With Summer upon us, kids are spending more and more time at home. With this in mind, we recently chatted with interior design experts regarding their ultimate decor ideas and tips for designing kid–friendly spaces. Below, they share what’s new, as well as the best colors, patterns, materials, and more to incorporate or leave out. If you have little ones (or big ones!) the kid friendly decorating tips will help you keep them in mind.
Start with a neutral base and play with colorful details:
Design by Mel Bean Interiors, Photo by Laurey Glenn Photography
The play spaces we create today are often more sophisticated, ageless, and timeless than the primary colored and cluttered spaces of the past. Still, a playroom is a great space to be adventurous! Whether that means boldly patterned carpet or colorful details. Depending on the age of the kids, technology can play an important role in the design of a play space. – Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors
Don’t go crazy with the colors on the walls and fabrics with bright colors or too many patterns for the base of the room. Look to incorporating a more calm and neutral base to start and then have the toys and artwork from your kids be the pop of color. Most kids’ toys are in primary colors so if you are adding too much color to the walls and fabrics it will overwhelm the space when the kids’ toys and art are added later with time. A few pops of color are great but don’t overdo it. – Jess Cooney of Jess Cooney Interiors
Design by Maureen Stevens Design, Photo by Lauren Logan
I highly suggest avoiding making it sterile – minimalism is all the rage right now but with kids, it’s all about stimulating their senses. What they can see, what they can touch and hold, learn from, get excited about, etc., that’s what’s important! When designing a kid-friendly room, put yourself in the child’s shoes, meaning think of yourself as a little one, look around, what would you see? What will you do? What furniture or items will you use? It’s important to use this perspective when designing for children. – Maureen Stevens of Maureen Stevens Design
Plan for the future:
Design by Mel Bean Interiors, Photo by Laurey Glenn Photography
Avoid themes and plan for versatility and flexibility. Some of the things your kids are into now will be long forgotten within a year or two, so don’t limit your future options. This applies to colors, art, but also furniture layout and selection. – Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors
My number one tip for designing kid-friendly spaces is to stray away from making it too “theme-y.” It’s important to make the space feel sentimental without focusing too heavily on one specific theme that will be outgrown quickly. – Maureen Stevens of Maureen Stevens Design
Design by Maureen Stevens Design, Photo by Lauren Logan
I really like the idea of having furniture pieces that kids can grow into when they are teenagers – a pull-out sofa is great for sleepovers down the road as kids grow. – Jess Cooney of Jess Cooney Interiors
Be thoughtful when selecting furniture:
Definitely incorporate indoor/outdoor fabrics for sofas, chairs and indoor/outdoor rugs for under craft areas. They can be bleached or taken outside and hosed off. I also suggest durable coffee tables with wipeable surfaces that won’t stain or scratch easily. – Jess Cooney of Jess Cooney Interiors
It is definitely crucial to have enough storage in a kid-friendly space! Enter this dresser—it’s one of my favorites! Did I mention you can choose from six different colors for each drawer and unleash your inner designer? Also, there should always be at least one item that’s meant for pampering the parents or adults in a kid-friendly space. A chair, a glider or a recliner is a great option. This chair in a festive hue of Marigold brings excitement to the room. Did I tell you that you are going to need a lot of storage? Yes, you do … this stackable, modular bookcase system by Muuto is the answer. Make your own configuration, choose your wood, doors, and color and style away with books, keepsakes, and toys. – Maureen Stevens
Design by Jess Cooney Interiors, Photo by Emily Gilbert
Most families tend to spend most of their time at their kitchen islands. We find that counter stools really take a beating and need to be replaced every couple of years. We love these stools here from CB2 not only because of their price but also because they have really durable stainless steels legs. A great option for someone looking for something that’s affordable and can withstand everyday wear-and-tear. – Meghan Hackett-Cassidy and Erin Hackett of Hackett Interiors
For more decorating tips, check out these inexpensive home upgrades that make a big impact!