Creating a space for children that is both stylish and functional is a constant battle. We’d all prefer our kids’ bedrooms be consistent with the style of our home, while still reflecting their personalities. Although this can be difficult to execute (and maintain), here are a few ideas to help you design a space that’s both pretty and practical.
Sarah Baeumler has an eye for all things design. She stars in Home to Win and co-hosts Bryan Inc. alongside Bryan.
“Hang Out” Zone
Depending on the amount of space you have, carving out an area that’s designated for fun can be a really nice way to add personality to your child’s room. This could simply be a giant bean bag or a comfy chair, but it should definitely be a cozy, inviting spot for your kids to relax.
Desk Area
Creating a workspace for your child to complete homework or simply do some sketching is a great idea. I would recommend investing in a desk that’s durable. In my experience, work stations see a lot of use and become an integral part of a kids’ room, so it’s worth opting for a quality piece of furniture that will stand the test of time. A desk will grow with your child, so choose one that can be used for all types of functions.
Bold Art
Including attention-grabbing artwork or photos is an easy (and affordable) way to add style and personality to a child’s bedroom. Hanging beautiful pieces of art on the wall can also inspire your kids and capture their imagination.
Task Lighting
Quality lighting is a key aspect of any space, and is especially important in a child’s room, since the space will be used for so many functions. Well-positioned task lighting will give the room a cozy and warm ambience and add function when they’re reading or doing homework.
Cozy Bedding
Bedding is obviously important to any bedroom, but ensuring that your child’s space is as cozy as possible can make them more comfortable. Layering in soft faux furs and other textured materials will make the room more welcoming and lend a sense of style to the space.
Hooks
Hooks (and storage in general!) are paramount when it comes to a child’s room. They are the solution to things being dropped on the floor and left there for days. Even if you’re the one hanging up said items, it still reduces the amount of clutter almost instantly. Opt for larger hooks that can hold more weight for school bags and the like.
Bright Colours
A thoughtfully-planned colour scheme will instantly enliven a room, and will also allow you to inject some of your child’s personality into the space. I recommend deciding on the palette alongside your child, maybe choosing a few hues each, and then seeing how they come together.
Window Coverings
I always find that blackout blinds or drapes are useful in many ways. Not only do curtains help with sleep, but as your kids get older, they will be using the space to watch movies or play video games, so being able to have instant darkness can make the room more appealing. Also, layering in drapery is a great way to add interest.
Personal Hobbies Displayed
Dedicate space to displaying your child’s work, interests and beloved objects. For example, a cork board that showcases your children’s art or writing is a great way to encourage learning and make their space feel more personal.
Socket Placement
Although this isn’t a particularly easy fix, having sockets installed in the right places will increase function and reduce clutter. Modern bedrooms have too many wires strewn all over the floor, which can be a safety hazard as well as an eyesore. If you can, plan out where everything will live and arrange the sockets accordingly.
Wall Coverings
Installing wallpaper in a kid’s room can be risky, as these walls get a lot of wear and tear, but it’s also a fool-proof way to add style. If that doesn’t work for you, then use stencils or stickers on the walls instead.
Carpet Play Space
If you have younger children, including an area rug or soft surface for them to sit on can be a lovely way to encourage play and discovery. This allows them to lay out their toys or games, and most importantly, have fun!
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