Tiny Little Pads

What goes into the creation of a farmhouse-styled playhouse?

When creating a new little world like this, there are many elements that make this farmhouse style complete. Not sure what farmhouse looks like? Think cape cod, complete with wainscoting, chair rails and wooden floors to get you started.

For this specific playhouse, I knew from the start that it needed a solid wood floor, not only for the look, but also for wear and tear over the years. And in true farmhouse style, it just had to have a painted checkerboard pattern. I selected a timeless color that would make all the fun toys and decor stand out. To me, the floor is the most important design element of a true farmhouse! While painting floors isn’t for everyone, it is definitely an activity that you can do on your own! It just takes time and patience (a lot of it), but if you’re anything like me, there is a gorgeous satisfaction in seeing it come alive.

The floor isn’t the only major design element in creating a farmhouse-styled playhouse. Millwork trims are key. Like any well-made farmhouse, the millwork details are what make it a farmhouse in my opinion. If you're not aware, millwork trim is simply wooden accent trims like baseboards, crown moldings and other trim that you put around doors and windows.

For this playhouse, I opted for a simple, classic trim. The profile of these trims are built by stacking flat stock lumber in a specific order and to a specific scale. Unfortunately these trims cannot be purchased assembled. But here is how you can bulk up the trim around your playhouse windows for a beautiful farmhouse look!

Aside from the natural light from the windows, a playhouse also needs some light fixtures. Playhouses – in theory – should be accessible no matter if the sun is up and shining or it’s nighttime and there’s a few minutes to enjoy the world before it’s time to sleep.

I dug around in multiple antique stores and consignment shops to find the perfect chandelier with that milk glass shade that is so typical for a farmhouse. This is obviously not a recommend light fixture for all playhouses. It's very fragile....but since it is far from reach at toddler stage and the kids using this playhouse are more the quiet type, it passed the parent approval;) A simple metal shade would be just as perfect if your children are more on the active side.

If your children are anything like mine, then toys are abundant. Which again means, storage is important. The playhouse is no exception. With this in mind, I designed a custom L-shaped storage seat, complete with hinges under each seat to stash additional toys, games, activities, outdoor toys and sleeping bags. This is also a great area to store seasonal toys and accessories.

Personally, I love having items for the kids to play with that are season-specific, because it allows them to apply what happens in their own homes to their little world in the playhouse. My oldest loves to decorate her playhouse the same way I do our house. This has become an activity that we have made our special bonding time every season.

Now to the more important aspect of having a playhouse. Pretend play. A playhouse needs certain nooks and spaces to encourage minds to wander and explore. To do this, I incorporated elements of a typical home into this special little universe. There is a kitchen, a kitchen nook/activity corner and a living room, so not only does the space lend itself to playing “house,” but it also gives a sense of security and a more childlike take on the world where we live.

Furniture helps to spur this too! If there’s one thing I’ve noticed designing for children and spending time with them, is that little ones love to play in the kitchen. Boys and girls. I think it's important to invest some time into planning this part of the design since it is where the children will spend the bulk of their time cooking up their dreams! Depending on your budget, you can head to your local thrift store, check out shops like Pottery Barn Kids, or opt for custom creations and have a kitchen designed specifically for your playhouse.

Shelves and displays are also big in the creation of a playhouse, not just a farmhouse playhouse, given it is a home to so many pretty things! Keep the imagination going by choosing to display everything in the open versus tucked behind cabinets or in boxes. This means the items will be used! And don’t forget, it’s important to make these areas easily accessible for tiny hands so they don't climb too high or put themselves at risk of injury.

And, while we’re on the topic of belongings, think about what you want in the playhouse for the kids to enjoy. Whether it's educational items or toys that encourage creativity and play, there are so many options.

Staying true to the farmhouse style, I knew that I wanted to outfit this little house with lots of wooden and crochet kitchen toys. There are many brands that make fantastic pretend play toys. My personal favorite happens to be LeToyVan’s Honeybake Series and Pebble Child. And as a mom, I love the idea that these toys will last and be associated with precious childhood memories that my children can pass on to their children one day.

A last advise.

If you are planning to build a playhouse for your children. Be sure to inject some of your own charm and culture into it.

Personality, character and heritage are important factors in any design. Spaces for little ones are no exception. For my girls' playhouse, I had a full size flagpole installed in front of their little house, so that we can fly the Norwegian flag on days like 17th of May, Norway's independence day. I also had a few outlets installed with some very dear family traditions in mind….one in the kitchen prep area just for making the famous Norwegian heart shaped waffles, and one above each of the windows to light our Norwegian advent lights in the month of December.

What's our next reveal? Be sure to check back regularly to find out!