One Playroom and Two Beds Later, This 5-Year-Old’s Space Continues to Evolve

Maria Dueñas Jacobs, former accessories director at Elle magazine and founder of the children's jewelry line Super Smalls, has designed her New York West Village apartment to be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional for her family, which includes her husband, Jordan, and their three daughters, Luna, Isa, and Silvi. Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a pristine home with young children, Jacobs adopted a philosophy of "strategic mess," focusing on durability and flexibility in her design choices. The apartment's layout, conceived with architects Marc Turkel of Leroy Street Studio and designer Jerry Cappiello, features a versatile four-bedroom plan that can adapt as her children grow from toddlers to teenagers. The home maintains a streamlined and intentional aesthetic, characterized by a neutral color palette accented with lavender and dusty blush tones. Key pieces of furniture, such as an ash- and burl-wood credenza, a navy leather-front bureau, and a Theo Ruth shearling club chair, provide grounding elements. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the apartment integrates numerous child-friendly features. The open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas facilitate easy supervision, while an expandable dining table is paired with a built-in banquette upholstered in stain-resistant outdoor fabric. A custom ottoman with curved edges and scratch-resistant mohair caters to both children and their pet cat, Frankie, ensuring the space is suitable for entertaining, daily life, and family activities. Jacobs's approach extends to whimsical and practical decor. She incorporated spill-hiding, colorful patterned rugs and a custom daybed with built-in storage. The girls' bedroom is designed as a perpetual slumber party, featuring a teepee, cloud-painted walls, and a unique Murano glass light fixture. The adjacent playroom emphasizes freedom and joy, with movable furniture like bookshelves, beanbag chairs, and an arts-and-crafts table to accommodate dance parties and scooter rides. Practical elements are subtly woven into these playful spaces; for instance, the bunk bed includes stairs with hidden storage drawers, and the loft area can be converted into a desk or game spot in the future. Adult spaces also reflect a balance of practicality and creativity. The guest room includes a custom pull-out trundle for visitors, while the living room showcases a custom Moroccan rug mashup of two different patterns that Jacobs combined. Her bedside tables are topped with rose quartz, chosen for both its durability and its perceived magical and healing properties. The living room bookshelf serves as a display for personal and collected items, such as a Buddha statue, family photos, and ceramic vessels. Art plays a significant role, with pieces ranging from a Warhol print and a Robert Motherwell print to abstract paintings by Jacobs’s artist mother, Rosaria Pugliese, and even her children’s drawings, all coexisting harmoniously. Investment pieces are strategically placed out of children's reach, such as a Kalmar chandelier and disc lights by Apparatus Studio, which Jacobs considers akin to art or jewelry that completes an outfit. This thoughtful integration of high-end design with kid-proof functionality creates a home that is both beautiful and resilient, allowing for both sophisticated adult living and energetic child's play. The overall design prioritizes a lived-in, adaptable style that accommodates the evolving needs of a growing family, embracing the joyful chaos that comes with children while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. #FamilyHomeDesign #KidFriendlyDecor #InteriorDesign #WestVillageApartment #FlexibleLiving #NeutralColorPalette #CustomFurniture #HomeTour

The article details the creative transformation of a guest bedroom into a unique and exciting space for a 7-year-old boy in Beverly Hills, and a new nursery for his soon-to-arrive sister. This renovation was undertaken by Studio Life.Style, with founder-partner Shannon Wollack leading the design. The primary motivation for the elaborate design was to ensure the older brother felt special and not overlooked by the arrival of a new sibling, as his original room was to be converted into the nursery. The project emphasizes innovative and functional design for children's rooms, moving beyond conventional ideas. The boy's bedroom, originally a guest room with double-height ceilings, was reimagined with a two-story slide as its central feature. This slide connects a lofted play area to the main floor, fulfilling the boy's long-held wish and creating a 'modern-day gym for kids.' The existing lofted beds were integrated into the design, and a unique hammock-like reading nook was fashioned using netting typically found on catamarans. Below the loft, a functional area was created, comprising a desk for homework, built-in shelving for storage, and a queen-sized bed. The bed features a mustard linen-upholstered headboard, and custom electrical wiring was installed within the bed frame to support sconces, ensuring adequate lighting for reading in the cozy, cave-like space. This thoughtful design allows the room to accommodate up to four sleepers, making it ideal for slumber parties. For the new nursery, the design team aimed to elevate traditional elements. Instead of a typical mobile, they collaborated with local artist Laura Stewart to create a distinctive canopy of colorful strings. This art installation hangs in front of a wall mural, which was hand-painted by Stewart to depict California mountains, using a color palette that complements the string canopy. This approach was adopted after the designer found no suitable wallpaper, resulting in a personalized and artistic space that the baby girl can grow into, designed to be visually stimulating and adaptable. The article also touches upon the renovation of the en suite bathrooms for both children. Instead of a complete overhaul, the designers opted for a resurfacing approach to minimize disruption and cost. For the boy's bathroom, a basic space was enlivened with floor-to-ceiling geometric green tiles, while the existing cabinetry was retained. The girl's bathroom received a similar refresh with vertically stacked pink tiles, a new floating vanity, and updated fixtures. The goal was to create bathrooms that were both aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated, moving beyond typical child-focused designs while remaining functional. Studio Life.Style's design philosophy for these children's rooms focuses on creating spaces that are fun, imaginative, and practical, setting a high standard for children's interior design. #KidsBedroomDesign #CreativeInteriors #HomeRenovation #ChildrensSpaces #LoftedBeds #CustomDesign #NurseryDesign #PlayroomIdeas #InteriorInspiration

