A playroom, whatever its dimensions, should be as bright and full of possibilities as the child in residence. Choose toys and furnishings that will encourage and accommodate a child's imagination; provide spaces for reading, drawing, building, and dramatic play.

Versatile Components
Be inventive in matters of scale; children grow overnight, so let today's table become tomorrow's bench. Do choose a few key pieces of child-sized furniture: We like these convertible cubes that can function as either tables or chairs.

Story Time
Designate a corner of the room for reading by placing a plump armchair next to a well-stocked bookcase. Add a soft rug to allow for larger audiences; it will also provide a good spot for playing with board games and puzzles. In this attic playroom, we've lit up the reading corner with a cluster of cloudlike Chinese paper lanterns, available at Asian markets and import shops.

On the next pages, step-by-step instructions for making pumpkin pillows, an activity mat, and a drawing table, as well as ideas for wonderful walls and storing toys.

Did You Know?
Imaginative play -- role-playing, drawing, building, and pretending -- develops a child's language and social skills, coordination, and creativity.