Designing a kids’ room can be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be a challenging one. You want to create a space that is both functional and appealing to your child’s interests and personality. From selecting the right colour scheme to choosing the perfect furniture and décor, there are many factors to consider when designing a kids’ room. With some careful planning and creativity, you can create a space that your child will love and enjoy for years to come.
To design a room that’s both practical and stylish, follow these simple steps:
#1: Start with a Plan
Before you start purchasing furniture and picking out wallpaper, you need to ask yourself some questions to get a better understanding of the growing needs of your child (or children) and how best to accommodate them.
Question #1: How old is your child?
Kids at different ages have different needs. Are you designing for a baby or a toddler, a child or a teenager?
Question #2: Is the room for one child or multiple children?
Designing a room for one child is pretty straightforward, but if you’re designing for two, you’ll need to consider the dimensions of the space, and try to create separate areas for each child. Will your kids have the option of moving to separate rooms as they grow older? If not, you will need to solutions to future privacy issues.
Question #3: How long are you planning to live in this home?
Are you planning to live in your home short-term or long-term? How long do you need the space to work for your child? Can you make the space work for them when they’re 5 years old and 14 years old?
#2: Design the Room
Once you know the answers to the questions above, you can move forward with designing the room. Make a list of all the furniture you think your child may need. Every home has different needs, but the staples of most kids’ rooms are beds, desks and storage. The easiest way to create a layout is to start with the bed, and then work your way around the room assessing the needs of your child. Be sure to consider the flow of the room; you want it be functional and comfortable. Take into consideration the placement of the door, electrical outlets, windows, closet and nooks. Also, consider the age of your child. Safety is important, especially with younger children. Try to avoid furniture that has sharp edges and find pieces that are sturdy and durable. Once you’ve settled on the furniture you plan to use, measure the pieces and use tape to section off the room in the layout you’ve designed. This will help you visualize the space you have.
#3: Choose the Right Furniture
Bed: When deciding on a bed for your child, there are a couple of things you need to consider: how old is your child, are they sharing a room with their sibling, and how large is the room? Another thing to keep in mind is that kids grow up fast and they need their room to grow with them. If you’re designing for a baby or toddler, you might consider a cot or day bed, but for older children, you might want to purchase a larger bed now that you can customize later to their growing needs. Twin beds are a no-brainer, and are a great option for siblings who share a room, however you might want to consider bunk beds if you’re short on space. You can also consider investing in bunk beds that can later be converted into twin beds. Even if you don’t have the space now, you never know in the future and it’s good to have the option.
When buying a bed for your child, you also need to consider spacing, storage and sleepovers. If the room is small and you can’t accommodate two single beds, trundle beds are a great solution, providing an additional sleeping area that can be used during sleepovers. Loft beds are an excellent option to maximize floor space, and create a nook underneath that can serve as play space or desk area.
In terms of design, the best place to arrange the bed is across the room from the door. This is typically the best place in terms of light, acoustics and comfort. Place the bed down the centre of the room, allowing access on both sides of the bed, or, alternatively, if space is limited, push it against the wall. Just keep in mind that next to the window can be too bright, or hot or cold depending on the season, and ideally you don’t want to keep the bed next to a radiator.
Desk: Once you’ve decided on the mattress, consider getting a desk or table, and place it opposite to the bed. Having a designated workspace where your child can do their homework and study is important for them to focus and stay organized. If your child is younger, consider a play table where they can do arts and crafts or read their favourite books. Choose a desk with ample storage space based on their age. A young child will need space to keep art materials and books whereas an older child may need filing cabinets for their schoolwork and projects. Consider a desk with an upper hutch or drawers on the side for extra storage space.
Place the desk opposite to the bed to create a separate space where your child can focus on their schoolwork. Also, consider placing the desk next to a window as natural light inspires creativity and helps kids to focus and stay energized.
#4: Plan for Chaos
Kids have a lot of stuff and their rooms can get messy fast, but you can help your child stay organized by creating storage spaces for them. Adjustable shelving is a must-have as you can make adjustments as your child grows; what starts off as a place to store toys can later accommodate books, photo albums and other mementos. Make sure the shelving is safely fixed to the wall and that it’s accessible. If it’s too high, it won’t be used. If spacing is limited, build cabinets and floating shelves up the walls but make sure essential items are within reach. A combination of open and closed storage is best. Toys and items that are used often are easy to spot and access while items that are used less often can be stored away and hidden for a cleaner look. Consider transparent drawers for younger children, as well as baskets and bins that can store toys and be moved around easily. Chests are also a good option as they can store larger toys and books for young children but also schoolwork, or clothes, as they get older. If you’re having trouble keeping the clutter to a minimum, invest in hooks, under-the-bed storage crates, book rails and furniture with storage such as armoires and dressers.
#5: Decorate the Room
When it comes to decorating a child’s room, it’s important to strike a balance between functionality and fun. One of the first things to consider is the child’s age and interests, as these will inform the overall theme and colour scheme of the room. If your child is old enough, you can encourage them to participate in the design by asking them their favourite colour or animal and working it into the design. For younger children, playful patterns and bright colours can create a cheerful atmosphere, while older kids may prefer more subtle décor with pops of their favourite hues.
Something to keep in mind is that design trends constantly change, and children grow up fast and develop their own interests and personal taste. You might be tempted to paint your child’s room a bright colour or purchase some funky wallpaper, but often it’s best to keep things simple and neutral. When considering the walls, opt for neutral colours, or wallpaper with a timeless print like soft geometric shapes that works for both a young child and a teenager. Keep in mind that wallpaper is harder to change or remove, so if you have your heart set on a certain print or theme, consider using it only in one section of the room such as the closet or one of the walls, while keeping the rest of the room neutral. The same principle goes for furniture. It’s best to keep the basic items simple and neutral and to brighten up the room with decorations, wall stickers or murals. Add in pops of colour and age-appropriate prints to textiles, artwork, lampshades, rugs, etc.
#6: Create a Special Space for Your Child
Designing a play area for children requires careful consideration of several factors. First and foremost, safety should be the top priority. The play area should be free of hazards such as sharp edges or small parts that can be swallowed. It should also be designed to promote physical activity and imaginative play. Install soft flooring such as foam mats or carpeting to cushion falls. Next, consider the age and interests of your child. Provide a variety of toys and activities that promote imagination, creativity and physical activity. This can include items such as blocks, puzzles, balls and a small climbing structure.
Alternatively, you can create a private nook for your child to escape to for some alone time where they read, relax and unwind. First, choose a cozy corner or space that’s away from distractions and that provides a sense of privacy. Next, select child-friendly furniture such as bean bags or floor cushions, and gather materials such as sheets, blankets, pillows and cushions to create a cozy and comfortable space. Finally, add some fun and personal touches, such as fairy lights or posters, to make the nook feel special and unique to your child. With these simple steps, any parent can create a magical and adventurous space for their child to play and relax in.
Do you have any questions about designing your child’s room? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!
BAZIS is a real estate development company specializing in developing communities and pre construction condos in Toronto area. We’re committed to excellence in every facet of the commercial and residential real estate development process. Combining visionary architecture, design, marketing and construction with the epitome of corporate integrity and environmental responsibility, BAZIS has become a major force in articulating Toronto’s ever-evolving skyline.