Designing engaging and functional spaces for children of varying ages presents a unique challenge, as these rooms must appeal to both parents' practical needs and children's desire for fun and creativity. This article showcases three distinct approaches to achieving this balance: a vibrant teen hangout, a versatile craft room, and a magical multi-age playroom, each offering insights into successful design strategies. The article explores how to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical, ensuring they evolve with the children's growth. The first example is a teen hangout designed by Cami Luppino and Alana Irwin of Lulu Home, which prioritizes a colorful and casual atmosphere suitable for a teenager and their friends. The design incorporates punchy colors, fun accessories, unique vintage finds, and playful surfboard art. A key element is providing ample seating areas for gatherings and distinct play zones to keep teens entertained, such as a custom graffiti ping-pong table. Designers emphasize involving teens in the design process to personalize the space, making it both fun and sophisticated enough to grow with them. Practical considerations include using at least three complementary colors, ensuring at least three comfortable seating options, and incorporating three distinct play zones to make it a teen's dream space. The second space highlighted is a creative craft room by Claire Paquin of Clean Design Partners. This room is designed to allow children to freely create without constant pressure to clean up, providing a dedicated and permanent creative hub. The craft room, located off a foyer, was developed for a boy and a girl with a significant age difference. A deep, slate teal color was chosen to stimulate creativity without being too juvenile, adding a touch of sophistication. Essential considerations for a craft room include selecting age-appropriate furniture that can adapt as children grow, with smaller tables and chairs for young children and larger work surfaces for older ones. Designing for the child's age also means accommodating varying project sizes and work styles, potentially including vertical workspaces like easels. Effective storage and organization are paramount, with built-ins featuring a mix of drawers, open cubbies, and cabinet doors to keep supplies accessible and tidy. Creative placement is also discussed, with basements being a common choice, but also suggestions for converting smaller areas like offices, staircase landings, or large closets. The third featured space is a "Pretty and Playful" playroom by Denise Davies and Karri Bowen-Poole of Smart D2 Playrooms, which transformed a three-car garage into a magical environment for both a younger son and two older girls. The designers aimed to create an art studio combined with ample open space for physical activities like running, climbing, and jumping. Key design principles include a thoughtful layout that customizes activities, furnishings, and materials to the children's ages, interests, talents, and needs. They advocate for a sensory-rich environment that encourages children to engage all five senses. Organizational systems are critical, featuring age-appropriate toys and materials stored in accessible, inviting, and labeled containers. The playroom also incorporates various educational stations to facilitate different activities and ensure children can easily find necessary materials. A forward-thinking design approach ensures the space can easily adapt as the children mature, such as including challenging rock-wall areas that remain engaging for years. The formula for a perfect playroom encompasses thoughtful design and layout, a sensory-rich environment, effective organization, diverse education stations, and fun colors. #PlayroomDesign #KidsSpaces #TeenHangout #CraftRoom #ChildrensInteriorDesign #HomeOrganization #YouthfulDecor #FunctionalDesign #CreativeSpaces

This article provides 30 inspiring ideas for designing children's playrooms, emphasizing the importance of creating dedicated, kid-friendly spaces to foster independent and creative play. Experts highlight that children with a designated play zone are more likely to engage in self-directed play, build essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, and even take ownership of cleaning up their toys. Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, stresses that well-designed play spaces and toys are crucial for children's learning and empowerment. The design ideas cover various aspects, starting with organization. Anne Gillyard, a playroom designer and co-founder of grOH! Playroom, and Becky Thomas, founder of Playgroup, both advocate for clear organizational systems using bins, baskets, and shelving to make toys accessible and visible, which helps children initiate and sustain their play ideas. Open shelving is particularly recommended for displaying motivating toys, allowing children independence in their choices. The article suggests incorporating playful elements such as swings, noting that rhythmic movements can help children regulate emotions, as explained by psychologist Rebecca Hershberg. Another creative idea involves displaying children's artwork as decor, which Gillyard states boosts confidence and encourages creativity, especially when framed and arranged as a gallery wall. Color and themes are also central to playroom design. The article encourages using activity rugs to provide structure within play and adding blocks and cars to promote creative engagement. It recommends not shying away from vibrant colors and interesting patterns to infuse spaces with energy and visual appeal, using examples like bright ceilings and geometric rugs. Wall murals, ranging from nature-inspired to geometric or custom designs, are presented as a way to instantly add creativity. Chalkboard walls are highlighted as a practical option for artistic expression, allowing children to process feelings through drawing. For a calmer aesthetic, the article suggests pastel palettes and limited color schemes. Space optimization is addressed through ideas like converting closets or maximizing attic space into functional play areas. These solutions offer children quiet, enclosed spaces to regulate sensory input and engage in calm play, with suggestions for adding elements like tents or comfortable seating. The article also provides tips for creating multi-functional spaces, such as combining play areas with study spots, and incorporating daybeds for various activities. Ultimately, the article advocates for thoughtful design that caters to children's developmental needs and interests, providing tools for learning and imaginative exploration in spaces that are both appealing and practical. #KidsPlayroom #PlayroomDesign #ChildrensSpaces #HomeDecor #CreativePlay #InteriorDesign #ChildDevelopment #ToyStorage #KidsActivities

