As more parents work from home, many share office space with their children. While toys in your workspace may feel overwhelming, blending a play area into your home office doesn’t have to mean clutter or bright plastic toys. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a functional, stylish, and inviting space for both you and your children.
1. Use a Cohesive Color Palette that Supports Productivity
Parents often associate play spaces with bright colors and loud toys, but that doesn’t really create an ideal work environment. To design a space that works for both play and productivity, carry your home’s current color scheme into this area, using neutral tones for larger furniture pieces to maintain a calm and welcoming vibe. Add pops of color through rugs, pillows, or artwork, while maintaining a consistent overall palette. A thoughtful, cohesive color scheme helps the play space and office feel connected to your home, rather than being overly stimulating.
2. Choose Beautiful, Functional Toy Storage
Storage is essential in any space, and it becomes even more important when the area is shared. To keep clutter at bay while maintaining an elevated feel, select storage that’s as beautiful as it is practical. Closed cabinets hide colorful or noisy toys, while open shelves display favorite books or decorative play items. Multipurpose pieces, like a bench with toy storage or an ottoman that doubles as seating, help keep the space tidy and stylish.
3. Invest in Pretend Play Toys That Look and Feel Like Real Furniture
Pretend play is an important part of childhood, but many toys are large, noisy, and made with brightly colored plastic. To create a more inviting space, opt for high-quality pieces that are battery-free, sized appropriately, and blend seamlessly with your décor. Our Essential Play Kitchen and Market Stand are crafted like grown-up furniture by using premium wood and safe, non-toxic finishes with a style that complements any space without drawing too much (bad) attention. The Play Kitchen features coordinating pieces that allow you to build a set that is sized for your space. These pieces will provide hours of imaginative play while keeping your home office playroom combo sophisticated and cohesive.
4. Define the Space with Rugs, Lighting, and Artwork
Define your home office play area with design elements like rugs, lighting, and wall décor. Choose framed artwork that feels sophisticated yet playful, think carousels, ballerinas, or floral prints, that coordinate with your room’s color palette. Use rugs and lighting to create subtle separation: soft, neutral tones for the work area and a touch of color or texture in the play space. These thoughtful touches make each area feel purposeful while keeping the overall space cohesive and inviting.
5. Create a Thoughtful Layout
Arrange furniture to follow the room’s layout and keep pathways open, so the play area feels integrated rather than isolated. A play table or toy cabinet that visually connects with existing furniture helps children feel part of the space even during independent play. Opt for pieces that encourage children to tidy up their toys within the area, keeping everything organized and within reach.
6. Add a Kid-Sized Table or Desk
Create a dedicated spot for quiet play, eating snacks, or making crafts with child-sized furniture. Select pieces that complement your office décor and are crafted with durable, high-quality materials rather than bright plastic alternatives. Natural materials such as wood, woven textiles, and muted finishes help the space feel connected to the rest of your home. Our Crescent Table and Chairs set is the perfect example, offering a kid-sized table and chairs that mirror grown-up furniture in style.
By combining functional furniture, curated toys, and cohesive design, your home office can become a versatile, beautiful, and functional space that works seamlessly for both work and play.