I know that I’m not the only one who loves to have a break from the hustle and bustle to just be. And I’m an avid kid at heart as I’ve shown in all my builds/projects over the years. That’s why I built a DIY sensory hideout for my youngest, Miss J, for her birthday.
Now, if you recall, on my very first inside tour of our new home, I mention doing something with my wasted attic access.
What you see here is the attic access door in my daughters’ bedroom.
Three of my youngest daughters share this space, so I positioned my youngest’s bed right under this spot so she could hop on in when I finally had time to work on it. I really wanted to put an armoire over it, but that will have to wait.
DUNGEON BEFORE
As you first peek in, you might think… ewwww.
I get it.
It’s dark, very dark, and kinda creepy.
This is situated over my staircase, and my first thought was people surely stuffed things in here, especially for holiday junk.
I was right.
I’m sure many of you know what I found here – several, actually.
Then, as you look to the left, you’ll see the unfinished incline with exposed electrical.
And that wall art my daughter hung in there from her former bedroom to temporarily brighten it up. haha.
I see a face only a DIY mother could love. tsk.
What is more, up above is the access to the attic (aka. more potential) which is a mite drafty. I will remedy that also.
However, be sure to check out the video/vlog below as I show what’s up there.
Miss J and I pull out over six extra-large trash bags of stuff, plus plenty of metal I give to a scrapper, and oodles of project wood. Some of which I’m using for this DIY sensory hideout.
THE BUILD
{{deep breath}}
After working my tail off on my family room remodel, then taking a very quick break to clear more of my backyard, it’s time to jump in!
Just keep in mind that this is a SMALL space.
And I spent THREE FULL DAYS in there. oy.
There are times I felt like I was back in my basement crawlspace working and wanted to stop.
But a quitter I am NOT.
First, I add boards to finish the slope. As an added bonus, I use wood from my family room demo, my entry remodel, and various scraps I have on hand.
As I mention before, if you skip my vlogs (videos) you’re missing half, if not more, of my content. Check out my work below.
Then, I need to cover and conceal the electrical wires. Of course, I just adore arches, and this is the perfect opportunity to add one.
Guys and gals, I’m completely floored that I kept finding just the right size piece to accomplish this. Yes, I had to cut oodles, but it was SO EXCITING when I find just the right piece.
Can you relate?
For added storage, I create spaces between studs for book racks, drink/supplies holders.
And then it’s time to paint, and add padding and… rocks.
THE REVEAL
Finally, after crawling in-and-out, hiking up-and-down the stairs, and sweating like a beast, injuries and loads of love, I got to show my daughter her gift.
Her reaction in the video is PRICELESS.
Miss J now has a getaway that is full of light (when she wants it) or just some twinkle lights and music to decompress.
Some of her first words were… “it’s so quiet”.
Mission accomplished.
I tucked in little things here and there to surprise her.
Can you tell I had fun?
Miss J has plenty of space to just be, be creative, and enjoy an escape.
When discussing with her what she wanted, she instantly said, “no more pink or purple”. She’s been growing up so fast and she’s letting everyone know she’s not a little girl anymore.
While I literally worked nonstop on this and rushed a few things, I’m delighted to see the smile on her face. She literally couldn’t stop smiling and sighing.
Job done. 😉
Evern her siblings are making dibs on using the space. Oh, and Loula, Ivan, and Lily too.
YOUR TURN
Would you have made use of this space like this? Or better yet, did you have a space like this growing up. Do tell!
Leave some comment love and even more pin and share to inspire others too.
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Check out these other kids’ projects like this DIY sensory hideout:
Wow. You are amazing and so very gifted. It made me so happy to see your daughter‘s reaction. She is adorable. You are so talented. I’m always amazed at what you come up with.
You’re sweet to say so, Sigrid. Thank you. This was a nice distraction, though I had to push hard to fit it in my schedule. So worth her smiles!
I love it! Kids love their own little spaces, and your daughter’s smile proves it!
She smiled the ENTIRE day. 😀 It makes my heart happy. And our kitties love to tuck up in there with her too.
This space is simply brilliant! I am so teary eyed from looking at this project and your sweet girl, so full of joy. I showed Kyle…he would have loved this space when he was younger. Me too!!! I am sure that it will be a special place for her for quite some time. I hope that this post is spread far & wide for others to be inspired by as well. 🌸🌸🌸
woot! I can’t say enough how much just seeing her smile the entire day made me feel. I just finished it yesterday and she’s been holing out today as well between homeschool time. I love that you guys love it too! 😀 Thank you, Dale.
OH! OH!! OH!!! I just love this –Such a happy space!!! Miss J couldn’t have said anything better than flash that beautiful all-over smile!!! You made that tiny space really work!! I just adore these nooks, creative moms are making for their kids!!! I would have LOVED such a space — “my space”. I’m glad you showed us HOW you encapsulated the wires — you said arches, but I wasn’t able to think it through. Love it — I too love arches!!
Lola initially looked so worried when you went in and closed the door — I bet she loves hanging out with Miss J or whichever sibling happens to be in there.
Whenever you start on utilizing that attic space, I’ll be glued to your progress. We have HUGE attic that was pretty much messed up by the builder — but with some “gentle” remodeling, I can see such potential!!!
That’s the spirit, Marti! 😀 The minute we walked into this room on our first tour, she instantly popped in there and I had to tell her to stay out. 😉
Loula just wanted in with me when I shut the door – she loves to be my permanent shadow. haha.
The attic will only be if I see the time and budget for it. So much to do!
I got teary eyed seeing the love that went into this amazing space and Miss J’s smile was priceless! Wow, your vision for this space is fabulous. What child/tween wouldn’t love a space like this to retreat to. Living in a house with seven kids, my childhood retreat was a cold, dark but peaceful crawl space under our basement stairs. What I would have done to have it transformed like this. Bravo to one heck of a mama!
You and me both, Marie! She just wouldn’t stop smiling and giggling for over an hour. Just now I couldn’t find her and … duh… she’s in there. 😀 I gave myself a slight head cold from working like a beast on this, and even poison ivy popped up (I never get poison ivy) that I was out in a week ago. My immune system took a hit as I haven’t been sick in years. Go figure! Ah well… one more room done. 😉
Who wouldn’t love a little “hidey hole”!! Amazing transformation. She obviously loves it. Love the picture of Loula looking at the closed door wondering why you didn’t take her in there too, but then further down there she is with you. Very special thing youh have done for her — she’ll remember that all of her days. ❤
Right?! 😀 That’s my thought, anyway, Barb. Yes, she’s in there often for a quiet respite and Loula is too. haha. Thank you for the affirmation as well.