Our next blog in the series, “Interior Design: Best Tips to Decorate Your Home” is all about kids! As a child, I remember decorating my room with my mom and being absolutely ecstatic with how it came out—the yellow and blue flowered wallpaper (which I got to help pick out from a wallpaper book), my white desk, and my yellow Crayola crayon fish tank. It was a dream come true. While my mom and I had to wing it, you don’t! We have put together some tips to help you create a functional and beautiful space that your kiddos will absolutely love.
Maximize The Space You Have
Kids spend a lot of time in their rooms, and it’s important to make the most of what you have available. Consider a loft bed to maximize ground space. A desk or a cozy sofa underneath leaves the rest of the room open for play space. Bunk beds like the custom built-in ones we designed in the photo below is a great way to make use of space when decorating for two.
Prioritize Storage
Of course, all those hobbies and interests need some place to go. And no parent likes a messy room, so make it easy for your kids to put things away on their own by prioritizing storage space. Bins on bookshelves, storage crates under the bed, wall hooks, and hangers all work great for organizing ever-evolving toy collections, and clothes they’re quickly outgrowing.
Pro Tip: We find most people don’t properly utilize closet space. A typical builder-grade rod & shelf don’t make good use of the vertical space. In contrast, a thoughtfully laid out closet system with a mix of shelving, drawers, and hanging space is an easy way to organize and hide away your kid’s clothes, and odds and ends. Your designer can help you evaluate your storage needs and design a closet system that is functional for you, whether fully custom or an off-the-shelf option.
Display Space
All kids want to show off their interests, so give them some display space! Some shelves above a desk, a bulletin board or galvanized metal for magnets and pictures gives you an easy and inexpensive way to let your little one decide the feel of their room. Or use inexpensive frames to put up some of their favorite artwork and switch them out periodically.
Have Fun with the Walls
Wallpaper, a mural, or a unique paint treatment is a fun way for your child to express their sense of style. Look for patterns or textures that will grow with them or try easy-on and easy-off wall decals for a quick update that’s easy to switch up. Whether your child loves planes & trains, ballet, or surfing, consider oversized or abstract images of their hobby for a more high-end look. You can also incorporate peel-and-stick cork to give a functional aspect for display as well. You can find it at any local craft store.
Pro tip: The ceiling is a great spot for fun wallpaper too!
Kids change, often
The first thing we always keep in mind when decorating a kid’s room is that children change, and they change fast. As they’re growing, they’re figuring out their hobbies and interests, what they like and don’t like, and those things are going to change many times over the next few years. So, we recommend looking for classic pieces that will stand the test of time and wear and tear for things like dressers and other more permanent pieces. Then sticking with a lower price point for items that you know you will be swapping out later like a child-sized table and chairs. In short: Leave room in your budget to call your designer in a few years when you need to redecorate again!
Here are a few other creative ways to cut costs:
Refurbish old furniture. A vintage piece will not only save on cost but will add character to a space.
Combine an inexpensive ready-made drapery panel with a nice rod and rings.
Refresh rooms with new paint. Paint is one of the best bang-for-your-buck updates you can make.
Check out Target, Ikea, or even Amazon for inexpensive bedding, pillows and/or stuffed animals
Give Them a Space to Escape
Growing up can be tough and we all need to get away from time to time. Work with your child and designer to create a room where they can feel comfortable hanging out with friends or escaping to when they need some alone time! Personalizing your room as a kid is a big part of growing up and expressing individuality, so make sure to involve them as much as they want to be when decorating your kid’s room!
Want to save these kids decorating room ideas for later? Be sure to save this to your Pinterest Kids Decorating Idea Board!
At Viève Interiors, it is our mission to help homeowners love where they live because happy homes are the most beautiful homes! If you need help creating a great space that your kids are excited to come home to and call their own, contact us!
