Goodbye Inip! This Interior Designer Mom’s Toddler-Friendly Furniture Doubles As A Playground

• Parents will agree when we say that one of the most challenging things about living under quarantine (aside from online learning!) is keeping the kids engaged and active indoors.

  Since playdates and visiting the park or playground isn’t an option, looking for activities they can enjoy while staying in the comfort of home is a must.

  Perhaps this is one of the reasons why many moms and dads are getting busy setting up playrooms or improving kiddie rooms.

  For interior designer Vera Villarosa-Orila, it involved designing and creating kiddie furniture pieces for her two-year-old son, Bravo.

  “It was brought about by the ECQ in April. Bravo kept asking to go to the playground every day. I almost bought him a wooden playground but decided against it because even if I already accepted that our condo is now his playroom, the set will take up too much space,” she shares with Smartparenting.com.ph.

  With space as an important consideration for Vera, she also thought of ordering a play sofa online. However, given quarantine restrictions and expensive shipping fees, the interior designer thought of having one made with the right specifications. Thus, tinyspace was born.

  

  This was Vera’s illustration of tinyspace.

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

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  The design and production of tinyspace took less than two weeks, with Vera asking her trusted upholsterer to work on it following a rush timeline.

  They coordinated via phone call and chat, with photo updates sent almost every day.

  

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  The main pieces of tinyspace include 4″ and 6″ foam with muslin cloth lining and washable fabric that’s locally sourced.

  Vera had zippers installed to make it easier to wash the fabric since spills and stains can be unavoidable during playtime.

  The two larger pieces, which can be folded in the middle, also have handles for hassle-free storage and movement.

  

  Bravo enjoying his tinyspace.

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

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  Vera likens it to a cardboard box that kids “transform” during playtime. “It’s so simple—all they need is their imagination! It can be a sofa, a lounge chair, a bed, a tent, a mountain, a slide, or a house. The list goes on,” she says.

  

  Since Vera and her family live in a condo, making the most of the available space is important. Bravo’s tinyspace is kept in the living area where it doubles as the family’s sofa.

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  When Bravo’s not playing, the furniture set also works as a sofa in the living room. “It’s quite comfortable,” Vera shares.

  “The set is perfect for small spaces because it’s a ‘toy’ when you need it to be and it’s a furniture piece if your toddler will let you use it. Bravo has been so possessive with his tinyspace that he wouldn’t let his Dad sit on it,” she adds.

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  The tinyspace set is so versatile and can be transformed according to your little one’s imagination. According to Vera, Bravo loves it when they turn it into a mountain. “He gets his exercise from all the climbing and sliding,” she says.

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

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  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  According to Vera, Bravo also enjoys playing house with the pieces. “He likes climbing it like a mountain then sliding down once he reaches the peak. He also plays tent and makes shadow puppets with a flashlight when he’s inside it,” she explains.

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  If you have similar items at home or you’d want to get a similar set for your child, Vera advises keeping an eye on your little one during playtime.

  While the foam is soft, it can hold a certain weight and you shouldn’t leave your little explorer unattended.

  

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

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  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  

  PHOTO BY Vera Villarosa-Orila

  “Living in a 50sqm condo with no balcony is very challenging during these times that we’re not allowed to go out,” says the interior designer.

  “You can only have so many toys to entertain your child with, sometimes what they really want is to go out to run and jump. Since not all of us have enough space for an indoor playground, this play sofa is a close second that can be used to entertain Bravo and other kids. He spends half of the say on the sofa while reading or watching TV,” she adds.

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  Just like us, the little ones miss the outdoors, too. While it’s still not safe to play outside, it’s important to keep them occupied and engaged. Any tips for fellow parents when it comes to keeping kids active indoors? Share it with us!

  Want to know more about Vera’s tinyspace? Get in touch with her through email at veravillarosa@gmail.com.

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