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YOUR DESIGNER

Paige Gray, BA ID

Hi friend,

I’m so glad you’re here.

This guide didn’t come from a perfectly organized playroom or a Pinterest board full of beige baskets—it came from the middle of the mess. From stepping on Paw Patrol figurines at 6 a.m., from quietly donating toys I felt guilty about, and from wondering if I was the only mom overwhelmed by the stuff that was supposed to spark joy.

Decluttering kids’ toys sounds simple, but if you’ve ever tried to part with a gift from Grandma or a toy that cost more than your first car, you know—it’s emotional. It’s complicated. And it’s okay if it’s hard.

I didn’t create this because I had all the answers. I created it because I needed a way forward—one that made space for play, calm, and connection without the pressure to do it all perfectly.

This guide is here to remind you that fewer toys doesn’t mean less fun. That letting go of clutter isn’t the same as letting go of love. And that your home doesn’t have to look like a showroom to feel like a sanctuary.

Take what you need. Skip what you don’t. And know this: you’re doing a beautiful job.

Let’s create a little more room to breathe—together.

With heart,
Paige Gray
Paige Gray Studios

The Playroom Peace Pact

TIPS FOR DECLUTTERING TOYS WHILE KEEPING YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL + FUNCTIONAL

Tip 1: Design with “Ease of Use” in Mind

Beautiful design doesn’t mean your space has to look staged—it means it has to work well. Choose furniture that supports daily rhythms:

  • Open shelving at kid-height encourages independence (and cleanup!)

  • Use matching baskets or bins in natural textures—rattan, felt, canvas—to create cohesion without hiding everything

  • Skip the lidded toy chests that require two hands, a prayer, and a hinge mechanism—you’ll thank yourself later

Design Insight: Storage should act like a rhythm section in a band—quiet, dependable, supportive—not the flashy soloist.

Tip 2: Make Decluttering a Design Choice (Not a Sacrifice)

Editing toys isn’t just about having less—it’s about designing a space where the right things stand out. Let your kids’ imagination take the stage by:

  • Choosing toys with timeless materials—wood, metal, fabric—that double as visual texture

  • Keeping surfaces mostly clear so the eye (and your brain) can rest

  • Framing a small piece of your kid’s art above the toy zone—give it gallery status. They’ll love it, and it adds warmth instantly

Bonus Idea: Repurpose a vintage dresser, credenza, or cabinet as your toy hub. Add soft-close drawers and voila—you’ve merged design with function and stolen a moment of adult dignity.

Tip 3: Rotate Toys Like a Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe

You don’t wear all your clothes at once—and your kids don’t need every toy visible every day.

Use clear shoebox bins (Home Depot, Canadian Tire, wherever you like) to store toys by category or season:

  • One bin for animals

  • One for puzzles

  • One for sensory play

  • One for random chaos you can’t define but don’t want to deal with today

Tuck them away in a closet or cabinet. Rotate them every month or during nap time like a stealthy toy fairy. Your kids will rediscover their toys like it’s Christmas—and your home won’t look like a garage sale exploded.

Designer Pro Tip: Keep out only what can fit on your play shelf. If it doesn’t fit, it rotates out. This is your new golden rule.

Tip 4: When the Toy Is Expensive (or a Gift), but Also Useless

This is the emotionally crunchy part. The toy was $89. It came from Grandma. Or a best friend. Or it’s really nice quality, just… not used.

Here’s how to deal:

  • Ask yourself: Would I buy this again right now?

  • Rotate it for one last shot. If your kid still ignores it—it’s not you, it’s the toy.

  • Take a picture of it “in use” to preserve the memory if it matters. Then pass it on.

Real Talk: Your home is not a museum of everyone else’s feelings. Keep what supports your life now—not what used to, or might one day.

Tip 5: Create a Home That Supports Both Rest and Play

Kids need a play space. You need a rest space. Thoughtful interior design lets both coexist:

  • Add a cozy rug that anchors the zone and gives kids a natural boundary

  • Tuck a small armchair nearby for you—reading, sipping, or scrolling, guilt-free

  • Mount wall storage (like IKEA FLISAT shelves or custom ledges) to display favorite books or rotate toy collections visually

And don’t underestimate the power of soft lighting—a lamp with a warm bulb makes even a chaotic room feel like a hug.

Tip 6: Less Stuff = More Peace. Period.

This isn’t just about your kids—it’s about you. Your nervous system. Your ability to breathe deep in your own home.

When you remove the noise, something magical happens:

  • Kids settle into longer, deeper play

  • Parents feel less triggered by the visual chaos

  • Spaces become usable, not just passable

And no, it doesn’t have to be beige to be calm. Keep color, keep personality—just give it space to shine.

Final Thoughts: Your Home Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful

What you’re doing—trying to build a space that holds your kids and your peace? That’s not easy. But it’s worth it.

So go slow. Let go when you’re ready. And trust that you can design a space that looks good, feels good, and works like a charm—even if there’s a rogue rubber chicken under the sofa.