Creating a knockout kids room is a very different styling challenge but it’s just as achievable as styling an adult space, and it doesn’t have to bust the budget. The focus should be on making the room feel special – a place your child will be happy to be alone in.
Here’s what we did for a few of our fave kids rooms.
21 .THINK AHEAD
Don’t just design for the child they are now, think long term to their teenage years, because that’s coming sooner than you may think! Try to add more grown-up elements that you can reuse at a later stage, when they are in their teens. Some of these elements could be: furniture, rugs, wall art, a larger bed, window treatment, wall paper, small decor and accessories, bedside tables, lamps, etc
22 .MAKE IT DOUBLE
Most parents will buy their kids a standard single bed after they’ve outgrown their cot, but this will likely lead to another bed purchase down the track as the kids get bigger. If the room size is generous enough, consider jumping straight to a king single or even a double.
23 .LAYER THOSE LITTLE LINENS
Just because they’re kids doesn’t mean a basic sheet set will do. Splurge on extra pillows, throws and even a second doona to add layers of softness. Add plenty of texture!
24 .WISHING CHAIR
What little girl or boy could resist a hanging chair! It’s magical and fun whether you’re 6 or 16. If you go for this, just make sure it’s attached to a stud in the ceiling or you’ll find it ripped out and lying on the floor!
25 . ENCOURAGE SOME DESK TIME
If you set up a clean and fun desk, complete with compartments and stationery, it’s a great way to get kids into the groove of doing arts and crafts, and the inevitable … homework!
26 .TRY TIMBER AND RATTAN
Furniture for kids is often (sensibly) hard-wearing and easy to clean – think MDF, think IKEA. That’s why adding textured elements in muted tones can often be such a win; things like rattan furniture, woven baskets and timber are unexpected in a child’s room, but they look great and provide textures and a style that can grow with the child. Quality cabinetry can break the bank so consider picking up second-hand timber louvre doors on Gumtree or eBay instead.
27 .GET CREATIVE WITH SHELVING
Shelves shouldn’t be boring! You can pick up fun floating shelves to display colourful items or pictures that are personal to your child. You can also buy great bookshelves that can be mounted low on the walls, at kiddie level. These not only eliminate the need for a standing bookcase or cupboard, they also mean the book covers are on display, which adds colour and fun to the room in a way that’s easily updateable.
28 .GO SUPER-SOFT ON THE FLOORS
A sure-fire way to update your kids’ bedrooms is with new flooring, and there’s nothing better for childish shenanigans than super-soft carpet (stain-resistant is preferable), layered with a rug (or two) to encourage playtime on the floor.
29 .WINDOW COVERING FOR LITTLE PEOPLE
Blinds are not top of mind when you think about styling a kid’s room but window coverings can be key. Once your kids are old enough, make sure the curtains or blinds can be opened and closed by your child (to avoid you having to open them every morning). The cords need to be within reach but they also HAVE to be safe. In this room, the plantation shutters above the bed are safe and easy-as-pie to open for little hands and the other blind has a special retractable ultra-glide cord compliant with the latest ACCC Child Safety Regulations.
30 .TREAT THEM TO SOME ART
Gorgeous wall art isn’t just for adults. Don’t underestimate how great beautifully framed art can look in your kids’ rooms or how much they might appreciate it, even as bubbas. Again, think long term when looking for the perfect piece. Remember that you don’t have to choose something too childish; something with an element of fun that you both love looking at will be a much better investment
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