Interior Design for the most challenging of clients: The Kids

By Freya O’Malley Interior Designer

As an interior designer, I am always so excited when I get to design a kids bedroom. It's a chance to unleash creativity, incorporating areas for sleep, play, and schoolwork, while considering their colour preferences and interests. However, it's important to strike a balance and ensure that the design will withstand the test of time. After all, we all know how quickly children's tastes can change. Before embarking on the expensive job of refurbishing your child’s bedroom, I have compiled some top tips for a lasting and joyful design that will help create a space your children will love and enjoy for years to come.

Make wise, practical furniture choices

When it comes to choosing furniture for a kids bedroom, it is wise to select pieces that will grow with them. Avoid overly juvenile, small or themed furniture that they may outgrow in a few years. Instead, invest in timeless, wellcrafted pieces that can adapt to changing preferences. Classic wooden beds, dressers, and desks can be easily updated with new bedding, accessories, and decorations as their tastes evolve. You will find cost effective quality pieces on Facebook MarketPlace or eBay that will last longer, save money and this is a more sustainable way to buy.

Kids' bedrooms often become cluttered with toys, books, and various belongings, so incorporating versatile storage solutions is essential. Consider shelves, storage boxes, and baskets that can accommodate different sizes and types of items. This will make it easier for children to keep their rooms tidy and help them develop good habits (we can dream!).

Unleash their interests and creativity

Encourage creativity by dedicating a corner of their room to being artistic. Set up an easel or a chalkboard wall where they can freely express themselves. Display their artwork on a pinboard, allowing them to take ownership of their space. This not only adds a personal touch to the room but also serves as a source of inspiration and a means for self-expression.

Why not dedicate a cosy corner in the bedroom to a reading nook? Include a comfortable chair or bean bag, a small bookshelf, and soft lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. Make it super inviting with cushions, teddies and blankets. You can even add a canopy or tipi to make it more enclosed and snug.

Display themes and coloured items which are easy to update

Children are often drawn to bright, vibrant colours that they may go off as they get older. Although repainting a wall is one of the easier DIY jobs, you’re not going to want to redecorate every time s/he has a new favourite colour. Keeping the backdrop of their bedroom neutral, or having a more muted variation of their current colour of choice is always an option. You can always add the punchy colours through bedding, curtains, rugs, and artwork that is easier to update as the years pass. You could even consider using removable wallpaper or wall decals with their favourite themes.

My 8-year-old son, for example, asked for a desert island themed bedroom. Instead of going all out installing a Robinson Crusoeesk space, we chose a gorgeous deep green for the walls, some nature oriented artwork in frames that can be switched in the future, and removable decals of palm trees. Although there is a nod to the desert island, it wouldn’t take much to remove all evidence in a couple of easy steps. We complemented the decoration with a vintage desk, a good-sized bed that he won’t grow out of too soon, plus lamps and a rug he loved that worked with the colour palette but not themed. By focusing on easily changeable elements, you can update the room without a complete overhaul when their interests shift.

While it's essential to avoid overly themed designs that may quickly lose their appeal, a subtle theme or personalised touches can add character to the room. For example, incorporate decorative items related to your child's hobbies or interests. These can be easily swapped out as their passions evolve, ensuring a room that remains relevant and engaging.

Ensure the space is functional, flexible and safe

A child's bedroom needs to be a flexible space that can accommodate various activities, including sleeping, playing, and studying. It’s always best to start the design process with this multifunctionality in mind. Include a desk or a dedicated study area where they can focus on homework, or if they are not at that age yet, use it for creative play. Make sure you provide ample floor space for playing with toys (watch out for lego pieces, they hurt!) and consider furniture with builtin storage solutions to maximize the room's functionality

Depending on your little one's age, safety may be a top concern. If so, consider furniture with rounded edges and avoid small decorative items that could pose a choking hazard. Make sure you secure heavy furniture to the walls to prevent tipping accidents. Choose non-toxic materials for flooring, paint, and furnishings to promote a healthy and safe environment.

My biggest tip is to involve your child in the design process. You will then create a bedroom that reflects their personality whilst you have your sensible hat on ensuring your ticking the longevity box. Ask for their input on colour choices, decorations, and furniture options. By including them in the decision-making, you’ll empower them to take ownership of their space and with that comes pride and hopefully a level of respect for the room. I can’t promise tidy bedrooms, just enjoyable ones.

If you would like any advice on redesigning your home, please get in touch.

Freya O’Malley Interior Designer Studio FLO www.sutudioflo.co.uk