In the vast world of home renovation and DIY, few projects capture the heart quite like creating a special space for a loved one. Today, we’re thrilled to feature an inspiring guest post from BJ, who writes under the delightful moniker Joy2Journey. BJ embarked on a truly magical journey, transforming an often-overlooked area under her stairs into an enchanting Closet Playhouse. Unlike my own recessed playhouse, BJ ingeniously built her playhouse facade directly onto a plain wall, demonstrating a remarkable blend of vision and practical skill. The result? Absolutely captivating and oozing with charm!
Unlocking Imagination: An Under-the-Stairs Closet Playhouse Journey
Hello everyone! I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to share a project that’s been a true labor of love and a source of immense joy for me. Before I dive into all the delightful details, let me properly introduce myself. My name is BJ, but in the crafting and blogging world, I often write under the name ‘Joy.’ This name holds a special significance for me, as it’s not only my middle name but also the middle name of my beloved granddaughter, who I affectionately call Miss Precious – truly the sweetest granddaughter ever! This dual meaning is the inspiration behind my creative space, Joy2Journey, where I chronicle my adventures in making and creating.
The genesis of this under-the-stairs playhouse project for Miss Precious was born out of both love and necessity. Living in beautiful Minnesota, we experience long, often chilly winters. I wanted to create a dedicated indoor space where she could play and let her imagination soar, regardless of the weather outside. The area under our stairs immediately sprang to mind. For too long, it had served as little more than a forgotten storage nook, housing a few odds and ends. I knew, deep down, that this neglected space held immense potential to become something truly extraordinary – a secret hideaway, a castle, a cozy reading nook, all rolled into one for my precious granddaughter.
I must admit, I’ve never been one to shy away from tackling what some might consider “new” or even daunting spaces. My mother often jokes that I’ve always believed I could do anything I set my mind to, a sentiment that I wholeheartedly embrace when it comes to DIY! Rest assured, I do know my limitations, but when inspiration strikes, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and dive in. With a clear vision in my head and a trusty jigsaw in hand, I bravely approached that plain wall under the stairs and began to cut! It was a moment of both apprehension and exhilarating possibility, transforming a simple, flat surface into the gateway of a new world.
The transformation journey was nothing short of incredible. What started as a completely unassuming, blank wall…
…gradually evolved into this charming and inviting Closet Playhouse. It was a step-by-step process, each cut, each nail, each brushstroke bringing Miss Precious’s dream play space closer to reality. The initial opening of the wall felt like uncovering a hidden treasure, revealing the structural bones of the house and the perfect cavity just waiting to be adorned.
My vision for the exterior was to evoke a timeless, whimsical French Farmhouse aesthetic, a style that always feels warm, inviting, and slightly magical. This meant carefully crafting a facade that would capture the essence of a miniature dwelling. The choice of a classic French Farmhouse style door, complete with its delicate panelling and charming hardware, was paramount. But what truly brought the facade to life were the working shutters. These weren’t just decorative elements; they were fully functional, adding an interactive touch that Miss Precious absolutely adores. Imagine her delight in opening and closing her very own shutters, inviting sunlight or creating a cozy, private retreat within her playhouse!
The attention to detail extended to the roofline, where I meticulously applied shingles, just like a real house. This small but significant touch added another layer of authenticity and visual interest, making the playhouse feel robust and lovingly constructed. And, of course, no charming miniature home is complete without its own identity. A custom-made sign, carefully placed above the door, proudly announces this special space, adding that final, personal flourish that truly makes it her own.
The interior of the Closet Playhouse became a flurry of activity as Christmas approached. I was determined to have it ready for Miss Precious, and I’m thrilled to say I put the finishing touches on it just two days before the big day! Stepping through that adorable little door, you’re immediately enveloped in a world of comfort and creativity. Here’s a look inside, revealing the cozy sanctuary I crafted:
One of my top priorities for the interior was comfort, especially for a space where a child would spend hours playing. To achieve this, I opted for soft, plush carpeting, which I installed over a thick, comfortable pad. This not only created a warm and inviting floor that’s gentle on little knees but also helped dampen sound, creating a quieter, more peaceful play environment. It transformed the cold, hard floor into a cozy, carpeted haven, perfect for sitting, sprawling, and imaginative play.
