Tips for Designing Kids’ Rooms

They grow so fast. One day, you’re placing your newborn in the nursery’s crib for the first time and the next, you’re teaching your teen to drive, taking prom photos, and weeping proud-parent tears at graduation. Somewhere in between those years, you will create and then convert that nursery—several times—for a toddler, child, adolescent, and teen. Before you begin, take these tips for designing kids’ rooms from the parents and interior designers at Homes By Taber. 

Before you invest in a full-scale room makeover, plan it out. Some ideas are tempting in your mind but can leave you with regret (and perhaps buyer’s remorse) once you’ve implemented that brilliant idea. 

Think long-term even for the short-term.

You might be ready to guide your growing child by presenting the perfect bedroom, but, unless you’re prepared to do a makeover every three to four years—following a child’s naturally fickle taste—consider the basic elements of room design and how they will stand the test of time.

The bedroom set, for example, is not an investment you want to make frequently. Think of this as you contemplate the heavily princess-themed set or the headboard made out of baseball bats. If your youngster ends up to be neither a fan of frills nor sports, these “distinctive” furniture styles will not bode well for the bedroom.

It’s much more cost-effective—to say nothing of the time it takes to redo a room—to use the large furniture as a foundation on which to build this dream room. Wall color, bedding, area rugs, wall art, and window treatments can insert the colors and themes you want.

Choose a theme.

Here are some style ideas that transition wonderfully across the years, from nursery to teen:

• All White. There is nothing as pure, simple, and versatile as white. It accepts every other color, acts as a frame to showcase the details around it, and will never go out of style. Paint your walls and trim white and use bedding, books, toys, and wall art to give the burst of color you want. Include a comfy chair in colors, patterns, and prints that accentuate the room theme.
• Nature. Any room that reflects nature provides a serene atmosphere, so it’s perfect for a bedroom! Start with a muted blue-green or greige (gray-beige) on the walls—neutral enough to accommodate a variety of other details, yet with a gentle color that is ageless.
• Eclectic and Antique. This theme is ideal for a timeless look. Incorporate a mélange of childhood items from mom and dad, grandma and grandpa—a mirror, rocking chair, child’s desk, and stuffed animals. From antiques to contemporary collectibles, this playful environment will remind your kids that you were a child once, too! 
• Classic. To your neutral furnishings, add classic elements of light pink, baby blue, and ivory. These soft shades are calm and allow you to easily change the décor without revamping your basic plan.

With any of these color choices, you have the flexibility to shift the hues a bit. Think of a color palette like the volume on your car stereo as you drive. You can turn it down for something to soothe your soul or crank it up when you want to energize yourself. Our new homes in Oklahoma City present the choice of a variety of wall colors to serve as the room’s backdrop.

Spice up the space

You have your color palette and child’s bedroom theme. Let’s build on the foundation to make it personal. 

• A wall mural or decal adds wonderful imagery to any room. Give your child a scenic view or surround them with their favorite characters. It can be quickly applied and removed—but be aware that curious little fingers might pick away at the vinyl sooner than you’d like.
• Wallpaper designs can add the perfect touch to a room, like an accent wall. While it used to be a hassle to apply wallpaper, today’s peel-and-stick style makes the job much easier.
• Storage is essential in a kid’s room! But it doesn’t have to be boring. A set of gym lockers and colorful cubbies add style and function. Also look for underbed storage on wheels and creative ideas for shelves, like game boards.
• Lighting is a fun one, too! Chandeliers have become a popular fixture in bedrooms for all ages. Don’t let the fancy name fool you. You can find anything from fun and funky to classically chic. Feel free to have fun with the overhead lighting because it’s not a tough thing to change later. Selecting lighting can be one of the fun things to do when planning a new home!
• Finish the room with the right wall art—the easiest change you can make in a room and a very impactful one! Print photos and frame them. Search online for printable illustrations and photos. Then, use frames all in one color so that it’s the images and not the frames that are the focal point. Bailey Griffith, one of Homes By Taber’s designers, says, “My personal favorite is printing out black-and-white photos of the kiddos or family to create a clean and simple gallery wall.”

According to Bailey, the most important detail about designing a kid’s room is to be sure that the child loves the space! Get them involved in the planning. 

“They will feel special and grown-up if they have a little bit of say,” she says. “If they want to go all out and build a treehouse bed and you are on board, go for it. This should be a fun and exciting time in your life, whether you are creating a room where you will bring your first baby home or putting something together with your 10-going-on-20-year-old.”

As you’re looking ahead at your growing family, think about the right home for everyone. Homes By Taber builds communities of single-family homes, with a variety of amenities throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Browse our floor plans and new construction homes that are move-in ready. Then talk to us about finding the perfect place to call home.