Den Help!

We are going to start renovating our den in a couple of weeks and I am still at a loss of how I want to decorate. I need some inspiration. It is going to be a cross between an office area for me and a play area for DS. I don't want it to look like a playroom but I want it to be comfortable and inviting. We decided to do carpet because with DS crawling and cruising we thought it would be better for him to have one space in the house that isn't hardwood. However we both kinda hate carpet so I think that's making it really hard to envision the room.
Anyone have any pics of a space like this? I'm having an impossible time finding inspiration. Thanks!

Ok ETA some pics of what it looks like now...UGLY! lol. When we first moved in I wanted to keep the beach wood type paneling and I was going to white wash it, unfortunately there are a ton of holes in it from where the previous owners hung things and we think that the white wash will show all of the holes. We are going to be covering the floral couch (not sure what color). I'm also unsure what color carpet we are going to go with. I'll also be taking out the fan and replacing with a light fixture. Any ideas are welcome!



Toy Storage from Land of Nod - will be ordering another piece to go on the top or bottom of that.

Message edited 1/30/2010 10:29:39 AM.

Re: Den Help!

Yes! you must have carpet for DS. a nice wood toy box, that isn't 'toy boxy' looking and browns or darkish colors for the floor and furniture. trust me, been there, done that. you don't want anything light colored. anything that you purchase must be scotch-guarded and protected. we had a brand spanking new den set .. it lasted three years (even with the scotch guard).
don't buy new furniture if you can help it.. buy second hand. biggest mistake i made buying broyhill furniture that i had to trash in little over three years. it was gross (and that was my kids stuff on it!)

Re: Den Help!

I love our den. We had a very plush rug installed (maroonish color) and have a super comfy plush sectional couch (dark brown) with a chaise lounge. We have a small tv stand type table (dark wood) that holds the cable box, dvd player, receiver and Wii stuff and on top of it is photos. Our tv is on the wall. We have one big picture and a huge bookcase with all our dvds. A coffee table and side table that match the tv stand. I love our den. It's so cozy

I think dark colors are the way to go. If you don't want to buy new furniture, I'd look into fabric covers (Surefit at BBB) that you can put over your current couches, chairs, etc. These can easily be washed! I definitely think a rug in the den is perfect. We have mostly hardwood floors in the rest of the house, but this is just perfect in the den.

Re: Den Help!

Bump for added pics.

Re: Den Help!

I would paint it a medium tone tan/beige/taupe color. I love your desk and you would want it to pop off the wall since it's white. As for the holes in the paneling, I would go and get wood filler, but ask at HD or Lowe's what they recommend. You would put some in the holes, let dry and they lightly sand, then prime and paint walls.

I guess you are keeping the either black or brown leather couch? If you are, I would buy a similar color for the cover on the floral couch. Then you can add white accents to the room. Since you have a white desk & the white toy storage, I would then hang some white and dark picture frames on the wall or hang picture ledges with the frames and decor on the shelves. HTH!

Oh and def. get the carpet for your DS....something in a medium tone tan and soft.

Re: Den Help!

I'd make it light and airy. I don't think it's necessary to keep everything dark just because you have kids.

Beige carpet, maybe a twist to hide stains better. Personally, I don't ever let my DD eat or drink anywhere but the dining table. With younger toddlers, it's harder cause they like to tote around snacks and sippies but that stuff is washable. I would just save the messy snacks for the table.

Put a nice cream/off white color on the wall in eggshell finish for easy wipability.

Keep the white furniture (we have the same toybox - 2 of them stacked in espresso)

Put a washable sofa cover in a cream color on the floral sofa. Any furniture is susceptible to the wrath of kids... at least you can treat stains and throw it in the washer.