I am the same as Wonderwiper, but before August when we moved here, I had a side split exactly like the one mentioned by the OP. I used the lower level (not basement) family room as my playroom and had to bring them up and down to the kitchen for eating/art. It worked okay, but felt a bit cramped in winter when we were inside a lot. I really do notice a huge difference now that I have a huge space for them to play in. Less fighting, they can get more exercise even when we are stuck inside and best of all, I get to come upstairs at the end of the day and get away from work But, your set-up can definitely work. I think it's great that you will be on the same level as the kitchen...that will make things a lot easier for you as you will be able to do arts and crafts and the babies can play in the playroom (assuming you can see from one to the other). Plus you will be able to clean up your kitchen while they play if you have an open concept set-up. I think it is important to leave lots of time for free-play...I think they do most of their learning that way.