Designing a child’s room can be challenging. One minute, you’re putting up pastel wall decals in a nursery, and the next, your child has grown into a teenager and you’re tasked with accommodating their unique tastes and needs. In this blog we’ll teach you the key to a successful design that will endure the test of time and perhaps a few accidental mishaps along the way.
Neutral Color Schemes and Flexible Wallpaper
When designing a children’s room, the first place your mind might wander to is the paint color. Should you paint the room red or purple or maybe pink? While those may be your child’s favorite color at the time, we advise you to choose something a little more neutral. A neutral color palette provides a versatile backdrop that can be easily accessorized with colorful art or bedding that reflects your child’s current interests–whether it’s mermaids or dinosaurs. Calming colors like light blues and greens are popular choices that have been said to help children sleep better based on the study of color psychology.
Now if you’re feeling adventurous, consider removable wallpaper! This way, you can add some personality to the walls and can easily swap out patterns as your child matures–whether it’s Up, Up and Away Wallpaper by Pottery Barn Kids, or whimsical clouds–without the hassle of a complete repaint.
Here are some fun child-friendly wallpaper we’ve used in the the past:
- Daydream Wallpaper in ‘Blush’ by Hygge & West
- Alpine Garden Multi Wallpaper in ‘Blush’ by Hygge & West
- Summerside Wallpaper in ‘Coastal Blue’ by Serena & Lily
- Navigator Wallpaper by Hovia
Multifunctional Furniture and Adjustable Beds
Now that we’ve covered wallpaper and paint, it’s time to move on to furniture. When browsing your options for furniture selections, you should not rule out pieces that are multifunctional! Multifunctional furniture (like a lofted bed with a play area or cozy reading nook below) is a smart way to maximize space in your kid’s bedroom.
Speaking of beds, an adjustable bed that can transition from a twin to a full size could be a great investment that not only saves you money but also caters to your child’s growing needs. This is especially beneficial as they navigate through their teenage years where comfort and space become increasingly important. Check out this 3-in-1 Wave Crib by Nestig which is great for little ones transitioning into toddlers, before they graduate to something larger.
A chair is another piece you’ll probably want to include in their room, especially if they are young and need a rocker or glider. Take a look at the Wingback Rocking Chair by Pottery Barn Kids. When your child has outgrown the need for a rocker, you can always convert it into a stationary chair by removing the rocker mechanics and replacing it with legs.
Study Spaces and Storage Solutions
As your child grows, so does their need for a designated study area to work on homework and creative projects. Look for a compact desk with built-in shelves or storage compartments to help keep the space well-organized. Additionally, flexible storage solutions (such as modular shelving units or decorative bins) allow for easy reorganization as your child’s interests change. This way, they can easily transition from storing toys to displaying trophies or books without a complete overhaul of the room.
Decor and Window Treatments
- Decor: Since children have a knack for breaking things, it’s important that you avoid placing fragile decor or sentimental items in their room that you can’t replace. Now, what can you use instead? We love to incorporate books and plants to add some color and life into a space, and these definitely don’t have to break the bank. Try visiting your local thrift or bookstores to look for unique pieces that are both stylish and affordable. Exploring thrift stores can also be a fun bonding activity with your child as they get involved in curating their own personal space!
- Window Treatments: When it comes to window treatments, go for something that is more child-friendly (meaning cordless) and easily swappable. Simple roller shades or curtains in a neutral tone can be dressed up with fun patterns or colors that can be changed as your child’s taste evolves.
Choose Quality Over Trendy
Lastly, and although enticing, we’d like to advise you to NOT succumb to the latest decor trends. Children are notoriously hard on their belongings, so durable furnishings are a must. While you’re on the hunt for the perfect piece for your child’s space, it’s important to choose something that can withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes. Look for pieces with timeless designs that can seamlessly transition from a playful nursery to a more mature teenage setting–we think that quality solid wood pieces are always a fantastic choice. While a trendy piece might seem appealing now, it may not hold up over time or fit your child’s style over time.
