Kids’ rooms can be tough to design! You want to create a space that reflects your child’s unique personality, but still looks pulled together and cohesive with the rest of your home. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing all our best tips for putting together a child’s room that will easily transition to their teen years. We’re covering everything from functionality to aesthetic. You might decide that after designing your kids room, that there are other parts of your house that you would like to update. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a bit of a change. You can do small changes to the rest of your house like just getting a new coat of paint, or you could go all out and get new windows from somewhere like Window World Hawaii – the decision is up to you though!
Each tip is accompanied by an inspiration photo, which you can enlarge by clicking on it (or save as a Pinterest pin by hovering over the image and clicking the red logo). If you see a piece you’re interested in, just contact us about Bassett custom ordering.
1) Keep storage as low to the floor as possible for smaller kids
Most kids don’t like having to keep their rooms clean, but if you make it as easy as possible for them to stay organized, there may be a fighting chance! These days, kids seem to have so many toys lying about. In order to keep their bedroom clean, they need to have suitable storage space. Until they grow older, they’ll probably keep receiving great toys from family and friends. Of course, kids love toys. However, they always seem to run out of room for them. Storage cubes, baskets, and shelves can be strategically placed within their reach for simple cleanup. As long as the child can access these storage spaces, there shouldn’t be a problem. They can continue playing with their toys! In the example above, a storage station was placed at the foot of the bed to hold books that otherwise may have been scattered on the floor. If you find there is just too much stuff in the house to fit in, you could look into something like Singpaore storage space to keep larger items in storage until you need them or have more room for them.
2) Stick to two main colors
It’s easy to go crazy with lots of bright colors, but if you’re after a more cohesive look, try sticking to two main colors for all of the substantial elements in the room. Even if the two colors your child picks are loud, neutrals can be added in to soften the look. In the example above, the pink and green color palette is balanced with a creamy white.
3) Incorporate flowers and other plants (real or faux)
Plants infuse so much life into a space. You can add a potted plant that your child will take responsibility for watering, or just display cut flowers from the yard. We also love realistic-looking faux options. They’re especially great for kids with allergies!
4) Use chalkboard paint
Wall art can change on a daily basis when you use chalkboard paint. It comes in every color under the sun, and the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. Children love to draw pictures on it, and teens can use it to write quotes, doodle, and display notes from friends who come over.
5) Coordinate arrays of pillows
A coordinated array of throw pillows not only looks great, but adds comfort and texture to a bed. They can even provide extra seating for friends.
Above, we’ve shown some examples of how to pair up different sizes and colors. A good rule of thumb is to use larger neutral pillows (like Euro shams) in the back, then place smaller, more colorful pillows in the front. A variety of shapes will add interest, so don’t be afraid to mix squares, rectangles, bolster pillows, etc.
6) Display artwork
Giving your child a spot to display their art can encourage creativity, and there are so many ways to do so with style. In the example above, coordinating artwork is hung up on the wall with colorful washi tape.
Want other ideas? Try hanging string wire wall-to-wall and use small clothes pins to display the art. You could also go the more traditional route and make an art board out of galvanized metal with magnets for hanging, or cork board with pushpins for hanging.
7) Build off of a theme that can grow with them
One one hand, you want your child to express their individuality, but on the other hand, it’s not always feasible to do a full room makeover every time their fleeting tastes change. (Adolescence was a confusing, wish-washy time – we all remember!)
The key is to lay out a foundation of good design choices in a fun, whimsical way. There are a lot more home design styles than you may think so you will have plenty of choices! Let your child express his or her individuality through things like accessories, wall art, decor knickknacks, and other items that are easier to switch out. That way, moving into teen years and beyond doesn’t require a major overhaul.
We’re absolutely in LOVE with the room design above. The aviation theme is carried out in such a tasteful way, it’ll be a seamless transition from “child’s room” to “teen’s room.”
8) Don’t feel confined to “matchy-matchy”
You don’t need to purchase all of your child’s bedroom furniture from one set or collection for it to look cohesive. Try mixing and matching within your color scheme for a fun yet polished feel. Above, the beds have a dark wood stained finish, but the large nightstand in the middle is painted red (which ties into the throw blankets and pillows).
9) Make a feature wall for the more bold decor choices
If your child has their heart set on a bold wall color or mural that you’re not so comfortable with, a good compromise is to incorporate it on a feature wall. That way when your child grows out of the design choice or you reclaim the room once they move out, it’ll take less time and effort to paint over.
10) Put up garlands and paper lanterns for added whimsy
This is such a fun, inexpensive way to brighten up your child’s space. We love the use of the flower garlands and paper lanterns above. They add visual interest and texture to the space while still coordinating beautifully with the color scheme.
11) Create a seating area
If space allows, try adding a seating area to your child’s room. It can serve as a reading nook or place to watch TV and play games. We love how the “TV stand” above is doubling as additional storage for board games and puzzles.
12) Display jewelry and collections as decor
If your child or teen collects something, try figuring out a creative, yet stylish way to display it. In the room above, jewelry is hung on the branches of a decorative white tree instead of being shut away in a box.
13) Create a homework zone
Try creating a designated homework station where the kids can store laptops, books, and everything they need to succeed. In the example above, the desk also provides lots of additional storage space – definitely a win-win for function and small space utilization!
14) Use hidden storage
For not-so-stylish items that you don’t want prominently displayed, try using clever hidden storage. We love a drawer nightstand or large ottoman at the foot of the bed – and definitely take advantage of under-bed and closet storage!
15) Use coordinating blankets and rugs for added warmth
Even if your child’s room is carpeted, adding an area rug gives the room a more cozy feel. It’s also an opportunity to tie in your main colors with the bedding.
16) Add a reading lamp
A bedside lamp is perfect for reading and general ambiance. They’re also wonderful if your child needs to get up in the middle of the night without tripping!
17) Use bunk beds for space-saving
Bunk beds are fantastic if you have more than one child sharing a room, or if your kids like to host sleepovers often.
18) Go neutral, but add texture
Neutral spaces can pack a punch too! All it takes is a variety of textures and patterns to add visual interest. Mix soft and fluffy blankets with a wooden nightstand and patterned ottoman – again, the sky’s the limit.
And there you have it! Eighteen ways to create a meaningful, harmonious space for your child that makes sense in your home. We hope you found these tips helpful. If you want even more inspiration, be sure to check out our Kids’ Rooms Pinterest board:
