Over the years I’ve designed many different types of rooms. All of them have been an adventure in one way or another, and each had its own story to tell and character to embrace. Kids’ rooms, while not a primary focus of Your Design Partner, have been some of the most fun projects. So much color and life is needed for these spaces, it’s hard not to smile at just the prospect. And I’d like to go a step further by saying that, no matter what phase of life you are in, a room for the kids should be a consideration for your home. Here are my best tips for creating the perfect kids’ space.
Why Do Kids Need Their Own Space?
First things first, why do kids even need their own space? The best reason is safety. Baby-proofing the whole house, while necessary to some degree, may not be enough. In their own space, kids have a place that is completely safe for them, with furniture that fits them, appropriate precautions, and toys and other items that aren’t dangerous to them. For older kids, a room all their own means they want to hang around more, so you’ll have a better idea of what they’re up to.
A second, and equally great reason, is age appropriate toys and activities. When you have guests over, or even just on a regular Tuesday, your kids can escape to a place where they can enjoy activities they love that are just for them. The haven of the kids’ space means they aren’t bored or getting into things they shouldn’t—everything in that room is theirs to play, create, and experiment with.
Additionally, their own room is a place they can feel free to be creative and silly without getting in trouble or being disruptive. It may not seem useful on a daily basis, but when guests are over and they bring their kids along, it’s great having a safe place for all of them to go to be wild without being under foot.
Finally, remember what it’s like to have a space that is all your own? It’s a place you return to and feel comfortable in. There’s nothing like it. And your home is theirs as well, so they need that feeling, too.
Who Needs a Kids Room?
Kids are the obvious answer here. But in my opinion, empty nesters, just as much as young families, benefit from kids’ rooms. Like I said before, these are spaces where kids can safely go to play, be wild, get creative, and just find refuge and hang out. So if you have any children in your life, and a little extra room, it’s a great idea to design a kid-friendly space.
This can be a corner, an extra bedroom, their own bedroom, or the entire basement. Either way, you’ll need to source the perfect furniture and décor to really make it all about the kids.
For young families, they might want to focus on the kids’ bedrooms and making them a great, fun, and functional place to be. For empty nesters, they’ll want to ensure they can welcome in grandkids. Everyone else who has kids in their lives might just want a quiet corner with age-appropriate activities set up and ready to go.
No matter what stage of life you’re in, a kids’ room or space is a great thing to add to your home design plan.
My Best Tips for Creating the Perfect Kids’ Space
1) Comfy furniture. Lounge chairs, bean bag chairs, maybe even a sofa, large floor pillows, blankets, and more help your kids create a comfy and cozy space to read, play games, create forts, and more. But comfy furniture also means furniture that is the right size for little bodies. A small desk and table with smaller chairs is great for young kids. They get to move about and get in and out of the chairs without injuring themselves. It makes the whole space that much more accessible to them.
2) Paint colors. This is a great time to quiz the kids! What is their favorite color? What inspires them? Where do they love to be and what color palette can you pull from that location? To make this truly their space, you’ll have to abandon your preferred color palette a bit. But it’s okay! Painted walls can be repainted, and when they grow out of the color, they can upgrade it to something fresh and more them. Bright colors are usually on the list for kids, but sometimes a calming blue, or dusty hue, appeals to them.
3) Location, location, location. Whether it’s simply revamping their bedroom, finishing the basement, or carving out a whole other space in your home, the location of your kids’ space matters. You obviously don’t want to completely banish them from the rest of the house, but you want to keep the flow and feel of the other rooms in tact. Select a bedroom or basement if you entertain a lot, or transform your formal dining room if you just want them to have a little more space.
4) Technology or no Technology for Kids? This is a hot debate right now, and for good reason. There are ways of making technology safe, but they are not guaranteed so this is a discussion you’ll definitely want to have. What will you allow? Just a TV? How do we integrate wiring and other aspects of technology that keeps the space safe? My best suggestion is to keep it limited. Hang a TV with some hidden wire hardware and installation techniques, and then decide what gaming systems are allowed. Utilize credenzas and other clever storage to keep everything out of the way, or even locked away, when needed.
5) Don’t forget their interests. Kids are fascinating and find joy in very unique things. Foster their creativity by including items, furniture, and decor that speaks to their interests. For example, the little artist in your life would love an easel and large drawing pad. The aspiring cook might appreciate a play kitchen, while the sports fan would love a basketball hoop or darts board, and the avid reader would spend hours in their own curated reading nook. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just something that says “this is all you, indulge in what you love!”.
Find a Miami Designer Who Understand Kids’ Spaces
As I said before, I’ve been in this game for nearly two decades and kids’ spaces have been some of my favorite rooms to design. Though my move to Miramar, Florida is recent, my expertise in design and creating space for the whole family is well seasoned, tried and tested, and ready for the next challenge. As your local South Florida interior designer, I’m excited to help you create the perfect kids’ space in your home.
