See How Emily Simpson Injects a Dose of Fun into Her Kids' Room

Spanish studio Playoffice has introduced an innovative and playful gym within a family home, addressing the desire for an engaging indoor activity space for children. This design integrates a climbing area into a three-floor void, transforming a conventional living space into an interactive playground. The objective was to move away from typical workout room aesthetics, creating a vibrant and stimulating environment. The design features a striking blue climbing wall that spans the full height of the void, inviting children to ascend. The interior employs a distinct concrete texture alongside the bold blue color scheme, which contributes to a relaxing and fun atmosphere. The home gym is not just about climbing; it incorporates a circuit of exercises designed to enhance the coordination, strength, and balance of all family members. This approach fosters the healthy growth and development of children by providing diverse physical activities within the comfort and safety of their home. The project reimagines the concept of a home gym, moving beyond adult-centric fitness equipment to create a space that caters specifically to children's need for play and physical activity. The emphasis is on a holistic development through active engagement, ensuring that exercise is perceived as an enjoyable and integral part of daily life rather than a chore. Playoffice's design highlights how architectural interventions can significantly impact family dynamics and child development by providing dedicated spaces for imaginative and physical play. The colorful and dynamic interior, coupled with the functional climbing wall, serves as a central point for family interaction and physical challenges, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for the residents. #Playoffice #IndoorClimbingGym #HomeDesign #ChildrensPlayArea #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalInnovation #KidsActivity #PlayfulInteriors

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

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

Designer Sarah Sherman Samuel collaborated with West Elm to create a unique kids' room that functions as both a bedroom and a play area. The project began with a graphic rug and evolved into a space designed to ignite children's imaginations through playful shapes, layered patterns, and expressive colors. However, the true essence of the room lies in what was deliberately excluded, leading to four key design principles that Samuel applied. First, Samuel emphasizes that "less is more calming." Instead of cluttering the walls with art or using overwhelming patterns, she opted for simple geometric elements like painted striped walls, circular windows, and sweeping arches. These features create serene focal points, allowing children's eyes to explore without being overstimulated, and providing moments for rest and pause. This approach fosters a sense of calm and encourages open-ended imaginative play. Second, the design incorporates strategic use of scale to add drama. Samuel suggests going vertical with elements rather than keeping all furniture at a uniform height. In this room, twin canopies and tall arched nooks draw the eye upwards, making the space feel grand, especially for a child, and offering playful hiding spots. Despite the verticality, essential items like books remain easily accessible at a child's level. Third, a streamlined color palette makes a strong statement. Samuel drew inspiration from her daughter's favorite color, blue, using various shades and patterns like stripes and scallops in striking cobalt. To prevent the space from feeling monotonous, she balanced these vibrant hues with neutral, textured materials such as grasscloth wallpaper, natural wood bookshelves, and lidded rattan baskets. This careful selection of materials helps to ground the energetic color scheme and provides practical, hidden storage solutions, which Samuel considers essential for organization in her own home. Finally, the design avoids over-committing to a specific theme. While themed rooms might appeal to children, their preferences often change rapidly, necessitating frequent redecorations. Samuel advises against elaborate themes like astronaut or princess rooms. Instead, she recommends starting with a single beloved item, such as a favorite toy, book, or piece of art, and building the room's aesthetic around that. She views a child's room as an extension of the broader home design, albeit with an added touch of whimsy, ensuring longevity and adaptability as the child grows. #SarahShermanSamuel #KidsRoomDesign #WestElmCollaboration #InteriorDesignTips #PlayfulSpaces #ColorPalette #ScaleInDesign #MinimalistDesign #HomeDecor

