Photo Credit: Rikki Snyder | Dear Elizabeth Interiors
This story was contributed by Lindsey Harrison of New Canaan and Darien Moms and Dear Elizabeth Interiors.
As an interior designer, I find decorating kids room to be some of the most fun and rewarding spaces to design. Contrary to popular belief, designing a room for your child doesn’t mean creating a space they’ll quickly outgrow or choosing furniture with the expectation that it will need to be replaced after inevitable wear and tear. Instead, the secret is to invest thoughtfully in a timeless foundation and let the details evolve right alongside your kiddos. Because let’s be honest, today it’s dinosaurs, tomorrow it’s basketball and a year from now, they are ready to join NASA—ha!
Photo Credit: Rikki Snyder | Dear Elizabeth Interiors
Here are 5 simple tips for creating a bedroom your child will love to grow with:
Keep the Theme Light
When your little one is obsessed with a particular animal, color or character it can be tempting to lean all in. Instead of committing to a full-blown theme, try taking a more sophisticated approach. Does your child love jungle animals? Rather than covering the walls in safari decals, start with a warm color palette, frame a beautiful animal photograph and bring in natural, woven accents.
Invest in Furniture That Grows With Them
This is one place where it really pays to think long term. Don’t think of the furniture as an expense, but rather an investment. Choose classic, well-crafted pieces that can grow with your child through every stage. Skip the dedicated changing table and invest in a beautiful dresser with a removable changing topper. Once the diaper days are behind you, and that topper is gifted to a pregnant friend, you’ll be left with a timeless and functional piece of furniture that will live in their room for years to come.
Make Storage Easy – and Concealable
We know kids (and grownups too) accumulate a lot of stuff, so thoughtful storage is essential, especially if you want the room to feel calm and collected. Custom built-in cabinets are ideal and easy to reach soft baskets that conceal everyday clutter but make it simple for little ones to put away themselves is priority. If the cleanup feels doable enough for a five-year-old to manage, anything that helps is a win.
Photo Credit: Rikki Snyder | Dear Elizabeth Interiors
Let Their Toys Become the Décor
Toys, books, self-made art and little treasures are some of the easiest ways to bring personality into a child’s room, and they don’t always have to be permanent decisions. Display what they’re currently obsessed with on shelves or picture ledges. Rotate books, toys and collectibles as their interests change. It’s a great way to make the room feel personal and special, a space where they get to see things they love day in and day out.
Photo Credit: Rikki Snyder | Dear Elizabeth Interiors
Create Flexible Zones
When planning the room, always think beyond what the space needs today and give each area room to evolve. An art table may become a homework station, a play zone may turn into a cozy reading nook. Flexibility is key.
The goal isn’t to create a room that never changes, it’s to create a room that supports the growth of your child. Start with a timeless foundation, invest in pieces that can work hard for years and let your child’s personality be the star. Kids rooms should feel happy, personal and uniquely their own. After all, Mom’s most happy when her kids are happy!