This blog post details a vibrant transformation of a basic kids' bedroom into an artistic and eclectic space, emphasizing cheerful color and pattern. The project, part of the "One Room Wonders" series in partnership with Surround by Laminex, focuses on creating a personalized and robust environment for a child. The core of the renovation involved installing Surround by Laminex Classic VJ 200 profile wall paneling, a traditional V-groove timber paneling. This choice was driven by its ability to add character and its durability, making it particularly suitable for children's rooms. The pre-primed panels were painted in a buttery yellow shade, Dulux Butter Fingers, to enhance brightness and create a sunny atmosphere within the room. The painting process involved using a paintbrush for the V-grooves and a roller for the panel surfaces, with two coats applied for a rich finish. Customization played a crucial role in personalizing the space. Curtains were custom-made by Zenn Design using Warwick Fabrics Davina Linen in 'Cotton,' featuring a playful contrast band in 'Wheat' at the bottom. A semi-circular upholstered bedhead, also from Zenn Design and made with Warwick Fabrics Davina Linen, but in 'Rosewater,' provided an elegant touch with a subtle pink hue. Once the foundational elements were in place, the room was further decorated with soft furnishings in a coordinated palette of yellows and pinks. These items were sourced from local brands such as Sheet Society, Bonnie and Neil, and Castle, contributing to the eclectic feel. A unique artistic element was introduced by printing the child's own drawings onto white canvas by Crumb Kids and stretching them over small frames. These artworks were arranged in a cluster on the panelled walls, creating a personal and visually engaging display. The final result is a colorful, patterned, and highly personalized girl's bedroom. The article highlights the versatility of Surround by Laminex's modern, pre-primed MDF wall linings, which are available in various profiles and are ready to be painted, allowing for significant creative freedom in space reimagining. Other notable items in the transformed room include a gold velvet pillowcase by Castle, a Goldie Gauze Burnt Butter quilt cover by Sheet Society, and a Chamomile pink quilted throw, Pollen cushion in ‘Toast,’ and Woven Stripe bolster cushion in ‘buff’ all by Bonnie and Neil. Decorative items such as a shell painting by Gemma Leslie, a limestone flower sculpture by Den Holm, and small ceramics by Takeawei further enhance the artistic ambiance. Essential furniture includes a chest of drawers by Softer Studio and an Agra Rug by Armadillo. Additional elements like a Hay Matin wall lamp from Cult, a large floor cushion by Castle, a Terra Lounger by Henlee from The Memo, a tiled plinth by P0ly Designs, and a wall-mounted shelf by Ella Reweti complete the room's design. The transformation was styled by Lucy Feagins and art-directed by Annie Portelli, with photography by Eve Wilson. #KidsBedroom #RoomTransformation #InteriorDesign #WallPanelling #ColorfulDecor #CustomMade #EclecticStyle #DIYDecor #HomeRenovation

London-based designer Emma Stevenson believes that ceilings deserve as much attention as walls, flooring, and furnishings, advocating against the common practice of leaving them as plain white surfaces. This philosophy is evident in the vibrant and imaginatively designed bedrooms of her four children: Oscar (11), Georgia (10), Errol (8), and Teddy (6). After relocating to an elegant townhouse in Notting Hill in 2022, following a period of living in rentals, Stevenson prioritized involving her children in the design process, allowing them to personalize their spaces and reclaim a sense of stability. The result is a collection of four distinct and magical childhood escapes, each reflecting its occupant's personality and interests. For her daughter Georgia, who is captivated by ponies, Stevenson transformed Georgia's own drawings into bespoke wallpaper, a process she tailored by digitally adjusting the color palette to exclude primary colors she disliked without her daughter noticing. This custom approach allowed for a truly unique and personal space. The two younger boys, Errol and Teddy, shared a desire for a jungle-themed room. Stevenson presented them with three wallpaper options, and they unanimously selected a hand-painted safari motif. Oscar, the eldest, opted for a personalized mural, drawing inspiration from an online design but customizing it with his favorite characters and foods, which was then brought to life by a professional artist. Stevenson also incorporates vintage elements, often scouring Etsy and eBay for unique, end-of-roll wallpapers. This strategy ensures originality, as seen in the bright blue bathroom featuring an 80s-era Mr. Men print. She notes that vintage papers often have a distinct textural quality compared to modern options. To protect this unique wallpaper, a piece of glass will be installed behind the sink. In the same bathroom, to address existing yellowing laminate tiles and a quirky layout, Stevenson applied jaunty rainbow stripes directly onto the floor after a fresh white base coat, demonstrating a cost-effective hack for transforming surfaces. The bedrooms feature beige wool carpets with subtle flecks of blue, red, yellow, and green yarns, designed to naturally complement the diverse color schemes of each room. Stevenson prefers natural fibers for children's rooms, acknowledging they may not be the most hard-wearing but appreciate their organic aging process. Above, ceilings are given special treatment. Oscar’s room boasts a vibrant blue painted ceiling, while the younger boys' room incorporates whimsical light fixtures to draw the eye upwards. Georgia's room, however, features a truly unique element: a _plissé soleil_ (sunray pleats) finish on the ceiling, created using the same pinkish-red ticking stripe fabric found in her bed niche. This intricate technique, reminiscent of designs Stevenson encountered in her childhood in France, was executed by a commissioned artisan and had a remarkable effect on Georgia's sleep patterns, highlighting the profound impact of interior design on well-being. #KidsRooms #InteriorDesign #CustomWallpaper #CeilingDesign #ChildrensBedrooms #ThemedRooms #VintageDecor #DIYHomeDecor #CreativeSpaces