When preparing a house for sale, optimizing interior spaces for broad appeal is crucial for attracting potential buyers. A notable example of this strategy is the conversion of a nursery into a guest room, a transformation successfully implemented by designer Emily Henderson in her former Los Angeles home, which subsequently sold above its asking price. The nursery, originally designed for her baby girl, was an airy and comfortable space featuring a distinct forest-themed wallpaper across two walls. One wall showcased a vintage wicker day bed, while the other held an all-white crib. To transition the room into a guest bedroom, Henderson retained the bold wallpaper as a prominent backdrop, integrating more neutral furniture and decor elements. The new guest bed was dressed with fresh, light linens and paired with an understated walnut headboard, flanked by two small white nightstands. Previously, "baby" specific items such as a changing table, a pink pouf, and a wall-mounted unicorn head were removed and replaced with practical additions suitable for a guest room. These new elements included an extra chair for seating, a desk lamp for illumination and function, and a storage side table, enhancing the room's utility and general appeal. This strategic design change demonstrates how minor adjustments to a room's purpose and decor can significantly enhance a home's marketability. By opting for versatile and neutral furnishings, Henderson created a space that could appeal to a wider range of prospective buyers, moving beyond the specific needs of a nursery to a more universally welcoming guest bedroom. This approach highlights the importance of staging a home to showcase its adaptability and potential to different lifestyles, ultimately facilitating a quicker and more profitable sale. The transformation maintained the room’s inherent charm, primarily through the preserved wallpaper, while updating its functionality to meet the demands of a broader audience. #InteriorDesign #HomeStaging #EmilyHenderson #RoomTransformation #GuestRoom #NurseryConversion #HomeDecor #RealEstate

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes collaborated with Crate & Kids to design a nursery for their daughter, Golden Raye, focusing on a balance between parental taste and childish whimsy. The design incorporates a color palette of baby pink, white, and gold, with gold sunburst wallpaper and personalized monogram accents inspired by Golden Raye's name. Gray rugs and off-white furnishings provide a grounding element to the room's more playful aspects. Brittany Mahomes highlighted the importance of comfort and functionality in the nursery, particularly praising the Sherpa swivel chair and matching ottoman. The chair's design, including a footrest and high back, accommodates both Patrick and Brittany. The crib, a whitewashed ash wood convertible model, offers a feminine and cozy aesthetic that can adapt as the child grows, converting into a toddler bed with an additional rail. Monograms of Golden Raye's name appear on both the walls and her baby blanket, adding a unique touch. The nursery also features a sophisticated yet playful ambiance through a large art print and a small gallery wall. This approach suggests integrating framed children's artwork for a balanced display. Practical elements include uniquely decorated vignettes with books and toys that serve as both decor and entertainment. Vertical shelving and decorative hooks are used for organization, keeping items off the floor while contributing to the room's stylized appearance. Additional items like a bassinet further enhance the space's functionality and aesthetic. The overall design emphasizes adult comfort, elevated decor, and personalization, ensuring the nursery's longevity and adaptability as the family grows. This design philosophy suggests that decorating for children can follow similar principles as decorating for adults, prioritizing personalization and thoughtful details. The article includes several product recommendations from Crate & Kids used in the Mahomes' nursery, such as the Nessa Light Brown Sherpa Nursery Swivel Glider with Silver Base, the Nessa Light Brown Sherpa Nursery Gliding Ottoman with Silver Base, the Archie Whitewashed Ash Wood Convertible Baby Crib, and the Babyletto x Gathre Capsule Ivory Baby Bassinet. Each product is described with its features and how it contributes to the nursery's design and functionality. #NurseryDesign #CelebrityHomes #KidsRoomIdeas #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CrateAndKids #PersonalizedSpace #ChildFriendlyDesign #FunctionalFurniture

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 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

