Kids' Room Design Tips & Ideas

 
 
 

Designing a space for kids is unlike designing any other space in the house. Versatility and longevity are the most important factors to keep in mind while designing a space for children. It can be challenging to design a room for children that reflects their personality and allows them to grow at different ages. We believe that the spaces children are surrounded by play a big role in their cognitive development. So, it is important to design a space that allows a young mind to grow, think, play and rest, all in the same space at every age. Kids grow fast and as they grow, their choices and preferences evolve. It is very hard to design a space for a 4-year-old that can stay relevant when the child is 12, 13 or 14-years-old. We are sharing some of our tips on how to achieve a good balance of all the above factors while designing kids’ rooms.

 

1. Keep it simple

The process of designing a space for children starts out by filtering elements that are designed to last long versus pieces that are changeable or can be easily updated overtime. In most cases changing/updating wall colors, flooring or lighting can be time consuming and labor intensive. That means that the colors, textures and patterns for the walls and floors should be designed to last long and still be age appropriate. We love experimenting with colors, especially when we design spaces for kids. 

 
 

2. Add pattern and texture

Choose a base paint or wallpaper for kids’ room that is subtly playful in terms of color or the pattern on it. Our go to for base paint colors are usually light pastel or moody earthy tones that do not require frequent updating. We like to layer with peel and stick decals or removable wallpapers to add more pop of color, depth and personality to the room while still having an option of easily changing them with time. We also like the walls to be adorned by artwork that reflects the personality, hobbies, interest of the child or framed art that they create. This will make their room feel unique and personal to them. Right balance of colors, tactile textures and patterns on the walls create stimulating environment for children. 

 
 

3. Keep it kid-friendly

Just like wall treatments, add layers on the floor through area rugs. This serves multiple functions in a space designed for kids. Large area rugs can become a safe play area for the kids while making the space feel comfortable and cozy. We love incorporating patterned and colorful rugs in different shapes and sizes made of softer fabrics like cotton and wool. 

 
 

 4. Room to grow

Furniture selection is an important aspect. Invest in pieces that are versatile. For example, a good bed frame and mattress will last longer and even as the child grows, all you can do to make it more fun and keep it age appropriate is to change the bed accents. This would apply for nightstands, storage units, desk, accent chair and most hefty pieces in the room. When designing a room for kids, creating flexible and adaptable storage options is an important design aspect. This would include storage for clothing, books, toys, bedding and if it is a toddler, nursing supplies. Storage options can be free standing shelving units, cubbies or wall mount storage units. Modular storage units can be more effective as more storage can be added over the years. To better organize, baskets and dressers with drawers or cantilevered shelves come in handy.

 
 

5. Let the little hands and minds be creative  

Learn-and-fun activities can become a part of the overall design of the room. Some ways to do that would be by painting a wall in chalkboard finish paint or a peel and stick chalkboard paper on which children can draw and write. Adding teepee tents, canopy or accent floor cushions create cozy reading corners or play areas or by adding interactive toys that can be mounted on walls. 

 
 

6. Lighting

As for any bedroom, a room designed for kids should have a balance of ambient, task and accent lighting. Recessed lights, ceiling mount fixtures, chandeliers are some good ways to add ambient light. This would set the tone for how the room looks and feels. Warm whites are usually softer on the eyes and create a comfortable environment. Task lights are usually activity specific. This would include bedside table lamps, sconces and desk lamps. These are just as important as ambient lighting. As the name suggests, accent lights are usually used to create focus on a point of interest or any decorative feature to be highlighted. This is not a must have in the kids’ room but can be added as a decorative element by adding LED strip lights below the shelves or to highlight artwork. 

 
 

7. Make it personal for them

As a part of pulling all the elements together to make the design look cohesive, add decorative accents that reflect the child’s personality which in turn will add character to the whole room. You may add plush accent pillows and blankets to dress up the bed, create wall mount decor that has distinctive shape and color, add mirrors, vases, plants to enhance the look of a furniture piece or an entire room.

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Soniya KhasgiwaleComment