When the grandkids come over, it’s all love, laughter, and LEGOs, until the toys take over the living room. For today’s grandparents, home is a calm, familiar space that sometimes turns into a playroom. So, how do you keep toys, books, and baby gear on hand for visiting grandkids without letting it all take over your home? We spoke with expert designer Naomi Coe, founder of Little Crown Interiors, to explore simple storage solutions, useful ideas that make it easier to share your space.
When Home Becomes the Weekday Playroom
According to AARP, over 30% of grandparents in the U.S. provide some form of regular care for their grandchildren, and that number is growing. As the cost of childcare rises and more parents work demanding or hybrid schedules, grandparents are increasingly stepping into weekday caregiver roles. This shift, especially among Baby Boomers and active adults 55+, means their homes often become part-time playrooms, napping spots, and meal prep zones. And with that caregiving comes gear: books, toys, portable cribs, art supplies, diapers, that can quickly spill into every corner of the house if not managed thoughtfully. That’s why smart, subtle storage solutions are more important than ever for creating balance. Marsha K., 68, from Asheville, North Carolina, knows the feeling well. “I wanted to be the ‘fun house’ grandma, but I also didn’t want my living room to look like a daycare,” she said. “Once I invested in a couple of nice-looking storage benches and baskets, everything changed. Now my grandson knows exactly where to go, and clean-up is part of our routine.”
Easy, Grown-Up Storage Solutions
“Storage is so important in any home, especially when there are children present,” says Naomi Coe. “Storage benches and ottomans are my top suggestion since they can be used to store toys and also function as seating when children are not present. Storage baskets and bins with lids are great for smaller areas, closets, and cabinets.” A tufted ottoman in a neutral fabric can hold toys one moment and act as a coffee table the next. These pieces blend in with your existing furniture while offering a place to tuck things away. Want to shop the look? Check out our favorite multi-use benches, neutral storage baskets and wall ledges that work in any living room.
Photo credit: David Casas
Kid Zones Without the Mess
“The easiest way to create a play area without sacrificing how your home looks is to choose mostly neutral and ‘adult’ pieces,” Naomi explains. “You can purchase a storage bench in a fabric and style that fits with your home but use it for toy storage.”She suggests teaching kids that certain spots are theirs, a bench or shelf for their toys. A small, neutral rug or low-profile play table can help set the space apart without calling attention to it.
Small Home? Smart Fixes
If space is limited, Naomi recommends making use of a closet or cabinet. “Choose some storage bins or boxes that are designated just for the children’s toys and books so they know what they are allowed to open and use.” Label bins clearly and remove anything unsafe from those spaces before giving kids access. Kids will feel included, and you’ll avoid clutter.
photo credit: Natalie Michelle
Rotate, Don’t Pile
One useful tip Naomi shares: rotate toys regularly. “Instead of letting things pile up, keep new toys that they love accessible and create a process for removing the rest.”
Keep the most-used toys close at hand. When others fall out of use, store them elsewhere. If they’re not missed, consider donating or talking with parents about next steps. Naomi also recommends involving parents in this process, so everyone is aligned on what stays, what goes, and what gets passed along.
Marsha now uses a version of this system, too. “We have a rule, if he hasn’t touched it in a month, it goes in the ‘maybe later’ bin,” she says. “It’s made things feel much more manageable.” You don’t need to turn your living room into a playroom to welcome your grandkids. With a few practical storage choices and clear routines, you can enjoy your time together without giving up the space you love.
Meet the expert
Naomi Coe is the award-winning designer behind Little Crown Interiors, a California-based firm known for creating beautifully functional spaces for families. Her work has been featured in People, Domino, and Architectural Digest. She’s also the author of Your Perfect Nursery, a guide to stylish, safe, and intentional spaces for children.
Follow Naomi on Instagram at @littlecrowninteriors
