Give your kids a space of their own
Providing privacy and multi- functional rooms that grow with your children is key
Your children’s bedrooms are their sanctuaries, and the design — particularly in a condo — is important for several reasons.
Condos tend to be sized down, so think of how to make your child’s bedroom a private space where it’s possible to escape the noise and activity of the rest of your home. Sound may travel through your condo more readily than it does in a single home, as neighbours are closer and the layout may be more open. Condos will also likely get more light through larger windows, so you will want to invest in effective window coverings.
And condos are usually one level, so you may be walking by your child’s room more often than in a house. As such, you will want the room to be well- designed as much for your own sake as for your child’s.
A few tips on designing the ultimate kid’s condo bedroom:
Baby rooms
Depending on the age of your child, consider whether the bedroom door locks or doesn’t. For a baby or toddler, it’s better to forgo the lock. After all, you wouldn’t want your child to lock himself in during a wilful moment.
Another thing to consider in a baby’s room is how to filter out light. This is especially important if your condo faces south or west because your baby will likely take naps during the bright afternoon.
Houses tend to have smaller windows than condos, thereby reducing the available afternoon light. To ensure your baby sleeps well during nap time, install blackout blinds or drapes over floor- to- ceiling windows. Or consider blackout panels such as those from Restoration Hardware.
Toddler rooms
When your baby becomes mobile you’ll have to rethink the space. For instance, a tiny, cosy nook won’t take up much space in a room and gives your child a place to read or play.
One way to create this area is to hang a small bed canopy over some cute cushions. Alternatively, convert a closet — sans doors — into a reading nook with a curtained entry. This is a great, creative way to save space.
Other essentials for a toddler’s room are a good lamp for soft lighting during story time, a comfy chair for mom or dad and organizational boxes.
Your toddler’s room should not be just a place to sleep, but rather a multi- functional space with a reading corner or cute, esthetic elements that will appeal to a young child. Other fun ideas are painting one wall with chalkboard paint or creating a whiteboard
wall that’s also magnetic.
Preteen and teen rooms
Preteens and teenagers need a private space. One of the cutest rooms I’ve seen recently featured a loft space accessed by a ladder. While this would be hazardous for a younger child, a preteen or teenager would love it.
A space like this also gets you thinking vertically, a great strategy in a condo with high ceilings. A loft area can function as a place for sleepovers, or as a reading or study space. Desk space is also essential in a teen’s room. Large desks are sometimes overrated; perhaps a low shelf may be all that’s needed. And for teens, consider including an ensuite bathroom in your design plan.