As a mom, you always need to be a little creative in everything you do, from creating hideouts for the kids to hiding veggies in the food you make.If you have been thinking of transforming your child’s playroom into something that is a little more inspired by nature, then here is how you can do it. Create a space that is calming and fun to play in, a room that entertains and educates but does not overstimulate your child.
The Benefits of Bringing Nature Indoors
There are so many elements to consider when you want to incorporate nature elements into children’s playrooms; you should think about more than the aesthetics. Try to create an environment that stimulates their sensory development. Adding elements like indoor plants can improve air quality by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen, which is great for cleaning the air in small spaces where children spend a lot of time playing and learning. There are studies that show being around plants improves learning and creativity because it helps them focus on specific tasks.
Choosing Safe and Suitable Plants
If you do decide to add a little greenery to the playroom, do some research first to determine the types of plants and their benefits and not just their look. There are many options of plants to choose from, but you need to make sure that the ones you choose for a playroom are non-toxic and pose no harm when touched or accidentally ingested by little ones. Consider options at B&D flowers and indoor plants; they have a great variety.
Here are also some safe, low-maintenance options that are perfect for adding a touch of nature to a playroom without adding to your worries:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This beauty is one of the most resilient and popular choices for indoor spaces and is known for its air-purifying abilities. They tend to significantly reduce any indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene. They are not only great for your health, but they are also incredibly forgiving and easy to care for because although they thrive in indirect sunlight and can handle some neglect, they are ideal for a playroom. They have beautiful arching leaves and small white flowers that can capture a child’s attention and can also be used to teach them about plant children’s reproduction, as spider plants often produce baby plants that can be repotted.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
This plant, known for its lush, tropical look and sturdiness, is a great choice for a playroom because of its’ air-purifying capabilities. It does, however, prefer low light and can sometimes grow quite tall, really adding to a dramatic touch of green in any corner of the room. The bamboo palm is particularly effective at filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene, so it’s not just a plant but a natural air cleaner that keeps your children’s play area fresh and safer.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
This beautiful fern adds a special touch of wilderness with its shaggy leaves and vibrant green colours. Also, Boston ferns are highly efficient at removing indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde. They also thrive in humid conditions with indirect light, making them perfect for a bathroom or a naturally lit playroom. They do need a bit of moisture, so maybe including your kids in the watering process can be a great way to teach them about the responsibilities of caring for plants and living things.
Looking at each of these green options, all of them offer a unique learning opportunity for the little ones, like using the growth of a spider plant’s babies to discuss the plant’s reproduction or the height of the bamboo to emphasise plant growth and the importance of clean air.
Also, looking after plants teaches kids valuable lessons about responsibility and the basics of botany, helping them understand the interconnections within natural systems in a hands-on way.
Natural Materials
There are more ways to bring a natural feel to the kid’s playroom than plants. You could get creative and use natural materials in the furniture and decor, like items made from wood, wicker, or bamboo. When you think of these types of materials, they give you a warm and inviting but also durable and eco-friendly feel. Great options would be wooden storage bins, bamboo shelves, and wicker baskets because they are practical and add a touch of rustic charm. By incorporating some of these elements, you can create a cohesive, nature-inspired theme throughout the room.
Floral Touches for Sensory Play
What is a playroom without some floral touches that add colour and a whimsy feeling to it all? If you do choose some florals, opt for sturdy, seasonal flowers that can withstand a bit of handling. Flowers like marigolds, pansies, and zinnias are not only colourful but also easy to care for. Floral arrangements are a great way to teach children about the seasons, colours, and the life cycle of plants.
Natural Light and Elements
If you have the means, try to make use of natural light because it can change the feel of the playroom, creating a more airier and more inviting flow. Wherever it is possible, try to arrange the playroom layout so that crafting tables or reading nooks are near windows as this not only saves energy during daylight hours but also gives children a view of the outside world, which can be calming and inspiring. Adding a few natural objects like stones, shells, and driftwood into the decor is a great way to incorporate nature but can also be used as a sensory exploration. Each of these elements offers a unique touch to the decor and adds to the experiences for children, helping them to learn and discover more about the natural world.
Educational Opportunities with Nature
What can you do to add to the educational experience in this green space in your playroom? You could help the kids learn about planting seeds and watching them grow because this teaches patience and responsibility. Another great idea is to create a labelling system for the plants and flowers to introduce your children to new vocabulary and botanical concepts. This is a great hands-on learning experience in the comfort of your home, especially for the days when they are unable to go outside and play.
DIY Nature Crafts
A fun activity can be to get creative with some DIY nature crafts using natural elements like leaves, flowers, and branches to make art projects or simple decor items for the playroom. This is an opportunity to personalise the space and give them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their environment.
Maintenance & Safety
While the idea of maintaining a mini indoor garden might seem overwhelming, it is actually managed and gives you an opportunity to teach your children the routine of caring for the plants, which can be a wonderful way to introduce chores and responsibilities.
It is always important to think of safety when bringing nature indoors, especially in a child’s play area. Just regularly inspect the room for any plant-related issues such as mould, pests, or sharp edges from broken pots or dried-out branches.
A Room That Evolves
The best part of creating a nature-inspired playroom is that it can keep evolving. As your children grow, so do their interests and curiosity, and when that happens, you can transform it into a space for science experiments with more exotic plants or a calming zone with soothing greenery for reading and relaxation.
