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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.

If you have a cat, dog, or other pet, you know firsthand how much joy and fun a pet can bring to your life. Pets add a lot of comfort, companionship, and love to our lives, and during the last couple years of the pandemic, pet ownership in Toronto has increased even more. It seems like everyone has a pet these days, and that’s a great thing!

However rewarding it can be to have a pet, though, they can do a number on our homes. From having to sweep and vacuum daily to keep up with a shedding dog to replacing furniture that a cat has clawed, taking care of your home or condo can be a lot more work when you have a pet. Another potential downside of having a pet is on the aesthetic front – a lot of the items that pets need, from food and water dishes to crates and toys, typically aren’t the most stylish. It doesn’t have to be this way, though! Today, we’ve rounded up our top picks for stylish, chic, pet-friendly décor and accessories for your home or condo, along with some tips on how to keep your home both pet-friendly and beautiful. Because you can have a pet and a gorgeous home, too!

Consider Beauty at Every Turn

Many items for pets are designed exclusively for functionality and practicality, with little attention to design and aesthetics. But if you consider your home’s design and how well an item will complement it before adding new items to your home, you’d be surprised at how many high-quality, aesthetically-pleasing items are available.

For example, your dog’s food and water bowls can be chic and stylish – since they live on the floor of your home day in and day out, and you’ll be looking at them daily, this is an easy place to start. Wild One and Best Cat have great options, or you can choose stylish bowls of your choice – after all, a dog or cat’s dishes aren’t inherently different from human dishes! You can also find crates that are minimalist and stylish, such as this one from Revol, and attractive pet beds, including from Brooklyn and Hound (available in three stunning colours to suit any home décor style, these plush, meticulously handcrafted leather dog beds are the statement piece your house had been waiting for!).

Sometimes, pets need specialty items that simply aren’t attractive – for example, pet stairs for an aging pet that wants to make its way up onto the couch or bed. If you allow your pets onto the furniture but don’t want the eyesore of pet stairs, consider adding an ottoman next to your couch or bed instead.

Pick Beautiful Toys

Pig’s ears and rawhide bones may be universally adored by dogs, but they’re unattractive and smelly items to have kicking around your home. Better-looking (and more healthy for your pet) options include rubber toys like the Kong or these chic toys from Wild One.

For cats, opt for a stylish scratching post/climbing tree combo that’s chic and well-designed, like this one from Archie & Oscar, or the Zen Style Rattan Cat Tree from Happy & Polly. Beauty and functionality CAN coexist!

Protect Your Furniture

Pet-friendly fabrics include leather, pleather, and Ultrasuede, a machine-washable microfiber that feels as smooth and seductive as real suede. If you have furniture in other fabrics (such as silk or velvet, for example) and want to keep it protected, invest in a few machine-washable throw blankets that you can toss onto your couch or bed before your dog jumps onto it. The PupProtector Waterproof Throw Blanket in Brown Faux Cowhide, for example, is a chic option. This will make keeping your home clean and fresh-smelling a breeze.

Another way to protect your furniture is to opt for furniture with metal framing and legs, rather than wooden legs, to minimize puppies chewing on it.

Create Smart Storage Options

Having dedicated storage space for your pet’s items is a great way to keep your home looking tidy. Much like children’s toys, pet toys and accessories can sometimes seem to explode, taking over a room or even your whole home – so it’s best to keep them organized and contained.

Choose storage options that mesh well with your home’s existing interior design. You might want to consider baskets or clear plastic storage containers. Including one by the front door is a great idea, so that your dog’s leash, harness, waste bags, and any Frisbees or balls you might want to bring to the dog park are all readily accessible.

Make Vacuuming Fun

There’s no way around it – if you have a pet, regular vacuuming is a must. Keep your home free of pet hair and dust bunnies by investing in a high-quality vacuum machine that makes the job quick and easy. Some amazing options are the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Pro (an upright vacuum named for its miraculous ability to suck up animal hair) or a Roomba (which is an investment but a powerful way to help keep on top of vacuuming without any effort). Having a smaller, handheld vacuum easily accessible for quick vacuuming and spot-cleaning furniture is also a great way to make everyday vacuuming less of a hassle.

If you can, choose rugs that are durable, low-pile, and stain-resistant (wool and carpet tiles are great options), and opt for hard flooring surfaces instead of carpeting wherever possible.

Keeping your pet clean and well-groomed will also help to keep your house or condo cleaner for longer. Keep their nails trimmed to minimize scratches on floors and upholstery, and brush and bathe them regularly to remove loose hair before it ends up all over your home. Invest in a regular schedule of doggy spa visits or some high-quality pet shampoo to make the job easier and more enjoyable.

Do you have a pet? What are your favourite pet-friendly décor items and accessories? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!

BAZIS is a Toronto real estate development company specialized in new construction condos for sale and pre-construction condos in Downtown Toronto. We are 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.

Over the years, there has been more and more research that indicates how the state of our homes has a direct influence on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Naturally, the place where you spend the majority of your time would affect your mood, which is why we see so many articles about how to decorate and organize our spaces. Interior design trends are a way to guide you and your home to inner peace.

