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Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • March 3, 2010 Home Improvement (ARA) - Playrooms are ideal spaces for encouraging children’s creativity, providing them with the stimulation they crave, and helping them create a connection with others. The great news is that you don’t have to build an addition onto the house or set aside your family vacation fund to create a great playroom. Many unused extra spaces in the home can function as playroom spaces. Whether it’s a sewing room you no longer have time for or maybe an extra bedroom that isn’t being used, make sure the space is safe and secure for the ages of children who will be playing in it. Spaces under staircases and large closets can make great play areas that have a fort-like feel. The next step is to define a goal for the room and take into account who will be using the space. “Create universal spaces that will grow with your children,” encourages Nancy Bohnett, academic director of Interior Design at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. “Your first child may be a three-year-old girl who loves princesses, but she may outgrow her love for pink in a few Designing the perfect playroom on a shoestring budget years and gain a baby brother who will also use the space as he grows.” Once you have an idea of how you want the room to function, you’ll be able to make a list of the items you’ll need and want, whether it’s an easel for your little artist, bins to store a large collection of blocks, or a table for the perfect tea party. You may find that you have many of the items you need, whether they are crammed into your child’s current space or stored in the garage. With a little TLC and some paint, any piece can make a great addition to the new playroom. Keep in mind that closet sweater stackers and over-the-door shoe organizers are great places for coloring books and art supplies. When it comes to the walls, playrooms should be bright and cheerful, but there’s no need to go overboard with paint. “The reality is that children’s tastes change as they grow. Creating an accent wall in a favorite color is a great way to bring color to the space and save money. It can be something your kids help with, putting their handprints on the wall or something fun and can be easily changed over time,” said Bohnett. In fact, Bohnett encourages restraint in the decor. “Be careful not to choose a theme that will be outdated in a short period of time. Allow the toys and creative pieces your children create in the room to dictate the space. You’ll save time, money, and frustration in the long run.” When it comes to flooring, hard and washable surfaces are ideal for these spaces. “Having floors that can withstand the rigors of childhood play is important for a parent’s sanity,” Bohnett added. “Not only do children play with many things that roll along the floor, but they also play with messy things like paints, clay, and Mommy’s nail polish.” Don’t let a small space rain on your playroom parade. & Decorating Cirino LANDSCAPING Lawn Lawn Maintenance & Full Service Landscaping NEW CLIENTS ONLY 15% OFF ANY JOB OR SERVICE W/COUPON • Exp. 3/31/10 Not Combinable Get a FREE quote for seasonal landscaping. Pre-payment discount available. Call 201-891-0955 For Information “There are simple ways to make a room feel larger,” Bohnett continued. “Do simple things like add a mirror to the room. It can be used for dress-up time and helps the space feel larger.” Children can also use washable markers and paints on the mirror, which can easily be cleaned once playtime is over. Lighting for the space can also be a breeze. Overhead lights that are already built into the space, daylight, and some indirect light are all you need. Grab an old lamp from the garage and paint it to match the new scheme. It’s a great way to personalize the space and an inexpensive alternative to a custom child-themed lamp. Remember that, even in a child’s space, parents need a little room. Make sure there is a comfortable place for you to sit and supervise your children and to have the materials at hand you’ll need for the space. 2-24-10 pat/janine CirinoBW2x2(2-24-10) 2 X 2” Stay on top of commercial building maintenance The Villadom TIMES is giving you the opportunity to present your quality services and merchandise in its special Home Improvement & Decorating section. �� In The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the exposure you need in 56,300 homes right in your market area. And, as always, your Villadom TIMES advertising message is conveniently delivered each week by US mail to every residence in the 12 Bergen County towns listed below. �� Building Exterior Consultants, L.L.C. “Rooﬁng and Waterprooﬁng Solutions”  Roof Surveys  Waterprooﬁng Surveys  Roof Evaluations  Moisture Surveys  Speciﬁcation Development  Project Management  Construction Management  Due Diligence Jose A. 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