Catherine Heraghty, interior designer from The Stables, embarked on the ambitious project of designing two homes within a 12-week timeframe as part of the '2 in Twelve' renovation series. Despite the challenge, she successfully created two distinct and engaging kids' rooms, emphasizing the importance of designing spaces tailored to children's interests rather than parental preferences. For her son Hudson's bedroom in her personal residence, Heraghty opted for a contemporary aesthetic centered around an animal theme. The color scheme incorporated blues, greys, and neutrals, complemented by a playful animal-print wallpaper that serves as a central design element. This approach aligns with her philosophy of choosing themes that resonate with children, transforming the room into a unique and imaginative retreat. One standout feature of Hudson's room is a towering loft bed. This design choice effectively maximizes vertical space, creating a versatile area below that Heraghty utilized as a cozy reading corner. The integration of practical yet stylish storage solutions, including hooks and wall shelves, was also a priority to maintain order in a child's room. She advises placing these storage elements at a kid-friendly height to encourage young ones to put away their belongings. In the kids' bedroom for her investment property, Heraghty designed a space with a cubby-house shaped bed, eye-catching artwork, and soft linens. The chosen black and white artwork offers a contemporary feel that is adaptable, allowing the room to evolve with the child into adolescence with minimal adjustments. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to creating lasting and flexible designs. To add a vibrant touch and connect with nature, Heraghty recommends incorporating artificial greenery into kids' bedrooms. This not only introduces an element of fun but also stimulates children's imaginations. Furthermore, for the coastal-themed investment property, she introduced various textural elements such as rattan, feathers, and pom-poms through linens, wall decals, and furniture. The coastal theme was given a unique twist with the inclusion of soft pinks, moving beyond traditional color palettes. Heraghty highlights the versatility of the investment home's kids' bedroom, noting that with a few minor decorative changes, it can easily transition from a younger child's room to a space suitable for a young adult. This focus on longevity and adaptability underlines her practical and child-centric design approach for both personal and investment properties. #Coastal #Contemporary #KidsRoom #KidsBeds #KidsFurniture #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #Renovation #ChildFriendlyDesign

This article offers a glimpse into the dynamic New York City apartment of designer Tali Roth, who shares her living space with her husband, Marcus, and their two sons, Phoenix (4) and Romeo (3 months). An Australian expatriate who moved from Melbourne to Chelsea, NYC, Roth has built a career on crafting imaginative and elegant spaces for clients without excessive spending. This approach is evident in her own rental apartment, which she has meticulously designed over time, emphasizing the importance of leaving room for evolving tastes and expressing personal style through a mix of high-end and affordable finds, such as an IKEA storage unit paired with a 1950s Italian rattan chair and a mohair sofa from Crofthouse L.A. Her gallery wall showcases a diverse collection, including art by Paul Davies and Georgia O’Keeffe alongside flea market discoveries. Currently on maternity leave, Roth has channeled her creative energy back into her home, regularly rearranging furniture, repositioning art, and acquiring new pieces. A recent notable addition is a large Gufram cactus coatrack, strategically placed in the children’s play area. Despite the presence of young children, the apartment maintains a sophisticated aesthetic, with subtle elements like a playhouse or stroller being the only indicators of its family-friendly nature. Roth demonstrates that an elevated family home can be achieved on a budget through thoughtful design choices. Roth offers practical advice for curating a stylish yet low-maintenance rental suitable for both adults and children. She advocates for avoiding delicate textiles, specifically viscose fabrics, which are prone to shriveling when spilled upon. Instead, she recommends resilient materials like wool, highlighting her living room sofa, which was reupholstered in mohair for durability. Her second couch is designed for comfort and practicality, accommodating family movie nights and nursing without concern for damage. Emphasis is placed on selecting sturdy furniture that can withstand the activities of rambunctious children. Roth points to her low-slung marble coffee table as an example, chosen for its stability. While seemingly child-friendly, a collection of round pillows on the sofa presents a humorous challenge, as her son often dislodges and drools on them during morning screen time. The designer also excels at blending high and low design elements to create custom looks. A 170-inch wall-mounted cabinet in the living room, for instance, is an IKEA base enhanced with a Semihandmade top, fronts, and hardware. Similarly, brass-and-wood shelves in the dining room were an Etsy find. Roth prioritizes investing in art and collectible furniture while opting for more budget-friendly options for pieces that might not be transferable to future residences. Reupholstery is presented as a valuable strategy for refreshing existing pieces rather than discarding them. Two orangey-red chairs in Roth’s living room, originally purchased for $300 each from Etsy and initially upholstered in a “poo-green” color, underwent a transformation. They were first covered in baby blue velvet for her son’s room and later re-covered in a rust velvet with white piping, inspired by a hotel in Paris. Despite the cost of reupholstery, Roth views it as a worthwhile investment due to the chairs’ sentimental value and timeless swivel design. For larger purchases, Roth advises thrifty approaches, often sourcing items from auctions and flea markets. Her sofas include one from the ABC Carpet & Home Outlet, and her Rudolf Wolff dining chairs were assembled from two separate vendors, requiring creative adjustments like spray-painting one to match. She also designed her own dining table. Finally, Roth addresses storage challenges common in rental apartments. With limited closet space, she employs a combination of customized pieces and hidden shelves in the boys’ rooms to organize toys and clothes. In the master bedroom, modular IKEA units keep items out of sight. The pieces that are displayed are carefully curated, each possessing a unique story, from a decorative plate acquired in Positano to crystals gifted by her father and a vase purchased during a vacation in Murano. The art throughout the home comprises gifts from friends and neighbors. Through vision, clever hacks, and an appreciation for beautiful details, Roth demonstrates the possibility of creating a family-friendly design that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #NYCDesign #BudgetDecorating #RentalDecor #HighLowMix #FurnitureHacks #SustainableDesign

