5 days of Mi Casa: Day Four

Now that Henry's an active 13 month old baby boy, he's really exploring and playing everywhere. It's been maja baby-proof time around these parts. If you come to my house for the next few years, don't expect anything but toys lower than 30" or any accessories on a coffee table. :) 

In the mornings, Henry plays with us in the kitchen, and during the day, we hang out outside or in our basement. His bedroom is on the lower level, and most of his toys are too. But, they ended up strewn all over the floor, and I didn't have a great storage solution other than baskets, baskets, baskets. Our home didn't have a set of built-ins that I could put books or bins on, so my hubs and I decided to add some to a nook in the basement. 

Here's the room right after we moved in. 

Until recently, this nook had a small server/bar on one wall, and a high-top table - we just never used these pieces and thought we could make better use of the space. 

Ok, so my wheels really got turning thinking of what to design. 

Nope. Boring ol' book shelves just wouldn't do. 

Together, my hubs and I designed a space for Henry to play, nap, and store his toys. This has been the biggest project we've had going lately., and we have loved this improvement so much! And are both thrilled with the outcome! 

I had our carpenter do large, sturdy shelves along the side, and add a flat area for a twin mattress to lay horizontally in the middle. My upholsterer covered a simple foam mattress like a regular cushion, so I can take the cover off and have it cleaned. He also built me a "backboard/headboard" for some style and padding. ;) I love the large scale ikat chevron, and think it suits our home well. 

Books, toys, stuffed animals, blocks, and special mementos line the shelves, with room to grow. This area is one of Henry's favorite places and we love it too! 

I found the little needlepoint stool in an antique shop on our anniversary trip, and used the gold animals from Henry's birthday party here.