Kids' rooms

Kids' bedrooms can be magical spaces where sleep, learning, exploration and play coexist, sometimes accompanied by delightful mess! But fear not, creating a sense of order is within reach. As a designer and a parent, I've discovered some easy tips to craft a room that delights your kids and allows you, as a proud parent, to maintain a sense of pride.

Choosing your colours

First and foremost, if they're old enough, get your little person involved! Start by letting them choose their two favourite colours from a paint chart, allowing their personality to shine through the room, then use your parenting powers to gently guide their choices towards a harmonious outcome. If they opt for a bold colour, consider using its muted version for a balanced look.

Once the colours are chosen, select a light neutral base that complements the vibrant tones. For example, in Ziggy's room I used Farrow & Ball Strong White on the ceiling and windows, then Lick Green 05 and Farrow & Ball India Yellow, creating a cheerful and inviting space. To add interest and break up the room, I then introduced a gold stripe wallpaper. For a truly child-safe, low-toxin environment, explore COAT's range of certified colours, these future-safe paints are a healthier, safer option for your little one's room.

Add a fun rug

A rug is a versatile and essential element in a kids' room, serving both functional and decorative purposes. A carefully selected rug anchors the room's overall design and brings all the elements together cohesively, whether it complements the theme or adds pops of colour.

It can also double as a designated play area: a cosy spot where your little one can sit and immerse themselves in imaginative play or read books. And a fun, vibrant rug infuses the room with personality, whether it features playful patterns, characters or unique shapes, it becomes a focal point that sparks joy and creativity. We love a good animal rug or a scalloped-edge number.

Artwork

Selecting art for kids' bedrooms is actually one of my favourite things to do, and it's somewhere you can really have fun and be bold. Choose vibrant, whimsical posters featuring your child's favourite characters, animals or inspirational quotes, large framed pieces become eye-catching focal points that reflect their interests. Keep the frames simple and let the artwork do the talking.

Instead of traditional wall art, you could also consider hangable rugs as unique wall decor, adding texture, warmth and a touch of bohemian charm. Mirrors are another winner, they create the illusion of a larger space and add brightness; opt for fun shapes or playful frames. You can't go wrong with a velvet animal head or a rainbow wall hanging to brighten things up.

Storage solutions

Every parent knows about the chaos that is post-play time. While we all wish the rooms could look as perfect as they appear on Instagram, it's important to remember that 99% of the time they won't! Some storage baskets and boxes are great for packing things away, our go-to are sweet cotton storage baskets and a fruit basket that doubles as a fun accessory. A simple storage box works in any room and slides neatly under the bed. And don't forget the power of a vanity unit as extra storage, to hide away the bubble bath and bits that need tucking out of sight.

Soft furnishing

Fun patterned cushions are a delightful addition to a kids' room, adding an extra layer of comfort and whimsy. Involving your little one in choosing them is a wonderful idea, it empowers them to make choices and adds a personal touch to their space. It's easy to get lost in the never-ending world of cushions, but you can't go wrong with playful striped numbers, and if your kids are big animal fans, large animal cushions are an easy win.

The most important thing is to have fun! This is a chance to let your little one's personality shine and express their creativity, as well as yours. Work together to create the perfect harmony, in a room they'll be happy to spend their time in.

Getting started

Starting a new project, even if it's a single room, can often feel overwhelming. If you're stuck for inspiration, create a Pinterest board so you can collect all your ideas in one place. Next, figure out the foundations of the room, essentially the colours and materials you want to use. We always order fabric and paint samples and use them to build a mood board before purchasing anything in large quantities, as things aren't always as they seem through a screen. It's also the best way to double-check that all the materials work cohesively.

When you have your final board in place, it's time to get started! And if you find you're still stuck, or just not enjoying the process, we're of course here to help. Our Virtual Design service is a great option for individual rooms, whether it's a complete overhaul or just the finishing touches.