Here we grow!

For this family, having quintuplets multiplies everything!

Photography by Brian Francis | Styling by Missie Neville Crawford

Here We Grow

Find out what it takes for them to stay organized. Then check out more ideas in our online video. Leftover cabinet and wall paint was used for many of the room’s small projects, such as this hopscotch mat.

Visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Quints to watch a video of this makeover.

Projects
  1. Lockers
  2. Art Gallery
  3. Painted Lampshades
  4. Creation Station
  5. Door Display
  6. Painted Plates
  7. Costume Closet
  8. Hopscotch
  9. Storage Bench
  10. Bowling
  1. Locker

    LockersMade from in-stock cabinets, the lockers are personalized for each child with photos and wallpaper.

    With six children under one roof, you never know what to expect. “We really need organization,” says the homeowner and mother of 3-year-old quintuplets and a 5-year-old. “We constantly have drawings and schoolwork coming in and out.”

    The redesigned basement sparks the children’s imaginations. And by using mainly in-stock products, the redo was quick, easy, and affordable. The ideas shown here are for six but will work for any kid-friendly space.

    Thanks to the recent renovation, impromptu art sessions, costume-clad style shows, and plenty of fun games like hopscotch are now a part of the daily routine. “All of the kids ask their friends, ‘You wanna come over and see my new playroom?,’” says the busy mom. “They love it!”

  2. Art Gallery

    Art GalleryThe wall holds magnets and has a dry-erase panel. Display space is a necessity when you have six young
    Picassos.

  3. Painted Lampshades

    Painted LampshadesFun colors and patterns transform basic white shades into decorative accent pieces.

  4. Creation Station

    Creation StationFurniture needs to suit little hands and feet. Find instructions online for building this art table and chairs.

    Round wooden panels make the table more accessible and provide extra room for big projects.

    Get More Ideas Online at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Quints

    • Video: Meet the family, and then follow the room‘s transformation from start to finish in the online video.
    • A Second Makeover: The family also designed an activity room, adjacent to the playroom, that includes a media wall, a snack bar, and storage solutions. Go online for more about the products and ideas in the activity room.
    • Project Instructions:  Learn how to create the do-it-yourself projects shown in this makeover. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions online.

    Lowe’s List: Find detailed product listings along with the cost and time estimates for the playroom in our Lowe’s shopping list.

  5. Door Display

    Door DisplayWhite hooks, a towel bar holding masking paper, and rope were added to this clever storage area.

    “We removed the cabinet doors from the lockers and used them on the wall for organization and artwork.”

  6. Painted Plates

    Painted PlatesPlain wall outlets and light plates receive a colorful paint treatment to coordinate with the room’s palette.

  7. Costume Closet

    Costume ClosetA traditional garment rack and a canvas cover becomes a dress-up area with costumes and accessories.

    Attach the garment rack to the wall using pipe straps and wall anchors.
    The unit’s casters are lockable for extra stability.

    The homeowners chose durable laminate flooring because it’s made to last and easy to clean.

  8. Hopscotch

    HopscotchThis easy-to-assemble playing field is made from a carpet runner pad, white tape, and paint.

  9. Storage Bench

    Storage BenchNumbers and letters were cut out from WallPOPS to decorate a simple chest.

  10. Bowling

    BowlingLightweight PVC pipe and electrical tape were used to create these bowling pins—fun for the whole family.

    Secure the carpet runner pad for the hopscotch and bowling projects with double-sided carpet tape.

Get Organized

Necessity is the mother of invention. With eight people in one house, this mom has devised helpful ways to corral the chaos. Her suggestion—start by sorting items according to how often you use them.

Use it daily?

Keep these necessities, such as backpacks and shoes, where they can be located easily, either in plain view or in cabinets like the open-front lockers shown on page 22.

Use it weekly?

Store these items, such as movies, video games, or art supplies, in designated locations. Give each a special container or place in cabinets where they are out of the way but still accessible.

Rarely use it?

Top shelves and storage bins kept under the bed are the perfect solutions for items you use less frequently, such as keepsakes and seasonal items.

Never use it?

If you don’t use it, chances are you don’t need it. Consider gathering these items for charity donations or a garage sale.

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