Handbook

Designing a child’s room, whether in a spacious suburban house or a compact city apartment, demands creativity and thoughtful planning. While larger homes offer the luxury of dedicating multiple rooms to children, smaller apartments often require innovative solutions to maximize every inch of available space.

I agree with many psychologists that children benefit greatly from having their own personal space, even if it’s small. This private area, or “comfort zone,” allows them space for quiet activities like reading, listening to music, or playing alone. In smaller apartments, you can still create a dedicated space for children, using clever design and strategic placement of functional zones. Tools like curtains, screens, and sliding partitions can help define these areas effectively.

 

For those fortunate enough to include a children’s room in their home’s design, it’s an opportunity that should be fully utilized. This means possibly sacrificing a bit of space from the bedroom or living room to create a special place for the kids. Let me guide you through how to do this efficiently and practically.

Respecting Your Child’s Needs:

 

When designing a children’s room, it’s crucial to involve the child in the decision-making process. Ask them about their favorite colors, furniture preferences, and desired accessories. If there are multiple children, discuss with your designer how to divide the room so each child has their personal space without feeling invaded.

While bunk beds are a common solution in children’s rooms, they can sometimes cause emotional discomfort for kids. If you must use bunk beds, consider installing light curtains for privacy. With standard beds, light shelves and screens can serve as dividers.

 

Choosing the Right Colors:

 

Move away from the cliché that girls’ rooms must be pink and boys’ rooms blue. Opt for different colors in each zone of the children’s room. For example, green or blue can have a calming effect on sleep, while light pastel tones can uplift mood. Don’t forget to add bright accents – it’s a children’s room, after all!

Creating a Secret Nook:

 

For a child’s privacy and imagination, consider creating a small hideaway. This could be a tiny tent or a DIY teepee, which will delight any child. An even more luxurious option is a second-level loft in the room, but always prioritize safety in these designs.

 

Physical Activity Corner:

 

A small sports corner tailored to your child’s preferences can promote health and development. Consider adding swings, a pull-up bar, a climbing wall, or other sports equipment.

 

Furniture Arrangement:

 

For school-aged children, a ‘G’-shaped desk allows for a comfortable arrangement of a computer, books, and other items. Position the desk beside the window for natural light. Separate the work area using through-shelves, low cabinets, or light panels. Avoid high, hard-to-reach shelves – use floor-level shelving with convenient containers instead.

 

Efficient Storage:

 

For space efficiency, choose furniture and accessories like foldable tables and chairs, beds with drawers, inflatable mats, and poufs. An original and functional interior element in a child’s room is a hammock, which can serve as a bed or a storage space for toys.

Appropriate Lighting:

 

Having multiple light sources in different areas of the room is important. Bright lighting is necessary for the study area, while other zones should have softer, more subdued lighting. A small night light is also essential.

These are just some guidelines to consider when designing a child’s room. If you’re looking to equip a child’s room in your apartment or house and need professional advice, feel free to reach out to me, Olesya Blashchenko, an interior designer ready to help you expand and enrich your child’s living space.