For the walls, I decided on a charming two-tone approach that combined both aesthetics and practicality. The upper half features a whimsical wallpaper, carefully adhered to sheets of plywood. Using plywood as a base, sourced from places like Menards, provided a smooth, stable surface for the wallpaper, ensuring a flawless and durable finish. This choice also allowed for easy application and a professional look. The specific pattern of the wallpaper was chosen to spark joy and imagination, setting a cheerful tone for the entire space.
For the lower half of the walls, I embraced the classic elegance of a board and batten style. This design adds architectural interest and a touch of sophistication, while also being incredibly durable – a key consideration for a child’s play area. The crisp lines of the board and batten provide a lovely contrast to the wallpapered upper section, creating a balanced and visually appealing interior. It truly gives the feel of a miniature, well-appointed room, designed with every detail in mind.
No playhouse is complete without a special spot for tea parties, drawing, or quiet reading. I was incredibly fortunate to find the perfect-sized table at Ikea for an absolute steal – just $20.00! Its compact size fits perfectly within the playhouse, providing a versatile surface for all sorts of activities. This budget-friendly find allowed me to allocate more resources to other design elements, without compromising on functionality or style. Paired with a small chair or a few fluffy cushions, it becomes the central hub for Miss Precious’s creative endeavors and make-believe adventures.
Beyond the sawdust and paint, this project has also been a significant part of my journey in the vibrant world of blogging. I’m still learning the ropes of blogging parties and connecting with other creators, but I am so incredibly excited to share my ideas, my process, and the fruits of my labor with a wider audience. Through this journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to discover and connect with other amazing women who share my passion for DIY, crafting, and transforming spaces. I truly feel a deep kinship with fellow creators, like Sandra from Sawdust and Paper Scraps. Watching her ingenious closet projects unfold has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me, fueling my desire to tackle even more ambitious transformations in my own home.
Looking ahead, I have an ambitious list of projects planned for the coming year, all designed to enhance our home and outdoor living spaces. I hope to complete our back yard oasis, featuring a cozy firepit for evening gatherings and a beautiful pergola to add architectural interest and shade. Inside, I’m eager to paint the basement, giving it a fresh, modern update, and, of course, finally finish my own master closet – a project directly inspired by Sandra’s incredible work! And there are many more ideas bubbling up! I would absolutely love for you to stop by my blog, Joy2Journey, drop me a line, and let me know what you think of my projects and perhaps share some of your own DIY adventures.
A heartfelt thank you to Sandra for extending this wonderful invitation to share my recent creation and experiences on Sawdust Girl. Your platform is a beacon of inspiration for so many of us in the DIY community. Sending big hugs, and wishing everyone an amazing New Year filled with creativity and successful projects!
——————————————————————————————————————
What an absolute delight and a testament to boundless creativity! Thank you, BJ, for sharing this incredibly charming and ingenious project. Your under-the-stairs playhouse is truly a masterpiece of miniature design. I am particularly smitten with that cute little French Farmhouse door – it’s perfectly scaled and undeniably inviting. And those working shutters? They are simply brilliant, adding an unparalleled layer of realism and interactive fun that any child would adore. It’s these thoughtful details that elevate a project from good to absolutely unforgettable.
And let’s not forget the meticulous application of the shingles on the roofline, which truly grounds the structure and gives it an authentic homey feel. The personalized sign above the door is the perfect crowning touch, making the playhouse undeniably Miss Precious’s own special domain. Seriously cool, right?
This playhouse isn’t just a structure; it’s a gateway to endless imaginative adventures. It makes me wonder, who wants to join me in crashing BJ’s house for a fabulous GNO (Girls’ Night Out) right inside that adorable playhouse? Or at the very least, a very proper and exceedingly cute tea party! It’s the kind of space that makes you want to embrace your inner child and get lost in a world of make-believe. A truly inspiring creation that sparks joy and creativity in us all.
Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!