A playroom in Vienna is ready to grow up

THE CHALLENGE

The Williams family of Vienna has a 9-by-19-foot playroom next to the kitchen. It was perfect when Connor, 12, and Paige, 9, were younger, but now the room needs updating. Their mother, Amber, wants to convert the space into a big-kid study lounge that is modern and fun.

(Leah L. Jones/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST) - Connor Williams, 12, and Paige Williams, 9

Gallery

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THE SOLUTION

By creating flexible work and lounge areas, designer Carol Freedman turns the toy room into a sophisticated study space.

Designate spaces for homework, reading and projects so that several family members can use the room at once.

Woven shades add texture and privacy. The color should contrast with the trim and walls.

Use a rug to tie the color scheme together. This mat draws from the blue walls and orange-and-red accessories.

Emphasize storage. The top of this coffee table opens to reveal hidden compartments.

Lounge chairs make the space feel comfortable. Use them for reading and relaxing.

An arc light is an elegant and modern touch. In a colorful room, keep the shade simple.

Go bold in a light-filled room. The walls are painted Bedford Blue by Benjamin Moore.

Carol Freedman Design (301-320-2872, www.carolfreedmandesign.com) is based in Bethesda.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture: Rustic storage coffee table ($500, www.westelm.com); Helix white oak 70-inch wall-mounted desk ($250, www.cb2.com); rolling storage in white ($400 for 3 by 2 feet, www.westelm.com); Echo orange chair ($90, www.cb2.com).

Lighting: Meryl floor lamp ($330, www.crateandbarrel.com).

Accessories: Day Tripper floor mat ($198 for 46 by 66 inches, domesticconstruction.
bigcartel.com); natural woven flat fold shades in Portia/Ivory (priced according to size, www.smithandnoble.com); Tone Fitness anti-burst exercise ball ($20, www.toysrus.com); Ribba frames in birch effect ($20 each, www.ikea.com).

SPLURGE . . .

Eames molded plywood lounge chair ($1,000, www.dwr.com).

Context Furniture Truss A-Frame table in white ($650, www.2modern.com).

Link medium table lamp in orange ($380, www.roomandboard.com).

. . . OR SAVE

Boise chair ($230 for a set of two, www.target.com).

X desk in antique oak ($460, www.ballarddesigns.com).

Orange desk lamp by Lite Source ($35, www.amazon.com).

Tell us about your design challenge.

Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover@washpost.com.