The article discusses the growing trend of nature-themed decor in children's bedrooms, specifically focusing on a camping theme. It highlights the challenge of designing a child's room that can adapt as they grow, moving from a toddler's space to a 'big kid's' room without requiring a complete overhaul. The author proposes a strategy to achieve this by investing in key, durable pieces that form the foundation of the room's theme, while allowing for easy changes in smaller decor items to suit different age groups. The central idea revolves around a 'camping bedroom' concept. For younger children, the theme is presented with 'painfully cute' woodland decor, creating a whimsical and age-appropriate environment. As the child matures, the smaller, more juvenile elements can be replaced with items that reflect a 'vintage National Forest Service vibe,' transitioning the room into a more sophisticated yet still themed space. This approach ensures that the initial significant investment in a core piece, such as the bed, remains relevant and functional for an extended period, providing longevity and value. The article emphasizes the importance of selecting a versatile core aesthetic. By choosing a robust and timeless base, parents can avoid the continuous expense and effort of redecorating an entire room every few years. The camping theme serves as an excellent example because its broad appeal allows for diverse interpretations, ranging from playful and imaginative for toddlers to more adventurous and educational for older children. The adaptability of the theme means that while the fundamental structure of the room stays consistent, its character can evolve. This design philosophy offers practical advice for parents seeking to create engaging and enduring spaces for their children. It encourages thoughtful consideration of future needs during the initial design phase, promoting sustainability by reducing the frequency of major decor changes. The suggestion to update smaller, easily interchangeable items rather than large furniture pieces is a cost-effective and efficient way to refresh a room's look and feel, ensuring it continues to resonate with the child's developing interests and preferences. The article effectively demonstrates how a well-planned themed bedroom can seamlessly accommodate a child's developmental journey. #KidsBedroom #CampingTheme #HomeDecor #ChildrensRoomDesign #FlexibleDesign #ThemedDecor #WoodlandDecor

This article explores the process of redecorating a 4-year-old's bedroom, focusing on how to involve the child in the design decisions while ensuring a result that satisfies both parents and child. The case study involves Quinn Berry, daughter of Domino style director Kate Berry and illustrator Ian Berry, who has a strong aesthetic vision for her room. Quinn's primary request was a bunk bed with a rainbow ladder and "hot pink walls with pretend flowers." Her parents, leveraging their design expertise and the assistance of Domino style editor Elaina Sullivan, navigated these requests to create a vibrant and functional space. The renovation began by removing outdated baby room elements, such as a crib and neutral textiles, and retaining more eclectic pieces like fringed pendant lamps and a graphic Moroccan rug. Quinn's initial vision for hot pink walls was adapted; the walls were painted a pale rose and accented with color-blocked sections in brighter pink and orange. The "pretend flowers" materialized through a hyper-stylized Josef Frank fabric, which was used to transform the bottom bunk into a creative hideaway. This collaborative approach allowed Quinn's ideas to be incorporated while being refined into a more sophisticated design. The room was also designed to serve as a "working laboratory" for Quinn's creative development, featuring a standing easel, a wall-mounted crafts area, and a dress-up station. This emphasis on functionality supports her current interests, which include a fascination with Yayoi Kusama. The article highlights that encouraging creativity does not mean completely ceding control to the child but rather finding a balance. It provides practical advice on achieving this balance through three key strategies. First, parents should identify the child's top two or three non-negotiable design elements and build around those. For Quinn, the bunk bed was paramount, leading to a compromise on a white model that could be customized with desired details like the botanical fabric. Second, the article suggests adapting the child's vision rather than outright rejecting "questionable ideas." This involves toning down, recasting, or adjusting the scale of their concepts to align with adult preferences. For instance, instead of an entire hot pink room, the color was integrated through color-blocked panels and accent pillows. Third, the design should reflect the child's passions and habits. By observing how the child uses their space, parents can incorporate elements that nurture their evolving interests, such as a dedicated spot for a favorite wig, accessible musical instruments, or a drawing table. These strategies aim to create a space that is both personally engaging for the child and aesthetically pleasing for the adults, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity in the child. #KidsRooms #BedroomDesign #InteriorDesign #ParentingTips #CreativeSpaces #HomeDecor #ChildhoodDevelopment

The children's room offers a unique opportunity for homeowners and architects to apply creative design solutions that encourage play, exploration, and learning. This article highlights 16 innovative children's rooms and play spaces that exemplify modern kids' room design concepts, ranging from practical reading nooks to adventurous climbing walls and indoor swings. These designs demonstrate how to integrate functionality with fun, creating engaging environments for children. Several examples illustrate these principles. One playroom effectively utilizes slanted ceilings in Beijing’s Starburst House, featuring mountain-shaped wall cushions that complement the architectural lines. An outdoor play cubby with a kid-sized deck was designed by FGR Architects for Bloomfield House in Victoria, Australia, offering a dedicated area for children's enjoyment. A Tribeca loft showcases a theatrical nursery with gray and yellow curtains that can be used to create a stage, adding a playful element to an otherwise sophisticated apartment. In Melbourne, the Tower House incorporates a netted children’s study, where Oxley netting allows kids to read and relax with views of the garden. A Wicker Park abode features a "rope room" designed by Perimeter Architects, presenting a unique challenge in using slack materials for an active play space. The home of Dwell founder Lara Hedberg Deam includes a child's room with bold patterns and an indoor swing, using Marimekko bedding to enhance the vibrant atmosphere. An environmentally friendly kids’ room in a Harlem townhouse features a custom play area with a reading nook, a loft bed with a secret passageway, and ample storage, all designed by a theatrical set designer. In New Jersey, a child's bedroom incorporates bridged bunk beds, a creative solution to connect two sleeping areas with a Venetian-style arched bridge. A Brooklyn brownstone conversion includes a Harry Potter-worthy play area under a staircase, complete with an egg-shaped nook and soft pebble pillows. Scenario Architecture designed a London Victorian terrace house with a children's bedroom featuring a climbing wall and a fireman's pole for accessing a hidden eave spot. In Los Angeles, a child’s bedroom is designed to resemble a home’s exterior, complete with custom carpeting, millwork, a reading nook under the stairs, a mini door, window, and a magnetic chalkboard wall. A cottage in the English countryside includes a plywood climbing wall in a child’s bedroom, emphasizing kid-friendly and affordable materials. An Austin bungalow renovation includes a green reading nook cleverly integrated into a dormer, providing a cozy space with treetop views. Architect Bergendy Cooke designed a kid-friendly home in Queenstown with a combination bunk bed and playhouse for her daughters, allowing for both independent and collaborative play. Another design features a reading nook accessed via a climbing wall and rope lead, adding an adventurous element to the room. Finally, an Orcas Island retreat includes a secret chute leading to a ball pit, fulfilling the owners' desire for a playful and adventurous environment for their children. #KidsRooms #ChildrensPlaySpaces #ModernDesign #InteriorDesign #PlayfulInteriors #CreativeKidsRooms #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #ReadingNooks

