How to create a magical play room

Step 1: Choose a theme: 

We chose Dr Suess 

You could use other books from him 

or 

Dinosaurs, Jungle, Bible stories, Alice in wonderland, Bugs, Around the world, Pirate,

 Automobiles, Favorite character, Under the sea or so many MORE...

Step 2: Paint according to your theme 

(or you could use wall decals) 

Step 3: Create a Play house

You will Need:

 2- 4'x4' pieces of plywood

Jigsaw and sandpaper

Primer and Paint

L-brackets and screws

  Draw on your design. 

Cut out your design with a jigsaw.

Sand rough edges.

Prime and paint.

Secure with L-brackets. 

              

Step 4: Make a stage

You'll need:

A large wood coffee table.

Saw

Foam or batting

Fabric

Staple gun and staples

First, cut down the legs of the table to desired height.

Then, staple the foam or batting around the edge and corners of the table.

Now, Cut the fabric.

(Cut to the length of three sides of the stage x1.5

and the width to the height of the table plus 5 inches)

and hem one edge of the fabric length wise.

Attach fabric - start with the top (un-hemmed edge)

Staple it right side down while bunching it slightly.

Do this all the way around...

Then flip the fabric over to show the correct side.

"HI!"

Then staple all the way around the bottom edge (directly under the foam).

We added a mirror behind the stage for more fun!

Step 5: Place kid sized furniture and coordinating decor around the room.

Note: I was not able to stage the room before taking these pictures... Sorry about the mess - it is a play room ;)

** You can also add some fun wall activities 
See past blog post for HOW TOO

Cornice board

Step 1: Build your frame.

Here is a tutorial and video.

Step 2: Cover with batting

Step 3: Cover with fabric

Step 3: Hang

Attic renovation - playroom

Step 1: Prep

Wipe down all walls and ceiling, gather supplies

&

Mark placement of all beams on the floor and ceiling.

You will need:

Step 2: Jigsaw, hammer ans

Step 3: Measuring tape, chalk line, 4' straight edge, razor (extra blades), pen, drill,

             1 5/8" drywall screws, 1/2" drywall.

Step 4: Putty knife, drywall tape, paper towel, trowel and joint compound 

Step 5: Mesh sandpaper, sand paper sponge, face mask and Shop Vac
Step 6: Primer, paint, paint brush, paint rollers and tray.
Step 7: Carpet remnant, Carpet pad (if desired) and staple gun.

 

Draw two lines to indicate start and end of beams:

  Step 2: Cut hole in wall

Step 3: Cut and Hang Drywall

Hang your first piece of drywall (when possible hang a full sheet).

Make a chalk line on drywall to indicate where the beams line up and drill the screws along the chalk lines.

 

  

When drilling holes make sure they are flush with board or slightly below surface.

To hang the remaining drywall you will most likely have to cut the sheets in order to fill the empty spaces. 

To cut: measure the empty space and mark your drywall sheet ...

Then mark a straight line the full width of the drywall sheet and score across the line with your razor... 

   

Snap at the seam and score the other side of the drywall paper.

 

Set adjusted sheet of drywall into place, make a chalk line and drill 3-4 screws into each beam.

 

Piece together the rest of the space and you'll be ready to mud the seams!

**Cutting holes in drywall (outlets, switches or lights)**

Measure to the switch/socket from nearest walls, make the same measurements on the drywall and cut out a hole to fit around the fixture.

Step 3: Mudding seams

Wipe a good amount of the joint compound over the seam, stick the tape on and scrape flat.

  

Then place another thin layer of compound over the tape.

Same for corners:

Just fold the paper in half on the crease provided.

  

After the first layers of mudding are dry (24 hours) place a final coat of joint compound over the seams.

 

Apply a generous amount of compound to the trowel and scrape down the seam with the trowel at a slight angle. 

Try to make everything as smooth as possible- this will make sanding process much easier.

**Patching holes**

Apply a very small amount of compound on your putty knife and wipe into the hole. 

Then, scrape off access to make a smooth surface. 

Step 4: Sanding

Use a sponge for the corners and mesh sandpaper for flat surfaces.

    

Wipe off dust with a damp sponge and a paintbrush

Scrape plaster off the floor and clean up the dust.

Step 5: Painting

Prime

 Then, paint the corners first...

 Finish your first coat...

 Second coat... and done!

Step 6: Carpet

Please note: I am not installing carpet. I am just laying and securing.

Stretch out your carpet and lay it flat.

the piece should be a bit larger than your space

Trim edge and press into place.

(I laid a carpet pad first)

 I decided to add a few staples into the edges to help secure the carpet.

Step 7: Finishing touches

At this point you can put the switch plates, outlet covers and fixtures back up.

Lighting

Turn off electricity!!!!

At this time you will probably want to check the wires with a voltage tester before you touch.

Match up wires and cap them off.

Don't forget the ground!

Screw in the attachment plate and attach the fixture to the plate.

 

And last, but not least.....add Decor and Furniture!