The allure of converted spaces | Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty

It used to be that children were eager to be out and about and away from the family home but that has changed considerably in recent years and, for a multitude of reasons, kids are spending much more time at home these days. 

Progressively convenient digital technologies which enable us to now do most things in the comfort of our own homes and an increase in crime and unrest, especially in cities, has resulted in more and more people choosing to not go out – and more parents preferring that their children don’t stray too far from home.

However, with prolific online entertainment increasingly available, the risk of youngsters becoming overly immersed in their digital devices is greater than ever and it’s become more important to find other ways to keep them entertained – and keeping young minds stimulated can be a challenge.

We all know that kids tend to get bored quickly, and the simplest solution – and often last resort - for parents who are worn down by their children’s cries of boredom is to dish out a smart device or to plonk them down in front of the TV.

There are a number of child-friendly adaptations one can make, especially when implementing their upgrades, that can make it much easier to achieve a balance of educational, digital time and old-fashioned fun entertainment for youngsters.

Even if your home is small, think non-traditional areas, such as walk-in cupboards, garages or patios for fun play areas.

Interactive walls

If the space is large enough, you can incorporate at least two of these in a room for double the fun. 

• Magnetic wall – A magnetised wall with a variety of shapes, numbers and letters can keep kids of all ages entertained for ages whether alone or with friends, including tic-tac-toe, making stories out of shapes or word games and you can even hold competitions with treats as prizes.
• Chalk board wall – This will delight kids, most of whom have always loved to draw on walls despite the trouble it caused. A chalkboard wall enables them to be freely creative over and over again - and the installation and upkeep are also fairly simple and inexpensive.
• Whiteboard - These colours are more vibrant than chalk and there is less mess as the markers don’t give off dust like chalk does. But because they can permanently stain floors and fabrics, they are probably better suited for slightly older children. And, as toddlers love to stick things in their mouths, chalk is a safer option than marker pen ink. 

Art Gallery

This will not only encourage artistic expression, it will also double as vibrant, ever-changing décor feature in your home. You can even make it extra special by investing in a few cheap picture frames and wall hooks or even cover a whole wall, or portion thereof, in cork tiles and thumb tacks to hang the art.  Cover a whole wall, or a portion thereof, in cork tiles and use thumbtacks to put up pictures. Keep them engaged by holding regular themed exhibitions.

Everyone loves a cosy fort

Children have always loved the idea of having their very own secret space and a fort is the perfect place to hide out, hang out with a friend or even escape annoying siblings. It can be as simple or as complex as your budget and imagination will allow.

Arts and crafts corner

Children will probably roll their eyes initially when you suggest exchanging iPads for some good old-fashioned creativity but, if you set up a table and provide all the tools, you’ll be surprised at how they get stuck in. From drawing, painting and scrap books to Lego and jigsaw puzzles, there are a multitude of activities that will keep children immersed in their creative corner.

It’s also the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon snack or for the whole family to get together for a board game.

Climbing wall

This is a great option for energetic kids who get restless when bored.  With just a piece of plywood, climbing holds and floor mats you will be able to keep them entertained for hours.

A dance studio or dojo

This can be done in a spare room that is seldom used or even a corner of the garage. Buy a large sheet of mirror to put up on the wall and carpet off-cuts for the floor and, for a dance studio, a wooden pole or even replacement broom handle will work well as a bar.

Hideaway craft closet

If you have a linen or hall cupboard that you can spare, turn it into a creative hideaway. Take out a bottom shelf or two so that the lowest shelf is desk height then pack crafts, books and other fun stuff on the remaining shelves.

The outdoor fort

The best option for this is a treehouse and kids of all ages love them. And if they are old enough, the construction process can be a participatory educational experience as well. Let them decorate with cushions, old blankets and boxes and their favourite toys and books. IIf you don’t have any suitable trees, then build or buy a wendy house which can also double as a craft area for creative kids.

In order to create a space that children will love and use, it’s important to Involve them by encouraging them to put forward ideas and help choose pain colours and other finishes as well as the accessories such as the magnets for the magnetic wall. 

You can also make these spaces extra cosy and inviting by adding touches like fairy lights, a good reading lamp, colourful bean bags and a warm, fleecy blanket.

Geffen concludes: “Whilst the fact that we increasingly feel the need to insulate ourselves from negative aspects of the world in which we live is concerning, the very positive consequence is that we are spending far more quality time with loved ones than we have than in many years.

“And if we make our homes as inviting as possible for the whole family, including the kids, we will be adding so much value to their lives now and in the future when they value their own families one day.”