How to Design a Thoughtful and Inspiring Kid’s Room

According to Houzz, a kid’s room is not on the list for top-remodeled rooms in homes. But we think it is time to prioritize a kid’s room! In an ideal situation, each child would have their own bedroom and a common room to play or hang out in. This is especially true for older children and teenagers who value privacy and having their own sanctuary.  

Whether you are creating a children’s bedroom, playroom, or both, the idea should be to create an inspired and comfortable space for your children to grow in. Read on for some tips on what to include in your room plans.  

The Big Color Debate 

A muted, elegant color palette or a loud primary-color one? This seems to be one of the biggest debates among designers and parents alike. Some believe muted tones “create sad children” while others believe these colors promote calmness.  

Some studies have shown that loud, bright colors are essential to child development and visual stimulation, but other studies show too many colors are distracting. Our belief is that it is ideal to have a good mix of colors, especially for young children. You can still have your neutrals but throw in some bright colors to keep things interesting and whimsical. Don’t be afraid to use color. In fact, we think the colorful room below is just as aesthetic as the minimalist room on the left.

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Involve Your Children in the Design Process 

As parents, it is easy to step in and make decisions for our children. However, since this room is going to be for your child, it is best to ask them what they would like to have in their room if they are old enough to communicate input. For example, ask them if they have a color preference. The design process is fun, and it is exciting to see their vision come to life! 

Bookshelf and Storage Cabinet Ideas 

If there’s one thing that is important in a kid’s room, it is organization. Things such as toys and art supplies are prone to clutter. Teach your children the importance of having a neat and orderly room by having ample storage space. When there’s a home for everything, clean-up is quick and easy.  

Built-in storage is one way to keep organized. Although it may be the costliest option, the result is the most customized and high-end. You can tell your cabinet maker exactly what you are envisioning. Both rooms shown below feature built-in storage shelves. The room on the left has a built-in desk and a sitting area with drawers underneath. The light grey floor-to-ceiling shelves and cabinets in the second room keep things tidy. Both designs are versatile and can grow with your child. It works for young children and teenagers.  

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You also have the option for standalone storage units. A pro of using this option is that the furniture is easy to swap out in case you ever desire to change the look. We love this revolving bookcase from Pottery Barn Teen. It is perfect to tuck in a corner for 360-degree storage in a confined space. This unit includes a full-size mirror, a corkboard to display photos and notes, a side with pegs for hanging items, and a side with shelves. On the right, the 4-shelf arched storage unit from Leanne Ford’s Crate & Kids collection makes items within reach with a trendy design.  

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We recommend starting with larger storage areas and then adding smaller units if needed for additional storage. For example, a storage trunk can be added to store more toys. A trunk is a great option for larger toys and bulky items such as pillows and blankets. For books, it is best to store them library-book style or have them easily accessible with floating shelves as shown below.  

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Storage Beds and Loft Beds 

Storage beds and loft beds are popular bed styles for kids. Both styles offer additional storage space. Loft beds are a kid’s favorite because they’re fun! Kids love climbing up the bed as if it were a secret hideaway or clubhouse.  

The house-shaped design below from HGTV (courtesy of Jen Woodhouse) is a fun DIY project. But if you are not particularly handy, your local cabinet professional should be able to create a similar design!  

We love how this loft bed from Casa Kids includes all the essentials – clever storage (even under each stair step), a desk, a mirror, and a built-in nightstand!  

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Chalkboards and Whiteboards 

Encourage thinking and imagination with the addition of a drawing surface! Having a large, dedicated space means young children are less likely to be leaving a mark where they are not supposed to!  

There are several ways you can achieve a chalkboard or dry-erase surface. Other than purchasing a wall-mounted board, you can also use wallpaper or paint with a special finish (such as this chalkboard wallpaper or dry erase paint by Krylon). Wallpaper and paint make it possible to create a very large chalkboard or dry-erase wall. 

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Choosing the Right Seating  

We recommend having two types of seating in the room. One ergonomic desk chair for doing homework and another for relaxing.  

When it comes to desk chairs, one idea is to opt for a height-adjustable chair if you would like an option that can grow with your child. The most important thing when finding the proper chair is to make sure your child can comfortably rest their feet on the floor and sit up straight with their arms level with the desk. Shown below, the Paola Desk Chair from West Elm Kids has a swiveling mechanism which makes it easy to get in and out of the chair.  

For fun, relaxing chairs, a hanging chair is a popular option. They are simple to install and require a ceiling hook to be attached to your ceiling’s wood stud. If you do not wish to make a hole in your ceiling, there are also options that include a stand. Another top choice is a beanbag chair. Pottery Barn (Kids, Teen) and Lovesac manufacture some highly acclaimed options.

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There’s Lots More to Discover! 

At The Cabinet Doctors, we design spaces for all age groups, including children! We will work with you to create a space your child will love for the years to come. Get started by contacting us or get a quote! 

Featured Image Credit: @biz_martin on Instagram