This article showcases five distinct children's bedroom designs, each tailored to the unique personalities and preferences of its young occupant(s). The first section, "Sophie & Mimi: Double the Fun," details a shared bedroom for two sisters, Sophie (6) and Mimi (4). Designed by builder Jason Drake and designer Edwina Vidosh, the room features two separate sleeping areas connected by a common bathroom and a custom-built loft playroom. The innovative design includes built-in desks, bookshelves, and cubbies hidden within the stairs leading to the loft. The rooms are visually linked by coordinating pink, blue, and white colors in bedding and window treatments, with playful rustic hutches and custom closets replacing traditional dressers. Vidosh utilized complementary-colored wallpaper on a single wall behind each bed to add visual interest without being over-stimulating. The loft space is equipped with a toddler daybed and a child-size sofa, along with a vibrant area rug. Key elements include whitewashed wood bark beds from La Lune Collection. The second section, "Taylor: Welcome to the Jungle," presents an 11-year-old girl's jungle-themed bedroom in Armonk, inspired by her love for animals. Architect and interior designer Beata Buhl-Tatka incorporated green and earth tones, along with natural, sustainable materials like bamboo, jute rope, mosquito netting, and all-wool carpeting. The goal was to create a jungle mood that was not overly dark or conflicting with the home's elegant aesthetic. The room includes an oversized armchair sleeper for guests, a custom-designed built-in bookcase for her extensive book collection, and draperies featuring a Brunschwig & Fils monkey-and-palm tree print. Dark bamboo nightstands and a leather trunk end table complete the theme, which is further enhanced by numerous stuffed animals. Next, "Noah C.: Out of this World" features an 11-year-old boy's Mars-themed room in Mount Kisco. Architect James T. Best designed the room with an outer-space view of Earth, building a spaceship-style bed with bookshelves integrated into its legs. Plywood was used to create the rough texture of the planet's terrain and for the intricate command center inside the rocket's nose cone. Artist Kendall Klingbeil painted the room with detailed red, orange, and gray scenery, including a spacecraft, planets, and glow-in-the-dark stars, and depicted the historical moment of the U.S. flag on the moon. The room also includes a loft-like landing platform for studying, with each step concealing a storage drawer. The signature of astronaut Sally Ride adds an authentic touch. The fourth design, "Tori: Pink Paradise," describes a 6-year-old girl's princess-themed bedroom in Rye Brook. Designer Jeanette Hubley-Lasher aimed to create a balanced space using pink and white shades. The room features Pierre Deux pink-and-white classic toile wallpaper, a whitewashed four-poster bed from Country Willow Kids with crystal knobs and an elaborate Princess canopy, and a fringe-trimmed balloon valance. Hubley-Lasher used pastels to ensure the room's longevity and prevent the child from quickly tiring of the distinctive pattern. The en suite bathroom continues the theme with a dainty vanity and a miniature rose chandelier. Furniture includes a white lacquered dresser, wood bench, desk, and end table. Finally, "Noah M.: Timelessly Tailored" showcases a bedroom transformed for a 12-year-old boy in anticipation of his bar mitzvah. Interior designer Elaine Mager created a masculine yet warm space designed to grow with him. The room's color scheme transitioned from hunter green and tan to sophisticated shades of chocolate brown, taupe, and gold. It features a leather double bed from Crate & Barrel and Rosecore wall-to-wall carpeting with an understated plaid pattern. Patton Wallcoverings' natural grasscloth wallpaper adds texture, and a glazing technique gave the ceiling a suede-like appearance. Custom built-ins, designed with Alba Carrasco and Fernando Martinez of Go To Your Room, include a dark pine dresser, a floor-to-ceiling desk with shelves for trophies, and a natural pine under-window storage bench for games, helping to keep clutter at bay. The overall approach for all rooms emphasizes personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments for children. #KidsRoomDesign #ChildrensBedrooms #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture #HomeDecor #ThemedRooms #SiblingSharedRoom #SustainableMaterials #SpaceSavingSolutions

