Feeling stuck for kids bedroom or playroom ideas? I’ve got 5 easy to use tips to get you started…
Designing a child’s space should be fun, yet it can sometimes feel overwhelming! As an adult, we are often not sure that we want all of the crazy bright primary colours, yet we do want to create a welcoming and inviting space for the little people in our lives. Don’t worry, I understand your dilemma!
I have two young boys of my own and can sometimes feel overrun by the toys and chaos. I designed the mood board above with my boys in mind (they are currently 3 and 6 years old) and in it I’ve included my 5 top tips for creating a room scheme with little ones in mind. Want to know my secrets? Read on!
1. Go for muted colours
Notice how in the mood board above I’ve used the traditional primary colours of red, yellow and blue but they don’t clash and hurt your eyes? That’s because they are muted versions of those colours. They are still pretty bold and eye catching, yet they are more on the pastel or dulled end of the spectrum (meaning they have white or grey/black as a base colour). These kind of colours will keep your room looking fun but not overwhelming visually.
2. Get some adult friendly seating if you can
A comfy armchair or sofa is a must in a child’s playroom. You don’t need to spend a fortune – we have an well-loved grey one from John Lewis in our playroom. It makes all the difference to the space having invested in a good 2 seater sofa though! It’s comfy for everyone to sit on and read stories and I can see that it will last our boys well into their teen years when the room inevitably becomes a ‘get away from the parents’ space. It also adds a grown up element to the room which means it’s seen as a place to be used by all – not just a dumping ground for toys!
3. If in doubt, you can’t go far wrong with black wall stickers!
If money is tight and you’re not sure how to decorate a child’s room, then I highly recommend some black wall stickers. Black stickers add fun but still allow the space to feel ‘designed’. They are also very easy to remove again, so a great renter friendly option.
4. Don’t scrimp on the design talent
There are some fabulous designers who have created fun ranges within their portfolio to cater for children’s rooms. This gorgeous blind is by Orla Kiely. I love it paired against the darker grey/blue in the image above. The mood board above also features a great border by Cole and Son. Who says that kids spaces can’t showcase good design?
5. Invest in your flooring
It’s important to make wise choices when decorating a child’s room. Something easy to clean is a must! This mood board contains wood effect laminate flooring (easy to clean, check) and also a blue swatch of carpet that can be made into a warm and cosy rug. And guess what? The carpet is completely washable too! (It’s from Unnatural Flooring if you’re interested).
Where can I buy these items?
Here’s where you can buy the wallpaper, paint and flooring featured in the mood board:
Wallpaper border: Whimsical in Scaramouche, Cole and Son
Blind: Cars – Orla Kiely House, Blinds 2 Go
Linen fabric in shadow, Swyft
Velvet fabric in Brick, Swyft
Carpet: Andes (Jay), Unnatural Flooring
Yellow Dinosaur painted in Happy Daze, Crown Matt Vinyl
Blue Dinosaur painted in Flagon, Crown Matt Vinyl
This mood board first featured on Inside Stylists, the industry website for Interior Stylists, writers and Styling Assistants. I work as a styling assistant for Inside Stylists (another string to my interior design bow)! Go check out the site for some more fabulous inspiration and to see some of my other work. And don’t forget, if you are looking for an interior designer in Kent, you can reach me via my contact me page.
Claire Parkin Interior Design 