Every parent knows the struggle of keeping a playroom organized and functional. Toys seem to multiply overnight, and before you know it, the space meant for fun and creativity turns into a chaotic mess.
That’s exactly where we found ourselves recently—not enough storage, outdated decor, and a playroom that just wasn’t working for our growing kids.
I decided it was time for a change. But this wasn’t just about tidying up; I wanted to create a space that worked for everyone. With little ones who still loved to play with toys and a pre-teen who needs more “grown up” things, we knew the playroom had to be functional, versatile, and able to grow with our family.
It was also very clear that our stuffie storage situation was completely out of control. With a mountain of beloved stuffed animals (and a husband who refuses to part with any of them), I knew I had to get creative and build a custom solution to keep them organized without sacrificing precious floor space.
The “Before” Story
Our playroom was huge and full of potential, but over the years, it had turned into more of a chaotic mess than a functional space. What started as a room meant for fun and creativity slowly became a jumble of mismatched bins, boxes, and cabinets. Instead of being practical and organized, the space felt overwhelming and cluttered.
The lack of a clear system made it hard to keep things tidy, and the room just wasn’t working for our family anymore.
And then there were the stuffies. Oh, the stuffies!
Over the years, our collection of stuffed animals had grown to epic proportions. While I might have been ready to part with a few, my husband wasn’t having it. Every single one of those stuffies held sentimental value, and I knew I had to find a way to store them all without letting them take over the room, as they already had been.
It was clear that the playroom needed a complete overhaul. We needed to create a space that was not only fun and inviting but also functional, practical, and able to grow with our kids.
Planning the Makeover
Before diving into the makeover, we knew we needed a solid plan to make the most of our playroom’s potential. The goal was clear: create a space that was fun and functional for our little ones, provided a hangout area for our pre-teen, and could adapt as our kids grew older.
One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to store our mountain of stuffed animals. With my husband adamant about keeping every single one, I knew we needed a custom solution. I started brainstorming ideas for a storage system that would keep the stuffies accessible but out of the way, while also adding a fun and creative touch to the room.
The Built-In Cabinet’s Process
The centerpiece of our playroom makeover was building custom cabinets to bring order to the chaos. These cabinets were designed to provide ample storage for toys, games, and, of course, all the stuffed animals.
Measuring and Planning
I started by measuring the space to determine the width, height, and depth of the cabinets. This step was crucial to ensure the cabinets would fit perfectly and make the most of the available space. Next, I planned out the design: how many drawers and doors we wanted, where the shelves would go, and how to incorporate a dedicated solution for the stuffed animals. The goal was to create a system that was both functional and visually appealing.
Prepping the Space
With the design finalized, it was time to prep the playroom for the cabinets. I began by cutting the carpet in the area where the cabinets would sit, ensuring a clean and stable surface for installation. Then, I built a sturdy 2×4 base for the cabinets to rest on. This base not only provided support but also lifted the cabinets slightly off the floor, giving them a more polished, built-in look.
Building the Cabinets
Once the base was in place, I got to work building the cabinets. Using plywood and MDF, I cut the pieces for the cabinet frames, doors, and drawers.
Each piece was carefully measured and sanded to ensure a perfect fit. I assembled the frames first and trimmed everything out.
I also changed out the builder grade “boob” light to some more modern, sleek fans.
Custom Stuffie Storage
One of the most exciting parts of the project was designing a custom solution for the stuffed animals. I built 2 tall, massive, open cabinets with two tiers, perfect for displaying and storing the stuffies.
Now just to figure out how to engineer the doors so we can still see them.
Building and Assembling the Doors and Drawers
With the cabinet frames complete, it was time to move on to the doors and drawers. I built six massive drawers to store all the toys and four large doors for the upper cabinets, which would hold the toys we rotate every once in a while.
Next, I tackled the engineering of the doors for the stuffie storage cabinets. I wanted a solution that would allow us to see and grab the stuffed animals without needing to open the cabinet doors every time. After some brainstorming, I found the perfect solution: bungee cords. I ordered some bungee cord from Amazon and got to work.
To create the custom doors, I drilled holes into the cabinet door frames and threaded the bungee cord through them. Then, I stapled the ends of the bungee cord securely to the door. This design allowed the stuffies to be visible and easily accessible while keeping them neatly contained. It was the perfect solution—functional, creative, and a fun feature that the kids absolutely loved.
Painting and Finishing Touches
After everything was built and mostly assembled, it was time to prep for paint. I started by carefully taping and covering off the surrounding areas to protect the walls, floors, and other surfaces. Prepping took some time, but it was worth it to ensure clean lines and a professional finish.
For the cabinets, I chose a beautiful dusty blue color to match the theme of the room. The color added a calming yet playful vibe to the space, making it feel cohesive and inviting. Painting the cabinets was a labor of love, requiring multiple coats to achieve a smooth, even finish. I took my time to make sure every corner and edge was covered perfectly.
To elevate the design even further, I decided to add a granite countertop to the drawer section. I worked with a local granite company to cut and install the top, which added a touch of elegance and durability to the cabinets. The granite not only looked stunning but also provided a sturdy surface for the kids to use for crafts, games, or other activities.
With the painting complete and the granite installed, the cabinets were finally coming to life. The dusty blue finish, paired with the sleek granite top, gave the playroom a polished and custom look that tied the entire space together. Now it was just time for the final installation: the jellyfish wallpaper!
The Reveal
After weeks of planning, building, and painting, the playroom transformation was finally complete—and the results were better than I could have imagined!
The custom cabinets became the star of the show. The dusty blue finish added a calming yet playful touch to the room, while the granite countertop elevated the design and provided a durable surface for activities. The six massive drawers now held all the toys, keeping them neatly tucked away but easy to access. The upper cabinets, with their large doors, were perfect for storing toys we rotate in and out, helping to keep the playroom fresh and exciting for the kids.
The custom stuffie storage was also a huge hit. The bungee cord doors not only kept the stuffed animals organized but also turned them into a fun display. The kids loved being able to see and grab their favorite stuffies without having to open the cabinet doors. It was a practical solution that added a unique and playful element to the room.
Conclusion
The playroom makeover wasn’t just about creating a beautiful space; it was about designing a room that worked for our family’s needs now and could adapt as the kids grow older. It was a labor of love, and every moment spent planning, building, and painting was worth it to see the joy it brought to my family.