Children's environments significantly influence their imagination and creativity, necessitating visually stimulating spaces. This article presents ten adaptable and creative decorating ideas designed to foster an inspiring room for a child's growth, balancing style with practicality. These concepts are suitable for various ages, making it easier to maintain an engaging and functional space over time. One design idea involves a study nook crafted from charcoal laminate by Laminex, which provides a striking contrast against a vibrant pink wall. This setup, featured in a functional family home, demonstrates how specific color and material choices can define an area, offering both utility and aesthetic appeal within a child's bedroom. Another approach highlights the creation of a playful cubby nook within a refreshed Edwardian home. This custom-made plywood cubby, shared with a Plyroom bed, is filled with cushions and books, serving as a private and imaginative retreat. Lauren Li of Sisällä Interior Design emphasizes its role as a great hiding spot, underscoring the importance of incorporating elements that encourage play and privacy for children. Melissa Bonney, director at The Designory, advocates for inspiring and functional rooms to encourage children's investment in their personal space. An example is a bedroom decorated in a calming soft grey-green, complemented by a small desk area. This design promotes creativity and a tranquil atmosphere, showcasing the psychological impact of color and dedicated workspaces. A Japanese-inspired home in Melbourne extends its serene aesthetic into a girl’s room, featuring a unique portal window that frames nature. The room employs a soft pink and light timber palette, creating a calming and inspiring environment that blends minimalist design with natural elements. For a family home in the NSW Southern Highlands, a 'refined but sweet' brief was executed through floral wallpaper and a plush white armchair, adding elegance and comfort to the child's room. This design illustrates how classic and gentle touches can create a sophisticated yet child-friendly space. Kyal and Kara's dream family home on the NSW Central Coast showcases a kids' room with natural tones, promoting a calm and cozy feel. Color is introduced through decor, and a bunk bed painted in Taubmans Endure ‘Charcoal Grey’ grounds the space, combining neutral backdrops with vibrant accents. A more subdued traveler's theme is achieved in another kid's room through rustic airplane models and a large yacht model on a bookshelf. This design suggests a subtle narrative for the space, encouraging imagination without overwhelming the senses with excessive thematic elements. In a luxurious holiday home in Byron Bay, a shared kids' room features striking wallpaper and timber ladders connecting a ground-floor play area to an elevated sleeping zone. This design emphasizes the integration of distinct activity zones and the use of bold patterns for a playful yet sophisticated look. Finally, a renovated Federation home in Sydney includes a beautifully appointed third bedroom for visiting grandchildren. Elegant furnishings and matching bedheads upholstered in Zanskar Indian toile fabric from Seneca Textiles illustrate how traditional styles can be adapted to create a welcoming and refined space for younger guests, blending period character with fresh new features. #KidsRoomDecorating #CreativeSpaces #ChildrensBedrooms #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FunctionalKidsRooms #PlayfulDesign #StudyNooks #FamilyHomes #ChildDevelopment

The article showcases three distinct approaches to designing kid-friendly spaces within homes, featuring examples from Louisville-area residences. Each case study provides insights into how homeowners tailored their living environments to accommodate younger family members, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The first example focuses on Karista Hannah's home in Norton Commons, where the family prioritized indoor play areas due to a smaller yard. Karista, an interior designer, designed a custom playhouse complete with a window, functional door, and a slide. The basement also includes a climbing wall and swings, proving popular with children. The overall design of the basement family room, while suitable for family time with a large couch and projector, cleverly integrates these dedicated play features, maximizing the use of indoor space for active kids. The design elements such as floating shelves, shiplap accents, and quartz countertops in the kitchen, along with reclaimed beams and built-ins in the living room, contribute to a cohesive and stylish interior throughout the house. The second case highlights Rick and Pam Gadjen's remodeled New Albany home, where the grandchildren's needs were central to the renovation. The attic was transformed into a 'dormitory-style' space with skylights, a blue ceiling, and window nooks, providing ample room for both sleeping and playing. Beds line the sides of the room, complemented by shelves for books and toys. The outdoor space also features a custom-made boulder for climbing, inspired by a trip to Denver, demonstrating a creative and personalized approach to outdoor play equipment. The home's overall design blends old and new, incorporating vintage wallpaper and an antique Hoosier cabinet in a reconfigured kitchen alongside new white cabinets and granite countertops. The third instance features Jeff and Nicole Zoglmann's new build in Norton Commons, designed with low maintenance and family-friendliness in mind for their growing family. Practical choices include Astroturf outdoors, eliminating the need for yard work, and large built-in cabinets in the family room for quick storage of children's items. The home incorporates multiple dedicated play areas, including a playroom in the basement and another in the upstairs loft. The coastal-inspired design includes deep rooflines, custom railings, wood beadboard on porch ceilings, and mahogany front doors. The kitchen boasts marble countertops, a large island, and a walk-in pantry, while the master bath features a standalone tub and marble countertops in all upstairs bathrooms. Despite the challenge of integrating desired spaces within specific square footage, the outcome is an efficient and dream-realized home that prioritizes family life and ease of upkeep. #KidsBedrooms #Playrooms #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyFriendlyHome #HomeRemodel #CustomPlayhouse #OutdoorPlay #LowMaintenanceHome

