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Decorating for Little Ones: How to Design a Kids Room

8th March 2023

Why should kids have all the fun? Whether you have a baby on the way or a toddler demanding a space to call their own, decorating for little ones is a chance to really unleash your creativity and discover beautiful patterns and colours that they’ll love. Take a look at our top tips for designing a stylish bedroom, nursery or playroom.

1. Let Their Imagination Soar

Don’t be afraid to bring large or detailed designs into your child’s bedroom or nursery. Children love to look at things and so, far from being overwhelming, these motifs can actually help them to develop vital sensory skills as well as keeping them entertained. 

2. Look to Popular Motifs

If your child has yet to display a certain fondness for one particular theme, do not worry. The following are a selection of fail-safe motifs that are always popular for use in children’s rooms.

Animal Friends

Whether it is delicate vignettes for a nursery or smart silhouettes for a pre-teen bedroom, animals will delight children of all ages. Opt for neutral shades if you want to play it safe and when using wallpaper, consider a feature wall rather than papering the whole room. 

Stars and Spots

While stars and spots may be associated with younger children, simple designs used sparingly can look suitable even in older bedrooms and work particularly well in soothing pastel shades. Add an element of magic with a wallpapered ceiling or bespoke blind.

Numbers and Letters

As well as being pleasing to the eye, our selection of children’s fabrics and wallpapers also feature designs that are perfect for sharpening the young mind. Patterns centred on numbers and letters can benefit a child’s early development, while playful illustrations will appeal to their love of storytelling. 

The Great Outdoors

Children love immersing themselves in nature, whether that’s a fun camping trip or a stroll through the local woodland. Recreate the excitement of exploring outdoors with beautiful motifs of trees and mountains and watch their eyes light up in wonder.

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3. Choosing Colours for Children

Pretty Pastels

Pastels will always be welcome in spaces designed for children – they have calming connotations and can make even the boldest patterns manageable.

Primary Colours

For a livelier look, use shades such as sunshine yellow, fire engine red, and sky blue. These hues will create a truly playful atmosphere, but as a result are better used in a playroom rather than a bedroom where they can overstimulate.

A Darker Palette

There’s a common misconception that children’s rooms must be light, bright and airy. This is simply not the case. Dark shades such as midnight blue are just as beautiful as light ones, and because they mimic the night sky, can actually make it easier to create a soothing atmosphere at bedtime.

Also, because darker shades are not as commonly associated with nurseries or playrooms as, say, pastel tones, it means they are more likely to stand the test of time in your child’s room, and sit well even as they mature. 

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4. Opt for a Mural Wallpaper

When creating a contemporary look for younger children, consider a wall panel or mural wallpaper. Compared with traditional wallpapers, wall panels can be easier to hang and remove, while completely transforming a room with their bold designs. They are best used when you want to emulate a specific theme or look within the room, whether it’s frolicking farmyard animals or a mythical fairy tale kingdom. 

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5. Never Underestimate the Power of Wallpaper Borders

Borders are synonymous with children’s rooms as they bring such a sense of occasion. If you don’t want to wallpaper a whole wall, a border is a great way to soften the dividing line, and can bring relief to small scale all-over patterns. Don’t forget – borders can be created with paint as well, providing interest and the opportunity to incorporate another shade into the room’s palette. 

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6. Add the Finishing Touches

Just as our bedrooms can be places of sanctuary from the outside world, the same is true for a child’s playroom or bedroom. Don’t view their room simply as a place to sleep – it should also be a space in which your child actively chooses to spend time. Get them excited about the creative process by allowing them to look through paint colours and wallpaper designs or feel fabric swatches.

If they’re arty, set up a place for them to draw and display their work, or if they enjoy playing with their toys or reading, designate a fun space in which they can do this using a soft rug or plump floor cushions. A cosy upholstered chair, homemade tepee or welcoming window seat will surprise and delight your child and provide them with a space all their own.

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