Marynn Udvarhelyi, a DIY interior design blogger behind Wildflower Home, transformed her eldest daughter Hannah's bedroom. Having previously curated Hannah's pastel nursery in 2005, Udvarhelyi embarked on designing a new room for her now 14-year-old, theater-loving daughter in March. The primary objective was to create a welcoming and functional space for Hannah's transition to remote high school, moving beyond the bare, gray aesthetic of their new Temecula, California, home. The project commenced with significant structural modifications. Udvarhelyi and Hannah collaborated to replace the existing beadboard with shiplap, reminiscent of family vacations to Monterey, and added molding around the room's perimeter. A notable feature was the application of wallpaper to the ceiling and the conversion of an unused window seat into a grasscloth desk. The color scheme for the new room was a sophisticated evolution of Hannah's original nursery palette. Pastel purple was updated to a rich eggplant for the velvet headboard, mint green evolved into a deep pine for the dresser, and butter yellow was replaced by Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige on the trim, enhancing the room's maturity. The three-month project, initially conceived as a simple makeover, gained deeper meaning for Udvarhelyi as she recognized it as potentially the last bedroom design for Hannah before she left home. The collaboration itself became a cherished experience for both. The renovation included practical considerations like updating the base layer. Faced with a limited $2,000 budget that precluded replacing the beige carpet, Udvarhelyi strategically painted the trim and door to match, then layered a textural rug in complementary colors from Home Goods to integrate the carpet and balance the ceiling wallpaper. Durability was a key concern for the finishes, given the nature of a teenager's room. Udvarhelyi, a mother of two, selected Chippendale-style bedside tables with lacquered (Formica) tops, chosen for their resilience against spills and wear. The desk surface was also protected with glass for similar reasons. A significant functional change involved transforming the window seat into a dedicated workspace. Recognizing Hannah's need for a study area for Zoom rehearsals and script memorization, Udvarhelyi commissioned a custom $400 desk from a carpenter. The former seat area was covered with leftover shiplap and a carpet remnant, and the desk was wrapped in grasscloth, evoking Hannah's recent role in "The Lion King." This tailored desk design also helped keep school supplies organized. Udvarhelyi intentionally left room for personalization, allowing Hannah creative freedom with a bulletin board. This board became a personalized collage of playbills, ticket stubs, and cast photos, reflecting Hannah's memories and interests. The ceiling, or the "fifth wall," received a playful sparrow print wallpaper from Rylee + Cru. Installing this wallpaper overhead required meticulous alignment and the use of spackle to conceal seams. Udvarhelyi chose the sparrow pattern symbolically, representing Hannah's impending journey to high school and her burgeoning independence. #TeenBedroomDesign #DIYHomeDecor #BedroomMakeover #WindowSeatTransformation #WallpaperedCeiling #ColorPaletteEvolution #TeenProofFinishes #FunctionalDesign #PersonalizedSpace

