How to Build and Decorate a Treehouse

While it isn’t always possible to adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on screen time, one way to get your kids unplugged from their devices and more engaged with the outdoors is to help them build and decorate a treehouse.

This adventurous project will not only give them more opportunities to get out and enjoy Mother Nature, but it will stimulate their creativity and problem-solving skills as you build and design their new treehouse with them.

So, if you’re ready to start climbing, building, and making memories, here are some helpful interior design and decorating tips to get you and your family started on your treehouse adventure.

Cultivating Creativity

A treehouse is the perfect space for your kids to get away from the world and let their imaginations run wild, so it's important to construct an outdoor environment that will help cultivate all of their creative journeys and aspirations. You know your children better than anyone else, which means you likely already know their interests and hobbies. 

If your child is a budding artist, building a treehouse art studio supplied with crayons, paint, brushes, paper, and markers will be the perfect place for them to create their next big piece. If your child is more of a bookworm, a cozy reading nook with plenty of blankets and pillows is the perfect space for going on some crazy adventures with Nancy Drew or Harry Potter. A treehouse is also perfect for a curious astronomer; all you need is a telescope and a star-gazing book. 

Even if it’s just a small corner of the treehouse, dedicating a space specifically for your kids’ current interests will inspire them to seek out new ideas and activities. 

Fill in the Gaps

Another factor to keep in mind when putting together your treehouse is storage. A great storage solution for all of your kids’ treasures: rocks, leaves, and flowers, are some personalized lockers. Not only will they blend in nicely with the inside decor, but they’ll also keep your kids’ discoveries safe and out of your house. Lockers can also hide trash cans, keep the interior looking clean and organized, and stop creatures like squirrels from getting into your child’s leftover PB&J sandwich. 

If you’re trying to keep costs low and upcycle more, take a trip to your local thrift or army-surplus store. You can pick out cots for afternoon naps and shelving to display their favorite toys and books. While there, you can also grab some interesting pieces of art to hang on the walls. Thrift stores usually have very affordable dishware to purchase as well, so that your everyday cups and plates can stay safely inside your home. 

Shining Bright

Now that we’ve covered the inside, it's time to discuss the exterior of your new treehouse. Good lighting is imperative as it can help keep your kids safe and visible, even after the sunsets. Lighting can be one of the trickier aspects of treehouse building, especially if you’re trying to keep things as energy-efficient as possible. Running an extension cord from your garage into the treehouse is impractical and could run up your electricity bill if your kids end up spending all of their time in it. 

Instead, you can look into solar energy to help keep their new treehouse energy efficient. With even low-cost parts like a car battery and a solar trickle charger affixed to an area of the treehouse that gets lots of sunlight, you can generate enough electricity to power some lights or even a few electronics. By making use of solar energy, you can ensure that your kids have a space to play at any time of day or night without having to worry about them hurting themselves in the dark.

When it comes to building and decorating the treehouse for your kids, it’s important to get them involved as much as possible. By asking for their input throughout the process, they’ll have a greater sense of pride and accomplishment once it’s all finished. A treehouse isn’t just a fun addition to your property, it’s one of the greatest places for you and your kids to make memories that will last for years to come.