This article explores seven distinct children's room designs that blend playfulness, whimsy, and style, catering to discerning parents who seek tasteful yet functional spaces for their little ones. These designs span newborn nurseries to rooms for older children, drawing inspiration from various architectural and cultural contexts. The first example is a London penthouse designed by Charu Gandhi, who created a sophisticated yet playful environment for two young children. The design features bespoke bunkbeds with a climbing wall, a desk, and adjustable lacquered cherry red shelves, all incorporating an oceanic theme. The children's bathroom includes charming handmade scalloped tiles and a unique bath, reflecting a blend of whimsy and elegance that ensures the space's longevity as the children grow. Next, a 6,500-square-foot child-friendly home in Ahmedabad, designed by MuseLAB, emphasizes a personal, maintenance-free, and childproof aesthetic. The daughters' bedroom features a watercolor wallpaper and varying levels, designed to stimulate inquisitive minds and adapt as they age. This home, dubbed 'The Nest,' is characterized by fluid and 'homey' elements, fostering warmth and joy. Sonam Kapoor's Mumbai home showcases a maximalist cocooning style, distinguished by Indian craftsmanship. Designer Kavita Singh collaborated on the project, with Jaipur-based fresco artist Vikas Soni painting a whimsical Indian jungle mural in the nursery. Custom furniture, stuffed animals, a 1960s Art Deco chandelier, and Hermès toys contribute to a rich and unique atmosphere. A 6,500-square-foot Hyderabad home, titled 'Equinox' by Studio Nilasha, merges Indian and Dutch cultural influences. The children’s wing, designed for twin daughters, contrasts with the rest of the house by using light oak wood and soft blush accents, avoiding overly feminine decor. This adaptable space features a playroom with a ball pit, reading nooks, a mock play kitchen, and custom cots convertible into standard beds. An Indian tech entrepreneur’s San Francisco house, designed by Alexis Banks Humiston, incorporates Indian spirit through hand-painted Phuljari murals, bone inlay tables, and copper leaf details. The 9,500-square-foot home for three young daughters prioritizes comfort, liveability, and adaptability within a mid-century modern structure, celebrating heritage and family. Finally, a Zen Haven in Bengaluru, a 6,600-square-foot home by Balan + Nambisan Architects, highlights a nursery and daughter’s bedroom. The nursery features playful wallpaper, an arched canopy bed, rounded furniture, and a Montessori-style playhouse with multi-level steps, a magnetic board, and a game zone, promoting creativity and activity while maintaining a serene backdrop. #NurseryDesign #KidsBedrooms #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ChildrensRooms #LuxuryHomes #PlayroomIdeas #CustomFurniture

This article highlights the design process of a unique pre-teen bedroom, as envisioned by Julie Kantrowitz of JK Interior Living. The project began with a client request for a distinctive room, moving away from conventional designs. Kantrowitz opted for a deep gray wall color with a subtle purple undertone, chosen specifically to complement a fuchsia fleur-de-lis stencil. This choice emphasizes the importance of testing multiple paint colors together on the wall to ensure harmonious coordination. For furniture, the designer suggested vintage pieces to ensure originality. A vintage dresser was sourced from an Etsy seller specializing in refinished antique bedroom furniture. This dresser was customized with a slightly richer gray paint than the walls and gilded in soft gold to highlight its carved details, adding a chic and sophisticated touch to the room. For those seeking local options, Tesori Furniture in Midland Park is recommended, known for its antique shop and on-site refinishing services. Art was incorporated above the dresser, selected to coordinate with the fabric choices used in the bedding and an upholstered ottoman. Katie Diamond Jewelry in Ridgewood was noted as a source for artwork and wall hangings that perfectly fit the room's aesthetic. The overall design was completed by carefully selecting linens, lighting fixtures, an area rug, and mirrored bedside tables, all contributing to a cohesive and beautifully appointed space. The design successfully blends bold elements with feminine touches, creating an inspiring and personalized bedroom for a pre-teen. #InteriorDesign #PreTeenBedroom #FeminineColors #BoldDesign #VintageFurniture #RoomDecor #ColorCoordination #HomeStyling #CustomDesign

Designing a playroom for children involves striking a balance between creating an engaging, imaginative space and ensuring it remains tidy and functional. Interior designers emphasize the magical potential of kid spaces, suggesting experimentation with bright colors and clever storage solutions. The article explores 25 distinct playroom ideas, ranging from color choices and furniture accents to multifunctional layouts and creative storage. Traditional gender-based color stereotypes are being replaced by more liveable hues like khaki green, coral, and terracotta, or colors inspired by nature such as vibrant greens, sky blues, and fresh yellows, all aimed at evoking excitement without being overly stimulating. Involving children in the color selection process is also recommended. Playroom design should consider its integration with the rest of the home. For open-plan spaces, selecting colors from the same or adjacent color families is advised to ensure visual harmony and prevent clashes. When using contrasting colors, balancing their vibrancy and value is crucial. The incorporation of accent furniture and painted zones for specific activities, like a desk area or a hidden den, is highlighted as an effective way to introduce color without overwhelming the space. Future-proofing the decor is another key aspect, with timeless elements like geometric or organic motifs in murals or wallpapers offering longevity as children grow. It is also important to embrace playful color choices without fear of them being perceived as too childish, as design preferences are individual. Sustainability is an important consideration in playroom design, with recommendations for non-toxic eco-paints and eco-friendly materials such as cork flooring, recycled plastic, sustainably sourced wood, marmoleum, or lino. These materials stimulate senses and encourage curiosity while ensuring a safe environment. Multifunctionality is essential for smaller homes or apartments where a dedicated playroom might not be feasible. Converting a formal dining room or a bedroom into a dual-purpose space by adding appropriate storage and defining zones for play and study is a practical approach. When making a room multifunctional, it is important to maintain a foundational neutral palette to accommodate the inherent colorfulness of children's toys. Storage solutions are critical for maintaining order. Open shelves with easy-to-access bins are preferred over hidden storage, as they encourage children to utilize and put away their belongings. Displaying collections of action figures, LEGO creations, or books on open shelves can also serve as decorative elements. Creative storage methods include wall-mounted wooden crates, lockers for organizing projects, and utilizing fireplace alcoves for displaying toys and books. Baskets are highlighted as a highly effective and stylish solution for managing toys due to their ease of use. Beyond aesthetics and organization, the article delves into imaginative design elements that foster activity and curiosity. These include indoor climbing walls, teepees, and unique structures like boat-shaped treehouses with ladders and portholes, designed to encourage exploration and adventure. Incorporating swings for reading and relaxation is suggested, as is the ultimate dream for many children: an indoor slide. Attention to acoustics is crucial for playrooms, especially in homes with multiple children, to mitigate noise. Sound-proofing techniques such as soft flooring, felt decor, and acoustically-rated wallpaper are recommended. Creative wall treatments like chalkboard walls or murals allow children to personalize their space and keep the decor dynamic. Integrating homework stations with chalkboards and desks prepares the space for educational activities as children grow. Finally, unique bed designs, mezzanine levels, and pegboard walls are presented as innovative ways to maximize space and functionality, creating an engaging and adaptable environment for children of all ages. #PlayroomDesign #KidsRoomIdeas #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #StorageSolutions #ChildFriendlySpaces #SustainableDesign #MultifunctionalRooms #CreativePlaySpaces

