When you’re a kid, almost nothing beats the sense of independence you feel from having a place to call your own. Playing pretend outside with siblings and friends is an integral part of a child's development, and we foster that growth when we give our kids or grandkids their own outdoor playhouse.

But just as some adults get bored of their own homes, children may lose interest in their playhouses. And like adults, sometimes the answer is to spruce up your surroundings with a little DIY action. A fresh coat of colorful paint, stringing up lights, adding curtains, and some kid-sized furniture can help your child’s playhouse feel brand new. Read on to explore playhouse ideas inside and outside the home.

Paint it in Bright Colors

Whether your playhouse is built from scratch or prefabricated, you can always breathe new life into it with a new paint job. When deciding what color(s) to repaint the playhouse, it’s important to get your child involved! What are their favorite colors? Do they have any interests you could express through color, like sports teams or cartoon characters? Or maybe they have a broad interest like princesses or dinosaurs? Nothing will renew a child’s interest in their old playhouse like having a “themed” house tied to their favorite thing.

String Up Fairy Lights

When fall rolls around, and daytime gets shorter, hanging fairy lights up in or around your playhouse can add a sense of wonder and warmth. As a bonus, it can also let your kiddos play outside just a little bit longer! But instead of running a power lead out to the playhouse or installing a socket (both of which could be dangerous), you can use either solar or battery-powered lights. These lights not only have the benefit of being flexible but also come in a variety of colors as well.

Install Curtains or Blinds

When it comes to decorating a playhouse, curtains and blinds are a simple addition that adds a lot in terms of both looks and privacy. Having closable curtains or blinds can help your children feel like they aren’t just in your backyard but in their own space anywhere they can imagine. Blinds and curtains also have the benefit of helping keep the playhouse a little cooler in the summer months and warmer during the fall.

Decorate with Cushions and Blankets

When deciding how to decorate a playhouse, don’t forget comfort! Even if there isn’t room in your playhouse for actual tables or chairs, that doesn’t mean the inside can’t be made comfortable. Blankets, rugs, cushions, throws and beanbags are all soft furnishings that will help your child be comfy during play. Not only do these furnishings provide a soft place for your child to sit, they can also help keep them warm in colder weather. 

Your child is unique, and their playhouse should be just as unique as they are. Playing pretend outside with friends and family is an important part of your child’s development. When the newness of their playhouse wears off, making some DIY modifications to it from time to time can be just what the doctor ordered. A new coat of paint in their favorite color, enchanting fairy lights hung up inside or outside the playhouse, new curtains and blinds for privacy, as well as kid-sized furniture can all help your child rediscover the magic of their little home away from home.

If you’d like to know more about the types of playhouses Backyard Discovery sells or want to share your own story of how you spruced up your child’s playhouse, get in touch with us today! We’d love to hear from you.