A playroom makeover in Annandale

THE CHALLENGE

Cara Bremer of Annandale wants to turn her basement into a playroom for her 13-month-old daughter, Lydia. She’d like to incorporate wall decals, additional lighting and lots of color. “Calmness need not be evoked here,” she wrote. Her budget is about $1,500.

(Leah L. Jones/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST) - Cara Bremer with daughter Lydia.

Gallery

Local rooms get virtual design makeovers: The Washington Post pairs local readers’ design challenges with an interior designer. The result is a before and after makeover with tips and tricks for making the most out of the space.

THE SOLUTION

By adding an activity table and lots of lighting, designer Denise Willard turns the dark basement into a bright rec room.

Brighten a dull basement with sconces, floor lamps and a chandelier.

Highlight the alphabet with removable wall decals, an educational twist on the fun space.

An ottoman can double as storage. Use it to hold extra blankets, books or art supplies.

Choose kid-friendly and interactive decor. A personalized chart lets children track their growth.

An arts-and-crafts area keeps messy activities away from the couch and ottoman.

Neutral walls balance bright accessories. Walls are Concord Ivory by Benjamin Moore.

Store supplies within a child’s reach. Low storage makes for an easy cleanup.

Decor by Denise (703-714-7343, www.decorbydenise.com) is based in Vienna.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture: Eastern orange wool rug ($160 for 5-by-8, www.overstock.com); Kivik footstool with storage in Blekinge white ($130, www.ikea.com); Trofast storage combination in white ($175, www.ikea.com).

Lighting: Alang floor lamp ($40, www.ikea.com); White Swag plug-in chandelier ($100, www.lampsplus.com); Basisk wall spotlight ($15 each, www.ikea.com).

Accessories: Animals A-Z kids wall decals by BeautifulWalls ($70, www.etsy.com); Lavello accent table in blue ($125 each, www.homedecorators.com); Day-to-Day Daisy corkboard ($20, www.landofnod.com); chevron pillow in turquoise (not available online, www.target.com); Animals growth chart ($60, www.landofnod.com); linen grommet panels ($60 for a set of two, www.homedecorators.com).

SPLURGE . . .

Klyne sofa in Delight Meadow ($1,200, www.crateandbarrel.com).

Classic Playtime Vanilla Deluxe activity table ($300, www.childrenstablesandchairs.com).

. . . OR SAVE

Portfolio Engle apple green linen sofa ($430, www.overstock.com).

Brighton KidKraft table in white ($90, www.walmart.com).

Tell us about your design challenge.

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