, I’d guess as someone who is terrible at guessing about such things). I had this idea that I’d make it a guest room/library…
But then I started having playdates.
And whenever I went over to someone else’s house, I saw that they had designated some area – whether just ten square feet or the whole freaking living room – as the “I give up; the toys win” spot, completely child-proofing it and filling it with fun stuff.
These rooms are amazing.
They keep children so happy and entertained that entire adult conversations can be had. Wine can be drunk. The kids couldn’t care less what we do; there’s a fake stove to climb into.
Anyway, our house doesn’t really have a spot that makes sense for that on the main floor – the sunroom was one possibility, but it’s right next to our side door, so it’s kind of mudroom-ish (and cold) in the winter. And I’m just not the kind of person who can cede my entire living space to singing Pooh Bears and motorcycles that play Reel To Real; I need a semblance of order if I’m going to have any hope of relaxing.
Enter: our attic.
See??! I think it’ll be perfect. This side will be all about the toys and books…
And this side (presently set up with an inflatable mattress for Francesca’s visit this weekend) will be a sorta lounging area where adults can sit while the playing takes place (I’m thinking a futon, because a for-real couch won’t fit up our stairs, plus I’d like the seating area to also be an option for an overnight guest).
It may also include a couple of these.
Right?
The point of the space is fun, and if Indy gets a fake stove, I get a zebra (oh, I’m sorry: “Bengali Tiger”) beanbag.
