How to Design a Child’s Bedroom to Grow with Them
We’ve all heard it…kids grow up in the blink of an eye. As a parent of two rapidly growing girls, I have to agree. One moment they’re adorably twirling around in their new ballerina outfits, and the next, they’re trying on makeup and basically leaving for college. Cue the tears.
It’s true – kids change like the wind, but their rooms shouldn’t have to. They can grow with your child. So before you go to town creating that Peppa Pig bedroom for your toddler, here are a few things to keep in mind…
Tip 1. Select High-Quality and Durable Furnishings
When your kids are tiny, it can be tempting to purchase those super adorable little toddler beds and itty bitty dressers designed juuust for children. But how long will your little one actually fit in it? They grow fast, and so does their wardrobe. Instead, choose full-sized, high-quality furnishings that reflect your taste. That way, you’ll be more inclined to use them again.
You might think, “But Susie, my kids are careless and messy. Why should I invest in furniture for them?” Well, my friend, you just answered your own question. Because kids are, in fact, messy, you most definitely want to invest in durable furniture that won’t break by their first birthday. We recommend solid wood or MDF (that’s medium density fiberboard) for easy-to-maintain options. You’ll thank us after scrubbing your little artist’s mural from the surface. ;)
Tip 2. Maximize Space
Secondary bedrooms in some homes can be small, so finding ways to maximize space is a must. A simple and fun solution? Bunk beds or loft beds! Bunk beds put the fun in functional, and loft beds are a fantastic option to provide plenty of extra room for toys, a desk, or storage. Just imagine the possibilities for rad forts.
With all that extra space, I’d also 100% recommend adding a cozy nook for reading and quiet time. Years ago, we added a special little nook to Penny’s sweet little girl room, and over the years, it’s remained one of her (and my) favorite parts of her bedroom. Add in some comfy pillows and stuffed animal friends, and you’ve got the perfect spot for some snuggles year after year.
Tip 3. Layer in Functionality & Storage
No matter how hard we try to avoid it, clutter seems to follow children. And it’s usually in the form of bright and sometimes sharp objects. (Who designed those toys anyway?!) You might find yourself in that horrible situation where walking across the floor becomes a painful task. What you need is practical and functional storage. My go-to solution? Baskets.
Whether you have a shelving system already or need a starting place, baskets are your friend. Not only are they easy for your little ones to pull out and carry, but they conceal all those colorful toys you might not want on display. Plus, they make cleaning up super easy….because kids always clean up after themselves. (Ha.) Of course, as they get older and swap old toys for new, the baskets will still be there to keep everything under control.
Tip 4. Add Personalization with Color & Artwork
You want your littles to love their rooms, but that doesn’t mean you need to plaster their favorite characters all over the wall. Instead, avoid themes and trends and let your space grow with your child. Set the tone with fun wallpaper, wall decals, or a custom-painted mural — your kiddo will love the pop of color it brings to their space.
When it comes to artwork, feature their masterpieces front and center. Whether framed, displayed on a bulletin board, or hung by wires and clips, their hard work deserves its moment in the spotlight. Best part? You’ll be able to swap out pieces as your child’s interests change. My girls adore the ownership and customization their gallery walls give them, and so do I.
Tip 5. Combine Function & Style with Window Treatments
You might not think of quality window treatments as a high priority in kids’ spaces, but it couldn’t be more important. Not only will these give you another opportunity to add color and texture to the room, but they’ll serve a very essential purpose for both you and your kids…sleep!
We recommend choosing curtains or shades with blackout lining. After all, isn’t our children’s sleep one of the most precious commodities we have as parents? It is in my house. ;)
Ready to Create a Space Your Kids Will Love for Years?
We’re here to help. Reach out to us and let’s chat about how we can thoughtfully design a room – and home — that you and your kids will love for years to come.
Xoxo,
Susie