Thinking about how to design a timeless look for your child's room but not sure how to go about it? First, let me congratulate you for realizing that truly, a child's room need not look like Disneyland nor be a combination of bright colors and busyness. I'd say leave that look for the play center at the mall, and instead envelop your child, for years to come, in a feeling of calmness and stability which can quite simply be achieved by starting with the choices you make in furniture, wall color and decorative items. And generally speaking, when you design a room based on neutral or muted colors, the room can easily transition to meet the aesthetic needs of your child as they grow. Of course, you'll need to back that up with amazing parenting that includes lots of reading and cuddle sessions, so designing a child's room that you love spending time in too is also a plus.
Okay, lets take a look at some basic tips for how to design a timeless kid's room, using the amazing style and product selection from Papaya Homewares, an inspiring Australian brand that speaks to my personal aesthetic 100%. (Their fabulous combination of both modern/scandinavian design with an eye on sustainability and natural materials is perfect in my humble opinion.) Now if I can just get a boat headed my way, I'd load it up with their furniture and create my own timeless adult house? Okay, enough about me, lets talk about how you can put together that wonderful room for your child. Ready? let's do it.......
Start With A Great Bed
Since the bed is the most important piece of furniture in any bedroom, why not make it the design statement as well? Of course the bed needs to be super comfortable and cozy, and even better if there is a headboard so your child can comfortably sit in bed and read! I love these beds with upholstered head boards that have a child friendly look, but also a grown up elegant one! Plus a bed like this one is easy to make, meaning the kids can get involved with that from the start, and it is perfect for piling on the pillows that will naturally stand up with the support of the head board. Take note of the light hung low over the bed and the modern bedside table that is also timeless.
Add A Cozy Rug
There is nothing quite like a soft rug to add that extra touch to a bedroom, and even a small rug next to the bed, or under the reading chair accomplishes that same feeling. Go for something with pile for added elegance, though a woven rug can be more practical in terms of picking it up for cleaning, and it also looks great. Just think soothing neutral colors that are a backdrop rather than calling attention to themselves!
Add A Big Chair For At Least Two
It is true, not everyone has the luxury of a child's bedroom that can include a large ottoman or super cozy chair, in which case not to worry, sitting on the child's bed is also perfect for story time. But if you do have room, well, go for something super comfortable that fits you and at least one child or even two. Of course if you do have room for a large chair, you may opt for something that also converts into a single bed, perfect for when a child has a friend or relative sleep over. Just don't compromise style for function in this case, and it needs to be cozy, which your child will also appreciate as they grow, as a place to sit themselves!
Hang Great Looking Lighting
I just had to smile as even the dog was selected by the stylist to match the color scheme, amazing! That said lets talk about lighting, which is a truly important element in a child's room, as it creates a warm feeling after dark, and can be a decorative element by day. While of course one needs a variety of lighting solutions that allow reading for example, do make sure to include lighting that is mostly to set the mood, meaning soft indirect light, or a light fixture that glows. I love this hanging fixture (note the hanging height!) that is both playful and sophisticated, right? Include a string of fairy lights or a string of little balls of light on an opposite wall, for a fun look come nightfall.
Don't Forget the Cozy Blankets and Throws
Cozy blankets and throws are a great way to add subtle color and coziness to any child's room. Kids love blankets, so don't deprive them! You might opt for some linen or cotton blankets for spring and summer, and fleece blankets for winter, a great way to reflect the changing season. Dedicate a specific drawer, bin, or basket to hold extra blankets to keep them clean but also on hand for when they are needed for warmth, play, or to bring into another room.
Add A Pile Of Pillows
Pillows, pillows and more pillows I say! Pillows are a great way to add color, texture and even cuteness to a child's room, and of course they are functional as well. A pile of pillows is a great decorative element as you can see above, though practically speaking I'd get some great looking baskets to store them in when not in use. Pillows are also something that can be switched out seasonally, namely change the covers from velvet to linen or flannel to cotton, for example, for a fun way to mark the coming of spring or fall.
You Can Never Have Too Many Great Looking Baskets
I love baskets, and they come in so many shapes, sizes and colors that one can truly have fun with them. They are both decorative and functional, and add a warm rustic touch and some texture to decor which might be on the minimal side. Basket trays can be hung on the wall for a rustic decorative touch, and you can opt for ratan hooks or furniture if you like. Or go for rope baskets, (upper right photo), to stow stuffed animals and toys. Rope or fabric baskets have the added benefit that they can be collapsed when not is use, and they come in a variety of sizes, which can be very practical. Ah yes, and don't forget, baskets look great accessorized with pom poms and tassels, which you can add yourself for a cute look that can be removed as the child grows. (Or you may just steal them for yourself?)
I hope you've enjoyed this guide with tips for how to design a timeless kid's room, it really is quite simple, especially when you decide ahead of time to stick to a very simple color palette, as seen in all the photos I've included in this post. If you love bright color, then of course you can choose to use it in a small way, on accessories (like neon light chords) a bag or basket you might hang as a decorative touch, or those pom poms I mentioned above, or on a pillow or two. (Or maybe the child's wardbrobe is the blast of color?) Keep in mind that bright color might be happy, but generally does not convey the calm feeling of soft and neutral colors. Take some time to look at photos of kid's rooms, and decide which look speaks to you! Enjoy!
