Kids’ rooms for the whole family
Interior designer Shelley Ferguson shares eight ways to create cool kids’ bedrooms that go above and beyond cartoon cut-outs on the walls.
There are so many children’s bedrooms coordinated to perfection by adults these days. Yes, kids’ rooms are a great place for grown-ups to experiment design-wise, as we can be more creative. However, the style of the room should still be led by the child’s needs and interests.
Find common ground
If your child was left in total charge of their room design, chances are you could end up with a marriage of Marvel and Disney.
Cartoons covering every wall may seem genius to kids, but can trigger crazy time because colour affects their moods and minds. Just like in all relationships, compromise is the key.
If you want a room that’s cohesive with the rest of the house, ensure the basics like flooring and paint tie back to your interior style.
Then let your little one inspire a theme that can be layered on top, and easily change as they grow.
When it comes to big decisions like colour, wallpaper or furniture, use your child’s likes and interests as a guide and choose a range of designs you think they’d like, that you can also live with. Then, let them choose from that selection. That way, they feel like they’re part of the decision yet you still retain some say.
Zone in
Kids’ bedrooms are more than just places to sleep. What does your little one like to do in their room, and in what ways can you create zones for each activity?
If you have space, a table and chairs for drawing and art is handy, complete with a pull-out paper roll mounted on the wall.
A study zone can help keep school supplies in one area, and shelves are great for making use of vertical space and grouping related items.
Floor cushions create comfy reading spots, and even a round rug can encourage sit-down play in a circular formation.
If the budget allows, built-in zones for different activities can be cleverly designed to double as storage.
Mystery and magic
Kids love nooks that create a special feeling of secrecy, surprise and intrigue.
Can you create a secret passage, add a teepee, install a ladder to a little mezzanine, or set up a hidden zone in an unused cupboard or closet? Custom-built or feature beds add a sense of adventure to create a room kids are keen to hang out in.
Accessories like glowing lights add to the magical feeling, as do interesting objects borrowed from nature, such as jars filled with treasures collected outdoors.
Encourage learning
You don’t want your child to feel like they’re taking a test, but their room should be a natural learning environment, too. Books, maps, globes, wall charts, or musical instruments look great on display, and can also be educational tools, without them even realising. If you have room, set up a desk or station for creative play.
Encourage bedtime
Simple, yet oh-so important! Many people invest in their own bed linen, but buy cheaper imitations for kids. The snugglier and more comfortable you can make your kids’ bed, the more likely they are to snooze off in a cloud of comfort.
If you’re on a budget, pull out old linen that’s still in great condition – I remember being in bed heaven whenever mum made the beds with our oldest, softest flannelette sheets.
Update the look with some fun printed pillowcases and a new throw. If you have a little more to spend, let your child help choose some new linen. Get creative and team printed sheets with a coloured duvet, or vice versa.
Buy natural fibres such as cotton, organics, bamboo or flannelette. Up the cuddle-factor with a throw for the end of the bed, a couple of scatter cushions and your child’s favourite soft toys. Teamed with blockout curtains or blinds and soft lamp light, the scene is set (disclaimer: none of this will guarantee your child will actually sleep).
Add a layer of love
Create a space that your child feels safe and loved in. Make them feel at home by putting up photos of their friends, family and favourite times.
Use jars to display little mementos, such as feathers, sand and shells from holidays you’ve been on. Display items they’ve created, like amateur artwork or misshapen Fimo sculptures, as it’s a sign you’re proud of them.
Project funway
Be brave with colour, creative with design, and get DIY cred with the family. Use your room makeover as a bonding exercise, and complete a couple of decor projects with your child that can be shown off in the space. Paint and frame artwork, give preloved furniture a paint, and adapt everyday items.
Room for a rough house
Sometimes, kids just want to rumble, roll around, or lie on the floor and daydream. Whatever their age, try to achieve a room layout that allows this type of important play.