Posted February 7 in Expert Tips & Advice

7 tips for designing a bedroom your kid will love

When designing a kid’s bedroom, the traditional ‘rules’ no longer apply. These days, the space can be as stylish as it is fun.

One of the key things to consider is choosing a room that’s big enough for play but far enough from the master bedroom to provide a sense of privacy. Then, it’s time to decorate it with your little one (and their interior style) in mind.

‘The idea is to let the room grow with them! You want to avoid redesigning the core elements of the space every few years,’ says Boutique Home’s Interior Designer, Shihanie Ranasinghe. 

‘Setting a timeless base and then swapping out toys, soft furnishings, and features as the years go by will save you both time and money,’ continues Shihanie.

 


Below, she steps you through her top tips for creating a functional and fun bedroom that your family will love for years.

1. Select flooring that’s designed for play

Your flooring should be equal parts soft for little knees and easy to keep clean. While many parents will choose carpets in bedrooms for a cosy ambiance, families with little kids should consider laminate flooring.

‘Wood-look flooring is easy to clean following a spill and is a hardy option for high-traffic areas – simply soften with a stone-coloured floor rug in the children’s play corner,’ suggests Shihanie.

‘Laminate floors and rugs have the added benefit of being hypoallergenic when compared to carpet, especially important if any of your children suffer from allergies.’

If you do choose carpets in your minor bedrooms, ‘opt for mousey brown or stone colours. Mid tones tend to hide imperfections much more readily than carpets that are too light or too dark,’ explains Shihanie.

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Untitled design

2. Invest in ‘wash and wear’ paints 

While you may say ‘no drawing on the walls,’ unfortunately, mini-Picassos often have their own ideas for choosing a canvas for their masterpiece.

Paints like Dulux Wash and Wear come with an in-built barrier technology that helps protect your walls from marks, scuffs, and stains – simply use a damp cloth to wipe away any marks. 

Read more: Choosing the perfect paint for your new home. 

Another tip? Shihanie recommends ‘choosing a Matt finish to minimise light reflection and provide a subtle sheen. It’ll leave your walls with that freshly painted feel.’

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3. Add pops of colour

Future-proof your child’s room by sticking to a base palette of warm and cool whites. Then, add pops of their favourite feature colours through the soft furnishings, bedding, rugs, or a painted feature wall.

‘Warm yellows, playful orange, faded lavenders, or pastel colours work well to create a lively, fun ambiance while remaining sophisticated,’ says Shihanie.   

‘If possible, try to incorporate one or two feature colours that are present throughout the rest of your home to ensure a cohesive interior.’

4. Don’t skimp on your storage

The secret to a clean and tidy children’s room? Ok, there isn’t one. But what will help keep your little one’s room clear of clutter is adequate storage. Give everything a place by including storage above and beyond a chest of drawers and a hanging robe.

‘Open shelving on the wall is the perfect place for displaying their books and toys. This helps to create a tidy room while also bringing a fun atmosphere to the space,’ suggests Shihanie.

‘I also love putting little wicker or cane baskets along the floor for their books and toys. With the baskets in easy reach, you can even create a game out of stacking their things away once playtime is over.’ A win for everyone. 

5. Light up their play space

Ensure reading and playtime is fully lit, with plenty of neutral-toned downlights. Just don’t forget to add dimmer switches for when it comes time to wind down for bed.

Read more: Light up your home: How to create effective and beautiful home lighting.

‘A cute animal nightlight or bedside lamp is a practical accessory that also adds a bit of fun and personality to their space,’ adds Shihanie.

6. Play with framed wallpapers and prints

Colourful patterned or animal print wallpapers can be a fun addition to any child’s bedroom. The trouble is that they can quickly overwhelm the space and prove frustrating to change as they get older. 

A compromise that won’t break the bank?

‘Take a square of your favourite wallpaper print and frame it on the wall. Alternatively, ask your child to create a colourful picture that can hang in pride of place,’ says Shihanie.

‘They’ll love that their work is on display but that it also brings a strong sense of personality and individuality to the bedroom. It’ll be far more precious to you than any designer print you’ll buy!’

7. Create interior zones with your furnishings

Be clever with your furnishing choices and ensure their bedroom is for more than just sleeping. Maximise space by installing a bunkbed for future siblings or sleepovers. Add a bookshelf, soft chair, and warm floor lamp to a corner to create a reading nook.

‘A little arts and crafts table is a great addition to your kids’ bedroom and will reduce the chances of their ‘art’ ending up on your wall,’ adds Shihanie.

‘In the end, you know your child best. Try to customise the space to meet their personality and favourite activities.’ 

 

 

Are you ready to find the perfect home design for your family?

Reach out to one of our expert New Homes Consultants today.

 

Have you found ‘The One’?

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