When it comes to decorating a child's room, my go-to style is without a doubt Scandinavian! Why you may ask? Scandinavian style means focusing on key pieces (like something too adorable for words....) and a soothing or maybe dramatic color palette, while allowing the empty space to provide room to breathe, and letting each piece in the room speak for itself. Scandinavian style has a certain carefree vibe that is both comforting and inspiring. And best of all, you can really mix and match. One of the benefits of pursuing a minimal style, is that for example, when you simply change the sheets to a new pattern or color, wow, it can really create a whole new look without changing anything else in the room.
Since I am talking about "Scandinavian style" lets delve just a bit deeper and talk about Scandinavian design, which is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the early 20th century, and flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Scandinavian design is marked by a focus on clean, simple lines, minimalism, and functionality, without sacrificing beauty. Scandinavian interior design today blends textures and soft hues to make sleek, modern décor feel warm and inviting. There is an emphasis on clean lines, utility, and furnishings that are simple yet functional, beautiful, and cozy! Small bursts of color, layered bedding, warm wood, muted colors and a mix of textures, together with modern furniture create a look that is perfect in so many ways and certainly lends itself to kids rooms! Lets take a look at how to add just the right touches to a child's room to achieve that Scandinavian style.
Above: Take note of the bedding, the bunting, the string lights, the canopy to match the color scheme and that adorable stuffed animal!
Start With The Bed
Start with a great looking bed! This house shaped bed, which I believe has been copied many times over and is available in white, grey and natural wood, instantly turns any bedroom into a great looking space. Add fun sheets, a canopy, maybe some lights and a fabric bunting, and wow, very little else is needed in the room, with the exception of say a dresser, a basket or two, and maybe some great wall art. If a house bed is not in the cards, do hang a canopy (but not over a crib please, this is not safe) which also makes a great design statement!
Add Some Shelves And Framed Posters
Shelves to display natural wood toys, handcrafted items and maybe some baskets or small plants are always a great addition to any child's room. Think about a book corner made by hanging shelves or picture ledges at the child's height, that allow books to be handy and also serves as a decorative element in the room. There are so many ways to go with posters, and there are some great Scandinavian style pieces out there that have the minimal/adorable style. I do recommend going with at least one piece that can grow with the child and even be hung in their own home one day. I'd say go for customizable star map posters, (seen in the photo above) that shows the stars in the sky on the day the child was born. So sweet and at the same time a great design piece to hang almost anywhere!
Don't Forget The Adorable Stuffed Animals And Fun Pillows
Add some fun pillows (love the cloud shaped pillow) and stuffed animals, but of course keep in mind the color scheme and Scandinavian aesthetic. Just a few stuffed animals is more than enough, or for the extras, get a nice basket to keep them organized and to keep the clutter at bay, clutter is not Scandinavian style!
Pile On The Cozy Blankets
Cozy and textured blankets in a variety of patterns and styles, but within the same color scheme are so very delightful. They looked great nicely folded on a chair or shelf, and are wonderful to have on hand for story time, or to give the child's bed an extra cozy feeling. Think about adding a cozy rug as well, like a sheepskin to complete the look. Maybe the sheepskin only comes out at winter time, and in the summer you replace it with a flat woven rug, or mat of some kind.
Twinkle Lights Set The Mood
Once you have all the basic elements that make a great looking child's room, thing about the lighting, which really sets the mood! Of course, a great ceiling light is important, and you may opt for a bedside light mounted on the wall, but don't forget the tiny string lights that truly make the room feel magical!
Add Some DIY Touches
A few handcrafted or DIY touches add that extra sense of love to your child's room. Whether it is a hand knit or crocheted pillow, wall hanging or blanket, or even a little puppet theater to place in a corner. Pom pom garlands that you've made with yarn or even ready made felt balls are so sweet, as are decorative kites made with simple Scandinavian style fabric. If you are especially crafty, why not make your own stencil and add some little trees, boats or animals here and there around the room, or maybe just at the baseboard? There are so many ways to have fun, and to show your child how important they are to you by investing in their room. Plus friends, it is truly so much fun, so go for it!
I hope you've enjoyed this little guide to putting together your own Scandinavian style kid's room, I think I need one for myself!
