The Perfect Playhouse

[RainbowPigtails]

Hello, everyone! I'm new to DDlg and I'm finding little space elusive. I know I have little-specific interests (little dishware, sippies, pacis, dolls), but the way my living space is set up keeps me from exploring those interests in private without being paranoid. My family isn't particularly judgmental, but I'm very prideful. I'm lucky in that we have a "playhouse." At least, that's what I called it when I was younger. It's the attic of our shed that has been going completely unused since we cleaned it. I'm worried about people asking me what I'm doing up there or going up while I'm not around and seeing it decked out in kiddie stuff. I have been talking about wanting "my own space," so that's not a problem, but I want either an excuse for having all the little kid stuff or a way to store it so people won't question or look through it. Also, it's uninsulated and electricity isn't guaranteed, so that's something to keep in mind.

 

So I have two questions:

 

1) What kinds of decor and items can I use to make the space feel more "little?"

 

2) What can I do to help me keep it a secret?

 

Thank you very much for your time!

[Quirkygrl16]

So idk where you are but at dollar tree they have strings of lights that are battery operated..they are so so cute. You could also use fake flowers and stuff..

[Guest Bunnyblossom]

^ Fairy lights, like Quirky suggested.

Fabric draped from the wall to ceiling in colours you like.

A rug, or blanket on the floor for makeshift rug.

 

You can check out the party supplies section of a dollar store or wherever, and pick out cute decorations there. We get coloured paper pompoms, lanterns and bunting from there for my room. ^^

 

So far as anybody asking about it though- I donno what you can say, really. We’ve had house inspections (cuz we rent) and people have seen my smol room. I showed it to my mum on purpose, she said it’s cute. I don’t know how to explain it away other than “what’s the point of being an adult if you can’t take this opportunity to have all the stuff you want, or wanted as a kid?” Which sounds lame to type out. But normally people nod and are like “good point” irl. Lol

[Guest BohoBaby84]

Fairy lights is a great idea. I have xmas lights up in my apartment all year round because they're so pretty and cosy.

 

What about a rug? Something comfy and fluffy! And plants!

 

If you're worried about what others might say about all the little things in your space you could have cute storage so it's kept out of sight.

 

I have my little things lying around when people come round to visit. Stuffies, sippy cups, pacis. I've never had anyone comment on it. I think it just fits in with the cute style of my surroundings.

[RainbowPigtails]

Thank you for your suggestions! I've definitely been really wanting fairy lights. The ones we had were dead  but I discovered some working ones that are too short for the tree!

I also was thinking about a canopy (I used to have a pink princess one around my bed- that was the best!) and bean bag chairs. Anyone remember those glow-in-the-dark stars you stick to the ceiling? This is so exciting!

Edited December 4, 2018 by RainbowPigtails

[Babypinklittle1]

It seems like you’ve got some ideas for decorating, so I’ll help with the keeping it secret part! The excuse I use is that I like crafting. You can use a desk and even a bin or two to store little items and no one will even question it! I even have a little desk top organizer (like a small file cabinet) that I use to store pacifiers. As far as anyone else knows, it’s for colored pencils lol. And no one should be riffling through desk drawers anyways!

 

You could even say you’ve started collecting dolls if you haven’t used that excuse already and store them in a shelf that you can decorate to look like a dollhouse and then actually use it as a dollhouse when in little space! I saw another little that did that and it looked super cute but also nice enough to not be suspicious.

 

If you want to add to your privacy even more, consider maybe hanging a sheet in front of the doorway. That way if someone happens to open the door it gives you that extra second to put away anything too little. Attics tend to get too warm/cold so you could just say it’s for insulation.

 

Be careful with sippies in the summer btw! I had one I just used water for and was unable to wash due to roommates, but due to the summer heat, it still molded! So just make sure you still sneak those in for washing every week or so at least!

 

Also, the dollar tree has some adorable paper “Princess” plates that I use to get all the time! That way you don’t have to worry about washing them

 

I hope this helps!

[Lola Step]

Again with some more tips for the keeping it secret part- Do you have a little sister/niece/goddaughter/random young girl you are close with? Perhaps you could say that you're decorating and fitting it out with things of that nature so that she can stay/feel welcome in the space too? You could even envole her in the initial creating process and if anybody sees you purchasing or installing something little you could just roll your eyes and say "So and so picked it out, so we had to get it" etc; sorry if these ideas seem dumb but I hope they help

[RainbowPigtails]

It seems like you’ve got some ideas for decorating, so I’ll help with the keeping it secret part! The excuse I use is that I like crafting. You can use a desk and even a bin or two to store little items and no one will even question it! I even have a little desk top organizer (like a small file cabinet) that I use to store pacifiers. As far as anyone else knows, it’s for colored pencils lol. And no one should be riffling through desk drawers anyways!

 

You could even say you’ve started collecting dolls if you haven’t used that excuse already and store them in a shelf that you can decorate to look like a dollhouse and then actually use it as a dollhouse when in little space! I saw another little that did that and it looked super cute but also nice enough to not be suspicious.

 

If you want to add to your privacy even more, consider maybe hanging a sheet in front of the doorway. That way if someone happens to open the door it gives you that extra second to put away anything too little. Attics tend to get too warm/cold so you could just say it’s for insulation.

 

Be careful with sippies in the summer btw! I had one I just used water for and was unable to wash due to roommates, but due to the summer heat, it still molded! So just make sure you still sneak those in for washing every week or so at least!

 

Also, the dollar tree has some adorable paper “Princess” plates that I use to get all the time! That way you don’t have to worry about washing them

 

I hope this helps!

 

 

Thank you! These ideas seem like they'll really work for me! My mom loves crafts (and buying excessive storage) and I've gone through a doll collecting stint (to the point where I bought supplies to make some myself!) and I love the idea of a shelf made to look like a dollhouse! And thanks for the door sheet idea- the door we have is wrecked so that'll be useful in more ways than one (and is also pretty genius).

 

Again with some more tips for the keeping it secret part- Do you have a little sister/niece/goddaughter/random young girl you are close with? Perhaps you could say that you're decorating and fitting it out with things of that nature so that she can stay/feel welcome in the space too? You could even involve her in the initial creating process and if anybody sees you purchasing or installing something little you could just roll your eyes and say "So and so picked it out, so we had to get it" etc; sorry if these ideas seem dumb but I hope they help

 

Thank you, that's a great idea! Unfortunately, I don't have anyone like that in my life right now, but I'm sure someone lurking through the forum could use this!

Edited December 5, 2018 by RainbowPigtails