8 Tips For Creating a Beautiful And Functional Kid's Room
I remember when Ava was on her way and we were at the stage of starting to decorate her room. Staring at a blank canvas, I found it a bit intimidating and daunting.
It can be a challenge when you don't know where to start and have the desire for everything to be Pinterest-perfect.
Decorating a nursery or kid's room is always a lovely experience because this room is a dedicated space for your child and allows you to create something beautiful. Who doesn't love a bit of decorating?? But where do you start?
I have a few tips to get you started and get the creative juices flowing!
8 tips for creating a beautiful and functional kid’s room
When designing your child’s or baby’s room, take the time to assess everything carefully first. Selecting each item for the room with intention and considering each practical aspect can help you overcome this challenging task. It will also ensure the room is full of love, fun, and functionality.
After all, you want to create a beautiful room that your child will enjoy now and for the next few years until they move into a more mature phase.
1. Determine their needs
Determine your child's current and future wants and needs.
What age are they currently, and how long do you guess would they be in this current growing/ interests phase?
Are they into reading, playing with blocks/cars/dolls, drawing, or painting? Maybe all of them?
Would they soon need a space where they can do homework?
Do they need/prefer a lot of stimulation and "busyness" or a calm, monotonous environment?
Determining some of these needs will allow you to strike that all-important balance between practical, adorable, and a space they love.
A child's room should encourage play and imagination while also providing a safe haven for them to recharge their batteries.
2. Keep it simple
Less is usually more in children’s rooms. Unless, of course, you've got that busy bee who needs tons of stimulation or has various hobbies!
But for the most part, try keeping the decor and furnishings simple. Although those Pinterest rooms are gorgeous, overly done kids' rooms are usually less practical and more expensive.
Keeping it simple will give your child more space to play while also providing a neutral canvas that can be easily updated as your child grows.
There will also be less clutter to put away or clean, making it easier for mom!
3. Make a Play surface on the floor the focus point
Of course, shopping for furniture and decorating is fun! But unlike the rest of the house, a child's room requires one essential element. An "empty" surface on the floor on which they can play.
Have a designated open area on the floor for them to move freely (dance, race cars, tumble, or play horse). Especially when the weather is not favorable outside.
And the coziest way to do this is to have a large rug in the middle of the floor!
Carpets and rugs in a room immediately create a comfortable and warm, inviting space. Little ones can crawl or play around without getting cold or hurting themselves if they fall.
Rugs are also excellent noise absorbers, making it easier for dad to tip-toe out of the room!
I got this light beige and pale pink snead area rug from Boutique Rugs for Ava's room, which is so gorgeous! The light beige and soft pinks and browns perfectly fit her girly room, tying it all beautifully together.
I love that the rug is super soft, light enough to move around when cleaning, durable, and washable!
View more of their beautiful kids’ room rugs here.
Get a 15% discount on any beautiful rug for your nursery, kid’s room, or home from Boutique Rugs with my discount code, AZUREFARM15.
4. Washable and Durable
Make sure things are washable and durable!
We all know little kids are not so attentive when it comes to keeping things clean and looking after them. They just want to play! And accidents and spillages are bound to happen, often right in the middle of the beautiful rug or new bedding!
I love that this kid and pet friendly rug by Boutique Rugs is washable and durable.
It is made from polypropylene, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. It is durable and can be machine-washed or hand-washed with only water and mild dish detergent.
Washable rugs really are a lifesaver!
The same goes for any other upholstered items, bedding, blankets, or decor in the room. If it is washable, it makes things so much easier! Even a durable and washable paint finish on the walls will save you from a new slick of paint for many years!
5. Patterns, texture, and color
Do you ever wonder what makes the kids' rooms on Pinterest look so, well, Pin-worthy? The careful use of pattern, texture, and colors.
Patterns and texture are often overlooked, but they are the secret weapon that can transform a room from blah to breathtaking with just a few added elements.
A soft rug, woven baskets, rattan, wood, throws, and different textiles can all add lovely texture to a room.
And don't be afraid to experiment with patterns, even if it is just one item. Think wallpaper, an exciting rug, striped curtains, or cute throw pillows.
Since this is a kid's room, remember to keep it simple and stick to one or two bold choices.
6. Add personal or sentimental touches
You can get the most beautiful decor items and linens these days. However, without any personal touches, the room can still just feel flat, like something is missing.
As they say, to make a house a home, add sentimental items with meaning or a story behind them. This goes for your child's room, too, which will make it extra special.
We added a cute rocking horse to Ava's room which was Jared's when he was little. How precious is that?!
Last summer Ava and I made a pressed flower frame for a fun project, and now it proudly stands on her dresser. It's a great reminder of a beautiful moment we shared!
What can you add to the room that will make it personal? Old childhood toys, paintings by your child, prints of their little hands and feet, and photos are some great options.
READ MORE: DIY Dried flower art in frames
7. Clever storage is essential
Kids come with many things, from toys, games, and books to their ever-changing wardrobes, making clever storage essential.
We installed wall-mounted hooks for Ava to hang all her coats, hats, bags, umbrella, and more. It works like a charm!
Wall-mounted book rails, under-the-bed storage crates, a chest of drawers, and furniture with built-in storage are all excellent options for increasing storage space.
Add baskets and crates at floor level to encourage children to help with the cleaning and organizing.
8. Let them play
Above all, create a room your child will enjoy; try focusing on what they want most: playing!
I know it is a hard pill to swallow when your kid wants Cars-themed bedding or a giant circus tent in the middle of the room! So how can you meet in the middle and keep things fun and somewhat stylish?
Inject some fun elements into your design!
Consider a chalkboard wall or an easily updated art gallery where your child can display their best work.
Add beautiful, fun lighting options like fairy lights or glow-in-the-dark stars. Ava has glow in the dark stars on the ceiling where she sleeps.
Have a dedicated corner (perhaps hidden behind a pretty divider) where anything goes. What the eyes don't see, the heart doesn't feel ;-)
A built-in rock-climbing wall, bunk bed slide, teepee tent, or ceiling-suspended swing are also excellent options for encouraging play while helping to burn off excess energy before bedtime.
Ava loves playing on her beautiful, soft pink rug!
I hope these tips can guide you in making choices when decorating a nursery or kid’s room.
If your child is at an age where he or she wants more input in things, make them part of this fun exercise! They will feel included, valued, and will enjoy their own space even more!
Don’t forget, you can get a 15% discount on any beautiful rug for your nursery, kid’s room, or home from Boutique Rugs with my discount code, AZUREFARM15.
Love, Annette xx