The article focuses on creating engaging and functional playrooms for children, guided by Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms in Westchester. Bowen-Poole emphasizes that the key to a perfect playroom lies in functional storage, engaging activity stations, and a modern, crisp color palette. Her company specializes in designing educational play spaces that cater to both children and parents. For a project designed for a 1- and 3-year-old, Smart Playrooms began with a new construction, providing a blank canvas. Bowen-Poole highlights that the size of the space is less critical than its layout, storage solutions, and the thoughtful selection of activity zones. She advises that for smaller areas, it is more effective to create two well-executed zones rather than attempting to squeeze in too many, which can lead to a cluttered and less engaging environment. This particular project, spanning approximately 1,000 square feet, allowed for the incorporation of several activity zones, including an art studio, a basketball/sport zone, a climbing and gymnastic area, a TV and storage section, a playhouse for pretend play, and a dedicated reading nook with ample book storage. Color selection plays a significant role in the playroom's design, influencing children's behavior and mood. The inspiration for the color palette came from artist peel-and-stick murals available through projectplayroom.com, which were then used to guide the selection of storage, carpet, bins, and furnishings. One such mural was integrated into the physical play zone, transforming it into a climbing wall that offered both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Bowen-Poole prefers gender-neutral colors that deviate from traditional primary colors, as these choices can impact how children interact with the space. She explains that shades of blue and teal promote quiet play, focus, and creativity, while whites evoke a sense of calm and openness. Pinks are chosen to foster feelings of love and kindness, and greens are used to encourage a renewed, tranquil, and refreshed state. In addition to active play zones, the design incorporates quiet areas, such as a custom circular reading nook. This 'Chill Zone' is intended to encourage reading, thinking, and relaxation, providing a cozy space for children to unwind, daydream, and engage in storytelling. Bowen-Poole stresses the importance of designing play spaces with longevity in mind, ensuring they remain relevant and beneficial as children grow. Her philosophy centers on creating environments that help children develop creativity and problem-solving skills through thoughtfully designed activities. She believes that a dedicated playroom empowers children, making them feel confident and valued, and encourages more frequent play and social interaction with friends. The article concludes by emphasizing the overall significance of providing children with a personalized play space, regardless of its size. Karri Bowen-Poole of Smart Playrooms is identified as the designer for the featured project, with Hardware and Mural sourced from Project Playroom. #PlayroomDesign #KidsPlaySpace #HomeDecor #ChildrensInteriors #EducationalPlayrooms #WestchesterHome #SmartPlayrooms #ChildDevelopment #InteriorDesign

Interior designer Naïka Andre was tasked with designing a bedroom for Garvey, an almost 3-year-old artist and the son of Nicole Taylor and Adrian Franks in Athens, Georgia. Garvey is known for his constant artistic creations, often using dry-erase boards, chalkboards, and occasional construction paper. Andre’s challenge was to create a space that not only displayed his art but also fostered his creative development, all while repurposing his former nursery furniture and decor. The design transformed a plain white room into a haven for a mini Picasso. Andre incorporated two existing mobiles from Garvey’s nursery into the new design. A knitted rocket mobile was hung flat against a narrow wall space near the door, while a modern mobile with abstract shapes was attached to the top of his play tent. Andre emphasizes that mobiles can serve as sculptural art installations beyond infancy, likening them to museum displays. This creative reuse of nursery decor demonstrates how items can evolve with a child’s development and maintain aesthetic value. A key element of the room’s foundation is the navy carpet, which has been with Garvey since his nursery days. This carpet is composed of individual tiles, offering practical benefits for a child’s room. The modular design allows for easy relocation between rooms or even homes, as the tiles can be pulled apart and reinstalled with fresh adhesive. More importantly, the individual tiles simplify cleaning; parents can remove and wash a single soiled square in the sink rather than needing to clean an entire rug. This feature addresses the common challenge of spills and messes in children’s spaces. Another transitional piece from the nursery is the swivel chair. Originally used to lull Garvey to sleep as an infant, it now functions as a comfortable spot for story time. The chair’s sturdy base is a crucial safety feature, preventing toe injuries that might occur with a traditional rocker. This careful selection of furniture ensures both functionality and safety as Garvey grows. To accommodate Garvey’s ever-changing gallery of artwork, Andre implemented a flexible display system. Two simple wires with clips allow Nicole and Adrian to easily swap out Garvey’s latest creations. The most innovative feature is the reimagined chalkboard wall: the closet doors. Homeowner Nicole Taylor commissioned Gus Darnell of Oneta Woodworks to create new bifold panels with chalkboard fronts, providing Garvey with an expansive, dedicated surface for drawing and doodling. Darnell also crafted a special pencil and brush stand for the dresser, ensuring Garvey’s art tools are organized and easily accessible, recognizing that an artist's time is valuable. This thoughtful design encourages continuous artistic expression and maintains an organized, inspiring environment for the young artist. #KidsRooms #ToddlerBedroom #ChalkboardWall #HomeDesign #CreativeSpace #ChildDevelopment #ModularCarpet #InteriorDesign #ArtisticExpression