Playhouse closet
This Playhouse is just a little Closet under the staircase coming down into the basement.
It’s in the playroom and I wanted to create some sort of facade that would look like the entrance to a whimsical something or other rather than just this boring old wall!
I discussed many options with my daughter. A treehouse, castle, doghouse… Playhouse is what we decided on. Here’s how to do it:
Case, prime and paint the doorway
Frame and install a porch roof using 2x2s.Install baseboard on outside of house Paint paneling and trim.
Build and shingle stationary roof.
Build and install window and window-box.
Install, prime and paint wainscotting on inside of closet.
For this, I had a few sheets of 1/4″ cork underlayment left over from flooring I put in our last house. It was not enough to completely cover the walls, as Maddie wanted, but enough to do something with. I created wainscotting with 1/2″ mdf and then cut the cork to fit in between the stiles. I used calk to glue it onto the walls and a dry roller to smooth it into place. I used one coat of primer and 3 coats of semi-gloss paint. On the last coat, I put it on thick and smooshed it into all the cracks and crevices and it finally looked good enough.
Install base boards and paint inside the closet.
Install house numbers and trim
Build, shingle, hinge and install 2nd part of roof (This was the tricky part. I had to make it fit over the angle of the stationary roof and hinge open without hitting the wall.)
Next up - storage wall! I’m hoping to finish this one in a week but am fully aware that it will probably take
three.
141 Responses to “Playhouse closet”
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Hi. I’m Sandra.
I'm a crafter, DIY'er, home renovator and builder of "STUFF". We move frequently so I get lots of chances to buy a house and then tear it up so I can put my mark on it before we sell it and move again. I hope you'll join me on my DIY adventure as I start all over again.
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So awesome! You continue to amaze–which is amazing in itself because the last project was so dang good! No pressure though, I would be happy to see you simply do something simple as well.
Holy Crockinoli! You rock.
Ohhhhhh sooooooo awesome!!!! Now I am inspired to do something more creative with the bunk bed I am going to build for Sophie (when I finish my office, and the downstairs bathroom and the TV cabinet, etc)
Oh my goodness, HOW cute is that!!! I can't believe you did that yourself! I can't wait to see what you do with the inside!
That's about the cutest thing I think I've ever seen. I have 2 girls who would go nuts over that. Congratulations ~ what an awesome job! Now ~ can I hire you out??
I need this in my house. Sadly we have no basement and no stairs.
Very cute.
Goodness. I love it! And I'm sure your little ones will too. You thought of everything with the extra storage! Great job. Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules
Hi Sandra – saw this on Skip to my Lou and think it's incredible! I'd love to share it with our readers at Ohdeedoh. If you'd be interested write me at carrie@apartmenttherapy.com (sorry – couldn't find your email here).
This is awesome. TFS
THIS IS AMAZING!! Yes, I'm yelling! I am totally impressed and love how it turned out. You are so cool! I'm glad that I found this today. You've got some mad skillz girl. I find it humerous that I have been debating on how to make a simple shelf and you built a playhouse with wainscoating and a lifting roof.
Oh my…I would have killed for this when I was a kid!Love it…! I'm your newest follower! = )
That is AWESOME!!!!
That is FABULOUS!!! I am in love with it! I think you could squeeze in a mailbox if you wanted to. Either cut it in half OR wait till Valentine's day. They always have those mini ones you can buy for receiving valentines. You could paint over it. Anyhow, great work. That is something worth bragging about!
Oh my gosh!!! That is the coolest thing I have seen in long time. My husband was especially impressed by the hidden storage under the roof. I am absolutely blown away! And I love the fact you built it yourself! You rock!
I love this, it is so cute, and i love the color. And, i can really get a long with a girl who knows how to use power tools!!!Your kitchen is FAB, its crazy what paint can do!!Glad, you found my blog, because now i have found yours
Sausha @ {show & tell}
This is seriously the coolest thing I have seen for a kid's space in a long time. Bookmarking for my future home.
I love it. I seriously need your creative ideas and need to create something for Peyton like this. She would LOVE it. It looks so awesome I bet Maddie loves it too
Great Job
Hi Sandra,Thanks for stopping by my place! Just wanted say to you that clay for my lifelike flowers is not "normal" clay, but special modeling material called "air dry clay".Your Playhouse is wonderful. I'd be happy to have enough time to make something like that for my kiddo:)Hugs,Diana
Hi, following you from Frugal Family. I love your new playhouse!!!! It looks amazing!!!!!!!!! You guys did awesome. I am your newest follower. I can't wait to see what else you do.Bonniehttp://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/
OMG that is the coolest thing ever!