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

Many homeowners struggle with adding color and vibrancy to their living spaces without resorting to painting or expensive artwork. HGTV designer Erin Napier offers a practical and stylish solution to this common decorating dilemma: incorporating suzani quilts. Napier, known for her work on HGTV renovation shows, suggests that these colorful textiles can instantly revitalize a room, providing a focal point and unifying various design elements. Napier herself uses a suzani quilt to liven up her "beige oatmeal color" upholstered couch. Suzani, a traditional textile art form originating from Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, is characterized by its vivid colors and intricate floral or geometric patterns. These quilts offer several advantages for home decoration. Firstly, their busy and vibrant designs immediately capture attention, making a space feel more dynamic and lively, even if the surrounding walls are neutral or sparsely decorated. Secondly, the diverse range of hues typically found in suzani quilts allows them to effortlessly tie together different elements within a room. This eliminates the need to meticulously match paint colors or decor items, as a single quilt can incorporate shades present in various furnishings, such as an old sofa and a new coffee table. By draping a suzani quilt over a sofa, bed, breakfast nook, or even an entryway bench, homeowners can significantly transform their home's interior, infusing it with color, excitement, and a sense of cohesion. The versatility of suzani quilts extends to their styling. For those who prefer floral-patterned suzanis, it is advisable to complement these with similar motifs in other decor elements to ensure a harmonious look. This could involve incorporating floral bowls in the kitchen, botanical-themed wall art, or even bringing indoor foliage to echo the quilt's design. Conversely, geometric suzani quilts can be paired with mid-century furniture or cubist prints to maintain a consistent aesthetic. Even in homes that already feature patterns, suzani quilts can be integrated effectively. The key lies in intentional and careful styling to prevent the space from becoming chaotic. One effective technique is to combine patterns of different sizes. For instance, a suzani quilt with small, intricate details can be balanced by pairing it with larger, more simplified forms in other patterns. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the eye. For those who embrace a more eclectic style, placing a suzani quilt alongside similar patterns can also work, provided there is a shared color scheme to ensure a cohesive blend. This method allows for a playful yet unified approach to home decor, making it easier to add a distinctive splash of color without the commitment of paint or the expense of fine art. #ErinNapier #HGTV #HomeDecor #SuzaniQuilt #ColorPop #InteriorDesign #DesignHacks #TextileArt #HomeStyling

