Given the choice, my personality prefers separate play areas and doesn't like the big "mess" lol

However, I know they better benefit from having no limits so to speak. (This doesn't mean no rules!!) It opens up their imagination and pretend play to be allowed to play what they want, where they want, how they want.

Due to space, we have an open play room. There's still areas but they are free to take toys anywhere and use as they please. If I had a bigger room, I'd have more defined areas though I think just because I like how it breaks up a large room (and cuts down on running! Lol)

We do clean up at least 2x a day though. Once before lunch and once before home time if we haven't gone outside right after nap