That is one of the coolest things I've seen in blogland yet. What a lucky little you have, she has the coolest playhouse in her bedroom!
Amazing! What an awesome job you did! I am returning your visit to my wonky paperdolls post. I really appreciate your dropping in! Have a delightful week!
Any child's dream just came true! That is adorable.Thanks for stopping by my blog!
That is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Why didn't you do it BEFORE we finished our under-the-stairs playroom, though? I could've used some good ideas! (Not that I would have been able to copy your skill and creativity, but I would like to pretend I could…)
Okay, I just saw comments about Skip to My Lou, and Ohdeedoh. What? Are you famous now?
I'm (almost)speechless! You have to be the coolest mom in the world!! Amazing! May I feature this on my blog?
That is super cute! I would love for you to join me over at a vision to remember for check me out saturdayswww.iamonly1woman.blogspot.com
On my gosh….absolutely adorable.
Oh my gosh how fun is that? I can't believe you did all that, way to go!! So adorable!
Very cool! You did a fabulous job…I want one for me! Very creative – Thanks for sharing! {It looks like a ton of work}
Amazing! I would love to have a little space (and your vision) to do something like this. The hidden shelf is genius too!
Wow! That is the cutest dang closet I have ever seen!! The roof storage is really quite impressive!!
Holy cow. What a great idea…now if I only had a basement!
This is so cool and unique!! Looks like a magical place!
I am so putting this on my "someday list" on my blog! Love it!Cami
Wow! This is awesome, and with storage to boot! How much fun is this!Thanks for sharing.
You are a GENIUS! I can't even express to you how much I enjoyed this post! JUST GREAT!~Bridgette
Incredibly awesome! I'm going to have to hide these pictures from my daughters!Great job!
That is so dang cute….what an idea…love love love it…You did really good…pat yourself on the back..Thanks for sharing…
I love it!!! Someday when we finish our basement, this is on the Must Have List!!!Cheers!Sharon @ Nana's Button JarP.S. Thanks for the comment on my blog! If you ever have any knitting questions, just ask!!!
I LOVE it! And the roof storage area is pure genius!
This is absolutely amazing! I've got a MckLinky party called Tot Tuesdays. I hope you will stop by & share some of your great ideas for tots:http://delicious-ambiguity-nennyk.blogspot.com/2010/03/tot-tuesdays-2.html
That is Fabulous!!! What a great Mom. I am very impressed.Win Rachael Ray bake ware on my blog.Thanks!
THis is so amazing! I am following you now! Thanks for sharing this!
you did an awesome job! my daughter would freak if I could manage to make this
I'm following, gotta see what else you are going to do! love your kitchen remodel btw…and if you ever get a break, stop by my new blog 
have a great day!
Hum Yea….THIS IS INSANE!! You are SO good!! Great idea!Thanks for following my blog. Following you now.
frenchy
are you kidding me?? this is amazing!!! love your two super cool features
i mean….why NOT have a roof that opens? 
you did a spectacular job on this….what a memory maker for your daughter!
Okay you are amazing! I wish you were my mom!
So happy I found your blog! Love it!!! My husband and I are cracking up because he is NOT HANDY, I have become the handy one. He just said "I am so glad I'm not the only one [not handy]. Oh and the picture of your husband standing next to the mantle drinking coffee..yep that's my husband too! LOL He usually ends up with an injury with every project! Keep up the great building!!!
Wow! All that comes to mind is… WOW!I wish I had your carpentry skills. I also wish I had a closet with an opening that looked like a house when I was a kid. I also wish the roof of my home opened to lots of cute storage goodies.
I am just blown away by this!
Seriously? This is so stinking fabulous. Oh, how I wish I could just whip something like this out – it really is amazing. Thanks for linking it up to Be Inspired. Chelsea
Oh my gosh. that is one of the cutest things I have ever seen.
Ohmygoodness! This is absolutely incredible!! Way to go!
Your skills and vision are incredible. You need to get your projects in front of DIY or HGTV, I'm certain they'd LOVE you as a show host!
This is absolutely amazing and so adorable! Must show Hubby, b/c I want one too!
)
Are you kidding me?? This.Is.So.Cute.Thank you for linking this to A Little Craft Therapy with Life in the Pitts!
Ingenious, inspired, whimsical and above all fun. Wish I had thought to have done this for my kids. Love it.Pamela
That is awesome!
Hi Sandra, I just saw your kitchen makeover at the DIY Showoff and came over to check out your blog. I love what you have done for the playhouse. It makes me wish I was a kid again! Your fireplace makeover was awesome as well. I am so impressed. I am really looking forward to seeing more of your projects! xx
The cuteness factor here is over the top! Just darling!