Entering the third year of the global pandemic, we’re seeing those trends evolve to accommodate our new present. Trends include natural elements, multi-functional and high tech spaces, and a step away from minimalism to something more colourful and expressive. Here are the biggest design trends of 2022.

Maximalism or Grand Millennialism

Grand Millennialism is a curated style that derives from the Millennial generation. Last year, we saw a growing trend in Grand Millennialism, and this year it’s taking flight. Grand Millennialism is a rejection of mainstream minimalistic design, and a move toward a more traditional, self-expressive, nostalgic style that honours history and craftsmanship. Gone are the days of minimalistic white walls and white furniture. Pleated lampshades, floral and damask-printed wallpapers, needlepoint pillows and Victorian furniture are some of the items that Grand Millennialism is gravitating toward.

Natural Elements

With so many of us working from home and spending more time indoors, there’s a strong desire to reconnect with nature. Within the home, this can be reflected in the form of nature-inspired surfaces and objects. More and more people are incorporating stone, clay, wood and terracotta into their home designs. These earthy materials can be used throughout the home, in flooring, countertops, backsplashes and accessories. The raw, porous and imperfect elements of these organic materials create visual intrigue while mimicking the calm beauty of the outdoors. Many people are also opting to have more plants at home, with large indoor trees being the latest trend.

Multi-Functional Spaces

As we enter the third year of the pandemic, having multi-functional spaces is necessary, as our homes have become our offices and our gyms. This year there’s a move toward dual-purpose rooms, as we expect our homes to work harder for us. Expect to see a den that’s been converted into an office, a spare bedroom outfitted with a desk, a dining room lined with books, or a bedroom with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

Colour

While in the beginning of the pandemic, many favoured a clean white aesthetic, we’re now seeing people rediscovering themselves and wanting to incorporate more of their personalities into their homes. Neutrals will take more of a backseat in 2022, as more people begin to experiment with colour, however the palette will stay close to what is found in nature. People are looking to create cozy and inviting spaces by using warm earthy tones like cocoa brown or rosy terracotta, which are on the upswing, as well as emerald greens and cognac.

High-Tech

Interior home design continues to evolve with advancements in technology. Designers are working to incorporate the latest technology to create seamless, effortless and convenient home experiences that are both immersive and futuristic. Wireless speakers, smart home security systems, solar-powered lighting, smart faucets, air purifiers and noise-cancelling windows are just a few of the trends we’re seeing. Tech trends are quickly becoming the norm rather than a luxury, and as long as you have a smartphone, outlet and Wi-Fi connection, you’re able to achieve this at home.

Vintage and Sustainable Accents

As more people become concerned with climate change and minimizing our carbon footprint, many people are opting for sustainable, recycled or upcycled accents in their homes. Whether it be incorporating sustainable fabrics, vintage décor or refurbished furniture, you can easily reduce your footprint while enriching your home with history, culture and spirit.

What 2022 interior design trend do you find the most exciting? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!

With summer just around the corner and the pandemic still in full swing, now’s a great time to spruce up your yard and build your very own oasis.

Here are 5 ways to improve your backyard and make staying at home more enjoyable than ever:

Design a Space to Hang Out with Friends and Family

Designing an outdoor space can be daunting, but the best backyards have designated areas that are created with specific experiences and ambiances in mind. Start your design by creating a nice and relaxing seating area. A deck or patio is a wonderful way to unwind and relax while enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Create an Outdoor Living Space

Whether you enjoy BBQs or gardening, sunbathing or playing with the kids, there’s no shortage of ways to design your outdoor space. Once you’ve laid the groundwork for your patio, it’s time to furnish it. Consider a nice dining table to host dinners under the stars, a sofa or chairs where you and your family can hang out and relax, or a gazebo or umbrella to protect you from the sun.

Get Creative with Delightful Decorating

Now that your space is coming together, thoughtful touches can really elevate your yard. You might want to include some mood lighting, whether it be a romantic string of lights over your seating area, glowing tiki torches to keep the bugs away, or modern pot lights in the grass. Plant beautiful and fragrant flowers, lay down a stone path, or design a beautiful entranceway. Backyard water features such as a little fountain can make your oasis enchanting and peaceful.

Splurge on Fun Outdoor Appliances

With temperatures rising, thoughts automatically turn to BBQs and entertaining on the patio. When purchasing appliances, you want to make sure that you buy things that are weatherproof so that you can stay out and enjoy the party. Consider a BBQ, grill, or pizza oven to cook fabulous meals, and a cooler to keep your drinks cold. Install some Bluetooth speakers to listen to music while you spend time in your beautiful backyard. If you enjoy roasting marshmallows with the family, install a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace and bring the magic of camping to your very own backyard.

Enjoy the Summer and Have Fun!

Now that you’ve set up your beautiful oasis, it’s time to have fun! Fun comes in many shapes and forms. If you have kids, you could build forts or tree houses, or invest in a tent and camp under the stars. Build a swimming pool and splash around in the sun, or set up a badminton net and get your game on! Grow a fruit and vegetable garden. The options are endless.

Are you planning on upgrading your backyard this summer? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!