House Decorating/Arranging Advice

AnnaBananaBelle

So... to you creative types - please help me!

We live in a 4 story townhouse.  On the main level is: living room, dining room, kitchen.  Upstairs is our bedroom, nursery and office, and bathroom, in the loft is just storage and the master bath.  In the basement is a room that doesn't yet have a purpose - it has sliding walk out doors to the back yard.  

 I'm trying to set up play areas now that DD is into playing that will be convenient for everyday life since we have so many staircases and levels.  The basement room would be a perfect space for a dedicated "play room" except, that it's far away from the kitchen, TV, etc.  We just decorated the living room, and have some toy storage in it - but I haven't yet made it the main decicated play area.  I'd like to keep the living room nice looking,  but it's not totally necessary.  DD's nursery is small, but has some toys in it, but is right next ot the office.  SO... my question is:

 Should i make the basement a dedicated play room, or should I try and make the living room that space?  If I make the basement the playroom - what could i do to make it an adult friendly space too?    

 And - if I make the basement a playroom - what are your fun decorating ideas and storage ideas?

Fun2Dream

I think the basement would be a great play area for later (when she's 3+), but for now, I'd probably have it in the living room. ?I wouldn't make it a "perminant" space...more like something where you can put a blanket/mat down for her, and have toys that can be easily picked up and put away (in your new storage area or in a big basket or something). ?

Maybe you could set up a mini desk in the basement for a computer to make it a little more adult friendly? ?Or put a loveseat/sofa for reading/chatting/etc??

AnnaBananaBelle

We put our old love seat and chaise (from the LR) down there, and the futon is still down there.  Also my sewing table.  Maybe I could set up a nice craft area down there I'd actually use and cover the old couches with a slip cover and call it a day?

KHoekstra

How long do you think you will stay in the house?  If you're going to be there for a while then it may be worth starting to transform the basement into a "kid space".  You could put some of her bigger toys down there and then use it when you have a few friends over for play dates. That will get them out of your living room but you can still keep her day to day toys there.

If you're not going to be there for too long, then I would just keep everything in the living room.