Hey, I am Featuring this today
http://lanieree.blogspot.com/2010/03/featuring-you_26.html
That is amazing, I am in awe! My daughters would freak for something like this. How fun! I found you on New Friend Friday and I can't wait to check out the rest of your blog! Nice to "meet" you.
Wooow! Nice! Great DIY job
Amazing and inspiring! Thank you so much for bringing your hodgepodge to the party! I love seeing what you are up to…and hope you will join again!~Gay~itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com
very very cool! what a great idea, and lucky duck children!!!found you thru life in the pitts!michelle…xoxo
How cute! What a fun & unique idea!
You are so talented. Wow amazing is all I can say. We are moving in May and We are making on of the bedrooms into the kids playroom so I have been trying to come up with creative ways to make it an inside outside place. This is so amazing, that I definately want to dosomething similar. I really love the storage space in the roof. WOW
Oh my lands!! I cannot wait to read the rest of your blog! I will definitely be featuring this next week on my Saturday Shout Out! We're refinishing a playroom ourselves and now you've got me thinking… so nice to meet you (found you through tatertots and jello and following now!) -shaunna
Wow! That is the cutest thing I've ever seen, I would love to do this in our basement!
Hey, this is mindblowing stuff! Super creative! Am an instant fan and have blogged abt you too on my page http://www.tranquilinteriors.blogspot.com
My jaw is still open in awe. This is the coolest thing ever! Up on the SNS sidebar to share your amazing creation. Thanks for linking up!FJ Donna
Wow this is amazing!!!I'm featuring a necklace tutorial and giveaway. I'd love it if you stopped by!
Oh my gosh – this looks amazing – you have such talent!
So cute! Would love for you to link to this at my blog party too! Sunday thru Tues @creativejewishmom.comhope to see you there!
THAT IS AMAZING! your kids are sooo lucky!!
Absolutely Cute!
WOW. SO super cool. I'm going to link this on my blog and send some viewers your way
This is absolutely adorable. What an amazing talent you have. New follower.
That is so INSPIRING!!!! Nice job.
I just came over from Funky Junk…And I love this!!! I'm going to go surf the rest of your blog right now. You are very creative!
Wow, wish i become a little girl again :0)So amazing!happy spring, Karen Marie, Denmark
I forgot to tell you that I featured your post at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com last week! People loved your idea! Grab my "featured" button!
Saw you over on Donna's sidebar and just had to see how you created this beauty. A-Mazing! I LOVE it. Fabulous job.
You were featured on my blog!! This was simply AMAZING! Feel free to take a button on my sidebar.Thanks, Erikawww.craftersadd.blogspot.comwww.misscraftypants.com
Awesome–I am following along on your journey and hope you will come along and follow me too. now off to check out the kitchen.Cheri
To die for! You're my new favorite person!
I am featuring these on my party round-up tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!~Gay~itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com
This is AWESOME! I linked on my Treasures for Tots blog sidebar!http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/
Love it. Wish I had a little girl. Wish I had some undecorated space. Thanks for the inspiration!
Holy good grief! Are you kidding me? That is the cutest thing ever! And you did it yourself? Wow! You go girl! Camille
Becoming a follower for sure! I need you to come to my house ASAP. How close are you to Tennessee!?!?!?!? LOL LOVE IT!!!!!
Girl, come to my house mmmk?I featured you tonight.. you rock! You deserve it!xo
A-Dorable! LOVE THE roof cubby space too… so clever! WAY TO GO! Jenn
That is so cool! I have seen another playhouse under the stairs once, but never with storage like that!
Wowza, that is amazing! I want to build myself a little nook like that now, adulthood be darned!
Wonderful, amazing project. This deserves to be splashed all over the blogosphere!!
wow! I love this and i know my daughter would!!Jenniferwww.lebedafamily.blogspot.com
OMG I love this! Can you post pics of the inside of it? Is is going to be a little play room for the kids or just a closet still?
Thanks for linking up on Tot Tuesdays last week. I hope you’ll join me this week for another party. Happy Easter!
Just wanted to let you know I featured you today on Tot Tuesday. If you are interested, I have a featured button that can be found at the top left hand side of my blog. Have a great week!
I still can't get over this every time I see it! Thanks for linking up to Anything Related!~Bridgette
Seriously, you rock. Wow!
Seriously awesome!
I'm speechless, this is the best project I've seen in a really long time.
That is awesome. What a lot of hard work! How much did it cost you to do? I think it is such a fun idea!
This is so creative and awesome!!! Loving it! Just found your blog and see your near Chicago too, Hi!
