A kid’s room is typically the first space your little one has to themselves, so it’s natural that the decor should reflect their tastes. However, decorating a kid’s room poses a unique challenge; it needs to foster their imagination while encouraging them to think creatively, while also prioritising practicality and functionality.
Although the ever-changing nature of children’s interests makes it almost impossible to design a completely timeless kid’s room, it is possible to design an aesthetically pleasing space that grows with your child. With that in mind, we enlisted the help of Melbourne-based artist and product designer Fleur Harris, whose whimsical and wonderful collections with Adairs Kids and Jimmy Cricket captivate adults and children alike.
“[Children’s bedrooms are] reflective of parts of the identity they are forming for themselves. So there’s an emotional connection to this space for children. It should be a place they feel safe in, a sanctuary where they can retreat to rest, play and be inspired,” Fleur says on the importance of designing a nurturing space for your child.
Whether you’re designing a room from scratch, or simply looking to make your little one’s space extra special, here are our top 6 tips for creating a beautiful space for your child.
You’ll also enjoy:
Let Your Interiors Do The Talking With Maximalist Design
Cultivate A Beautiful Cooking Space With These Elevated Kitchen Essentials
Home Office Starter Kit; Everything You Need For a Good WFH Space
1. Keep the base simple
Less is often more when it comes to kid’s rooms, particularly pertaining to the wall colour. Fleur suggests painting kid’s rooms “a classic colour for longevity. This doesn’t mean it has to be neutral, a beautiful deep dusty blue will suit a toddler’s room as well as a teenager’s room. But neutrals are a safe bet – and allow you to experiment with colour through decorative accents like bedding and drapery more freely.”
Other beautiful yet lasting colour options include pale pink, eggshell, hunter green, lilac, or sky blue. Alternatively, try a neutral colour like beige or eggshell and opt to add interest with dreamy wallpapers, like the Fleur Harris x Jimmy Cricket Woodlands range.
2. Identify lasting interests
While it may be tempting to indulge your little one’s every whim, as children’s interests often evolve rapidly it’s best not to translate every fascination into their bedroom decor, lest it should just be a short-lived curiosity.
“Parents know best which of their child’s interests indicate having longevity, and these are the themes they should look to when decorating their child’s room,” says Fleur, recommending parents use their own discretion when decorating their children’s rooms. “Acknowledge themes that may be more of a passing phase with pieces that aren’t a huge commitment, such as printed cushions or books. It’s easier to change out pieces over time as their interest’s change rather than having to redecorate the entire room.”
3. Get innovative with decor
Kids see the world through a different lens than adults, finding magic in the mundane. Use creative decor to stimulate their imaginative side. To find a balance between keeping your kid’s room timeless and imbuing it with a sense of fun and delight, Fleur proposes “safely suspending fun pieces like decorative hot air balloons, foliage entwined with fairy lights, planets or garlands, which will create a sense of wonder as children look up to admire them.” These have the added bonus of being able to be easily installed and dismantled (if needed) as your children’s interests evolve.
4. Experiment with art
You’re never too young to appreciate art. If you aren’t able to decorate with patterned wallpaper or a wall-sized mural, Fleur recommends “choosing a selection of different wall artworks that complement each other and hanging them together in a gallery wall style. Choose a selection of wall artworks (they can be the same size or different sizes) that all share a similar colour to link them together visually.” This can be a fun activity to involve your child in; make a day of it and have fun selecting art together.
Fleur also suggests incorporating illustrated children’s novels into your kid’s room decor, “I like to colour curate vintage books with new books in a stack and alternate which book is standing up on display.”
5. Give them a space to escape
Even little minds need to relax every now and then. A quiet corner or a reading nook makes for the perfect respite while working to encourage children to read. Set up a cosy space with a comfortable beanbag, plush rug, or day bed, and lots of cuddly throw pillows.
6. Smart storage solutions
From toys and games to books and sports equipment, storage is a key consideration when designing a kid’s room. To avoid clutter, opt for smart storage solutions like hooks, bedding with built-in storage, and chic hampers. Fleur also recommends selecting storage methods that kids can access themselves, as this “helps them gain independence,” citing “storage baskets that aren’t too big so they can fossick around in them and low drawers” as good options.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Caitlin Mills
