Kid-friendly spaces can be the place where you let your creativity shine. These spaces can be fun and exciting and be the most unique room in your home. As a certified Home Stager and Designer for Four Lovely Walls Staging and Interiors, my own small business, when designing a house for a client, my goal is for each room to speak to each other and be connected as a whole. For example, your living room and kitchen need to flow together to make your house comfortable and inviting. However, kid’s spaces are something completely different where you can use fun and bold patterns not used in any other room of your home.
The design layout itself can be simple by keeping a few things in mind. Kids need room to play and to have freedom within their structured space so it is important not to overcrowd the area. For example, when designing your child’s room, you first want to include the important things such as a crib or bed. This is the focal point of the room so take your time picking out the bed that really speaks to the design. Next, find something you love to store clothes. Putting clothes in stylish baskets or hanging them up on fun hooks, at eye level, are perfect ways to encourage involvement from your kiddos when getting them dressed. Then comes the fun part of picking some unique ways to display or store books and toys for your little one. Bonus, if you have a little extra room add a special reading or lounging area with a sweet window seat or a cool teepee filled with comfy cushions.
You will want to keep things in the room that your little one will love. If you love it but feel like it’s a hindrance to them, that’s a good sign that it doesn’t need to be included in your design. While the room can be gorgeous, functionality is critical. Keep in mind every piece needs to be there for a reason and doesn’t need to come before the enjoyment that the space is intended to provide. Trust your gut when designing your room. Once you feel you’ve reached the perfect amount of warmth that’s when you are finished. Less can be more.
Seeing your child enjoying their newly designed space can be heart-warming, however, keeping the space tidy can be challenging. The key to keeping a kid’s room manageable is to add as much stylish storage as possible. Find items that have multiple purposes for the space but also look nice. This can be with a bench at the end of the bed used for toy storage, a chair with an accessible ottoman for blanket storage, or a wicker side table that can double as a clothes hamper, as pictured. This will help you store items out of sight while making the space feel calm and clean and what parent doesn’t want a kid’s room to feel calm and clean, right?
Texture is an element you don’t want to forget in any design, including a children’s area. Making all the textures the same will make your room will feel flat. You want the area to feel alive with different layers and different details within fabrics. For example, a fluffy throw, a thick fuzzy rug, or pillows with fun detailed designs. Other examples can include, a faux potted tree or a soft rocking horse coordinating with the colors in the room. All of these will stand out and give your room that extra touch. Shopping for these items can be the most fun part of the design process.
More than anything you want to make your children’s space fun. Make sure you include your child’s personality in this space. Anyone can look on Instagram and design what they see as the latest design on social media, but you want to bring out what makes your child unique. If your kid loves construction, sports, rainbows, or flowers, find unique ways to add this to their space. The touches of their favorite items should be found in subtle ways as you move throughout the room. In the design pictured, flying paper airplanes were painted on the ceiling to add a fun, special touch to this little boy’s room. Don’t forget to add something personalized as well, like a name sign, a letter pillow, etc. Just remember this is a space in your house where you can have creative freedom. Following these steps and tips can help with creating a space that you and your child will love. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and see what works!
Simplicity: Don’t overthink the space. You want the area to feel welcoming and happy.
Play with fun textures and patterns: This is where you can take risks. Use the ceiling, walls, or unexpected spots to make your room pop.
Stylish storage: These hidden gems keep the room manageable, looking good, and are great for saving space no matter the size of the room.
Function: Leave space for activities. Think through what you will need to do in the room and try to avoid creating obstacles.
Fun Space: The kid’s room gets a pass. It doesn’t have to follow the feel of the house. Have fun and try new things!
“…Include your child’s personality in this space. Anyone can look on Instagram and design what you see as the latest design on social media, but you want to bring out what makes your child unique.”