What else can I say, but "WOW!" Will you be my mom?
I saw your pic over at Shanty2Chic's party. All I have to say is WOW! What a creative use of space, especially the roof. Awesome!
What a fabulous idea – an amazing execution!!
That is AMAZING! I am 25yrs old and I want one! I'd make it my craft room. Could I feature this post on my craft site? It is here if you want to look at it: http://TheCraftyHippo.blogspot.com
Way to go!! Amazing!
Right now you are hands down the COOLEST mommy ever!! A-mazing!
Ooops, she did it again! I cannot let my daughter see this or she will beg for one! And if she does, you are coming to build one in my house, right? I am loving the shutters you put up in another room, I have done that in my daughter's room. Hope you can check me out!
Wow, that's the coolest thing ever! I'm sure your daughter will totally love it!
OK I just found your blog that closet clubhouse thingy WHAT A FANTASTIC IDEA! What a creative mind you have. Glad I found you
Amazing, amazing, amazing!! We have an unfinshed basement with a space under the stairs and a small door already framed out. I am so doing this!!! Thank you for sharing this! Do you have any pictures of the inside–like the area under the stairs–doesn't it narrow down? I can't figure out what to do with that space or if I should do anything. Thanks!!Tammyshewearsflowers@gmail.com
ooooo süper iyi fikir teşekkürler:))
I posted about your blog, your beautiful ROOM DIY you may want to see it : http://stildirektoru.blogspot.com/2010/09/super-bir-oda-diy.html cheers
Sandra {sawdust and paper scraps} language is not a barrier
Our hearts are together, thanx for your kind visit.
Well, I am just a bit jealous… I want a play room closet too! Even more..I wish I had just a tiny bit of talent to create something as fantastic as that. Just Beautiful!!
I just posted this adorable playhouse on http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/. Be sure to check it out and grab the "I was featured" button. Hope you had a great weekend.Jamie
OMG! I just now looked at this post and have to lift my jaw off the floor. You are seriously creative genius, insanely handy, and just plain inspiring in one!Brittany http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Good carpentry. I like your work.
Wow! So many people have already said it but i don't mind adding: This is so cool! If I was a kid I would flip.
you almost make me want to learn how to use power tools!
Will you marry me?
Wow.. I want to live at your house!
Wow! that is really cool, to be a little girl that gets to play at your house would be awesome!
I think you came up with a wonderful idea here. Makes me wish I had a little girl to build one for…..well, almost. I have granddaughters but they are too old for this. Maybe a great granddaughter one day. Never know.
This is amazing! Great idea, great execution!
Wooooaw thats soo cool
Great idea, what a fun job you must have!! do you also design it all yourself?? 
That is totally awesome and amazing! I love creative projects like these! You did an outstanding job!!! Looks fun!
)
Holy wow! My inner 5 year old is insanely jealous!
I love this little room, wish I had space to build one too.
I'm sure I've commented on this before (maybe as Rockler…) but I'm back looking at it again and thinking it is just the cutest idea EVER! Parents with little kids – copy this fabulous idea!!
Ahhh, thanks! Hope you’re doing well!
oh my…this is simply adorable! what a super cute idea!
wooooooooooooaaaaaaaahhh! that must have taken 4 eva! u are amazing! and wow you must love your kids allot!
[...] 2. See step-by-step instructions at Sawdust & Paper Scraps. [...]
That’s great !!! I am making a spare room into a playroom and had the idea of making the bedroom’s closet into a playhouse. My husband thinks I am nuts !!! I found your website through an internet search for inspiration. I LOVE it ! Just what I was thinking ! I hope I can do as good of a job as you !!! Going to show this to my husband and let him know that there is nothing wrong with creativity !!!
)
Stephanie, if you do use this as your inspiration, I would LOVE to see pictures of your finished project!
[...] time is spent Remodeling and Building “Stuff”. My favorite project is probably the Playhouse I built for my daughter in our Illinois house. That is also where I started [...]
What a great project — design, construction, finishing, details, all of it!!!!!!!!!! I wish I had a kid or somewhere even I could make one. Lucky kids. I hope they appreciate your considerable talents and will grow up to be just like you!
[...] I use one when I build Playhouses. [...]
[...] Sandra did hers in a playroom, which would work great for those of you that have one!(Sawdust and Paper Scraps)Saturday I cleaned out the closet, which was out of control. I threw away a giant construction [...]
[...] stairs and wanted to create a playhouse, she didn’t have a recessed area like I did for my Closet Playhouse, so she build her playhouse facade right on the wall. It’s the cutes [...]