Children often have strong opinions about their bedrooms. However, as many parents know, a child’s taste is often fickle. A love affair with dinosaurs can quickly change to an interest in fairy princesses. The key to designing a child’s room to strike a balance between designing for their current needs and interest while anticipating their future needs. Our goal when designing a room for young children is to make it a place that can grow with them.

Designing a Child’s Room: The Basics

Starting with neutral walls and window treatments allows for flexibility in the space as they get older. Avoid the mistake of painting the walls your child’s favorite color, because that color may change next month. Furniture and storage items should be neutral as well. Spend a bit more on a few pieces that will take your children through adolescence.

An Anchor

Any room has its focal point … the kitchen island, family room fireplace, the office desk. Choose one item in your child’s bedroom to be the center of attention, such as a great bed or bookcase for favorite books, trophies, and memorabilia. In addition, this item can add a bit of character or whimsy in your child’s special room. Keep this in mind when designing a child’s room.

Keep it to Scale

It is easy to go overboard and fill a child’s room with too many kid-sized pieces. Allow your child the room to explore and play in their room by keeping furniture to a minimum. Bunk beds are an obvious space saver and when finished in white can appear even less obtrusive to a room. A small table and chair set offers a place for your child to sit and play or do homework.

Be Playful

I love adding in pops of color with artwork and a special area rug: these items make the room feel more playful. Throw pillows, wallpaper, and bedding are all fantastic ways to personalize a space. Added bonus; all these items are easily removed and replaced as the child grows and their interests change.

Personalize Decor

Decals allow a child creative freedom and the ability to control the look of their own space. In a recent article about design trends, I am quoted saying that we are using decals as “fun, temporary solutions … that can easily take them down if you want to change the look of the room. With so many fun designs, you can go with a bold graphic print or a subtle texture to create whatever feel you want.”

Designing a Child’s Room: Keep it Tidy

Storage is very important in a child’s space — finding the right balance of open and closed storage is key. Bins and baskets are terrific for storing Legos and other small items, sturdy shelves are imperative for book lovers, and a well-designed closet will grow with a child over the years.

Are you planning on (or currently) designing a child’s room in the near future? We would love to discuss your plans … contact us today!