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

This article offers a comprehensive guide to designing a kid-friendly living room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It emphasizes that a home with children doesn't need to sacrifice style for practicality, providing numerous tips and tricks from design and organization experts. The core philosophy centers on creating spaces that are welcoming for both adults and children, balancing safety, durability, and visual appeal. The guide highlights several key strategies for achieving this balance. One important recommendation is to consider an open floor plan, which allows family members to stay connected even when engaged in different activities. Suzi Dailey, a Luxury Coastal Realtor, notes the contemporary preference for level, open layouts that facilitate interaction, such as larger islands opening into other rooms. This design trend promotes a sense of togetherness while offering ample space for various pursuits. Another crucial aspect discussed is the selection of appropriate area rugs. Given that living rooms are high-traffic areas, the article suggests opting for easy-to-wash rugs from brands like Ruggable or Lorena Canals, or even indoor/outdoor rugs. These materials are chosen for their resilience against daily wear and tear, including running, playing, and inevitable spills, while still offering a wide array of colors and patterns to match any decor. The article also advocates for incorporating color into the living room design. Citing HGTV, it encourages bold color choices, whether through paint, furniture, or color-coordinated bookshelves. Color is presented as an effective tool to make a room feel warm, inviting, and vibrant, contributing to a cheerful atmosphere for children and adults alike. Effective storage solutions are central to maintaining a tidy and kid-friendly living room. The guide advises utilizing empty wall space for additional containment. Jaime Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing, recommends systems like The Container Store’s Elfa System for custom-designed storage. Furthermore, purchasing furniture with built-in storage options, such as storage benches or sectionals with hidden compartments, is highlighted as a practical way to manage toys and other items, doubling as comfortable seating for children. Material choices are also addressed, with a specific suggestion to opt for wooden dining room tables. These tables are durable enough to withstand the dents and dings caused by children and contribute to a relaxed, informal dining atmosphere. This practical tip aims to reduce parental stress about potential damage while maintaining a stylish space. Creating dedicated spaces for children within the living room is another valuable recommendation. This can include indoor forts or reading nooks, which provide children with their own safe and designated areas for play, reading, and creative activities. This approach helps to contain clutter and gives children a sense of ownership over their space. Personalizing the living room with children's artwork is suggested as a creative and heartwarming way to integrate their world into the adult space. Michelle Manske, owner of Henry & Higby, proposes creating a gallery wall using vintage or mismatched frames. This not only forms a natural focal point but also allows for easy rotation of artwork, celebrating children's creativity and blending their contributions with the home's overall design. Safety is a paramount concern, and the article advises cutting corners, metaphorically and literally, by choosing round furniture or ottomans made with soft fabrics over sharp-edged coffee tables. This prevents injuries to young children, particularly new walkers, and offers a stylish alternative to less attractive safety buffers. Lastly, the guide touches on the importance of selecting kid- and pet-friendly foliage. Plant expert Amber Guetebier emphasizes the mental well-being benefits of plants and their air-purifying qualities, alongside the necessity of choosing non-toxic varieties like Money Trees or Parlor Palms to ensure the safety of curious children and pets. This holistic approach ensures that every element of the living room contributes to a safe, beautiful, and enjoyable environment for the entire family.

Toronto-based designer Anne Hepfer, who is also a mother of two sets of twins, offers her expertise in creating engaging and personalized children's rooms. Hepfer emphasizes the importance of involving the child in the design process, believing that this fosters a deeper appreciation for their space. She notes that children will always remember their room, and she values her role in creating that happy memory. Hepfer outlines several key strategies for designing children's rooms with personality and practicality. The first strategy involves asking questions to stimulate the child's imagination and understand their likes and dislikes. This direct involvement ensures the child will love their room. Hepfer provides an example where a child's love for surfing and the color orange inspired a surfboard-shaped upholstered headboard with orange-and-white stripes and nautical lights. The second tip is to have fun with the design. Hepfer suggests surrounding children with color and encourages a playful approach to decor, emphasizing that their home should be a place for breathing and enjoyment. She shares that in her own home, vibrant colors serve as an antidote to busy schedules. The third recommendation is to experiment with vibrant patterns. Hepfer finds bold patterns an effective way to enliven a kid's room, mentioning florals and stripes as examples. She advises showing children photo or fabric samples to help them choose their preferred patterns, citing instances where her son chose a corkboard wall and her daughter opted for a watermelon Quadrille crosshatch wall covering. Fourth, Hepfer stresses the importance of adequate storage solutions. Acknowledging the challenge of managing a growing collection of books and toys, she suggests customizing storage to suit a child's lifestyle. She has incorporated built-in drawers into bed bases and observed that involving children in selecting storage solutions for their closets can encourage tidiness. Fifth, attention to wall space is crucial. Hepfer recommends selecting prints or art that resonate with the child, making the chosen pieces both decorative and meaningful. She advises that even a favorite Disney movie poster is suitable, and art can be updated as the child grows. Sixth, installing sconces is recommended, particularly articulated ones with dimmers. These provide adjustable, directional light, which is beneficial for bedtime reading. Finally, Hepfer suggests adding a touch of luxury with fuzzy, furry, or plush elements like blankets, throws, pillows, ottomans, or benches. This is because children appreciate soft and cozy textures in their personal spaces. #KidsRoomDesign #ChildrensDecor #AnneHepfer #InteriorDesignTips #RoomIdeas #StorageSolutions #VibrantPatterns #PersonalizedSpaces