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Kids grow so fast, which can make it tricky to design spaces that will grow with them. While green might be their absolute favourite colour one day, before you know it they’ve changed to purple. And navigating the transition from childhood to to teenager can be even more challenging.
With some smart, practical design choices, you can ensure the foundations of your childrens’ bedrooms and play spaces can work from the time they are a baby all the way up to their teen years. It helps give your child a space that’s their own they will enjoy, as well as save you having to re-decorate every couple of years.
Discover some top ways to create fun spaces that evolve with kids at every age. You’ll find tips for choosing durable and easy-to-clean flooring for these spaces, convertible furniture, wall colours and more.
Designing a nursery that grows with your baby
Designing your nursery is an exciting time, as it’s a concrete way to express your excitement with creativity and style. It’s important to remember your baby won’t stay that teeny tiny human for long though, and your nursery needs to be prepared for all those changes. This is where convertible furniture and modular storage solutions can be a lifesaver for your budget and busy schedule.
While bassinets are undeniably cute, they don’t last long. Convertible cribs on the other hand can be adjusted as your baby ages, and can even be turned into a toddler bed. Multifunctional storage solutions are also practical, so choose items that can perform a variety of functions. Chests that double as changing tables, modular storage that can move to suit the space are a couple of clever solutions.
Flooring can also make a huge difference to the look and feel of your nursery, so consider what you want for the space. Lighter colours will add brightness, while a darker hue will create a cosier vibe. Hybrid flooring in particular is great for nurseries as it’s durable and easy to clean. It’s also smooth for crawling bubs, but for extra comfort add a rug for tummy time.
Creating a playroom for toddlers
Toddlers have boundless energy, and will turn any area into a playground, so it’s important to think about how you’ll reign that in. Bright colours are fun for children and can teach them all the colours of the rainbow, but they can get overstimulating. This is where sticking to a basic palette for walls and flooring will help you control colours, with toys, textiles and decorations helping to strike that balance.
Interactive toys and educational decor can also double as fun and learning tools for your kids. Sensory play mats and other interactive toys can help your child develop their fine motor skills, getting them to reach, use their hands and play. As for decor, you can create art out of letters and numbers, or choose an educational play rug to help brighten up the space and help with child’s development.
A study area for school-aged children
By the time children reach school age, the needs for their room or playroom begin to change. While play is still important, they also need a quiet, organised place to study and unwind from a hard day learning.
For a study space that helps support their learning, make sure they have a sturdy desk, a comfortable chair that supports their back, and storage solutions in easy reach for books and supplies. Good lighting is also essential, so having lamps will allow them to adjust the lighting as they need depending on the task at hand.
Teen hangout spots
Teens bring an all new dynamic to a home, often with other teenage friends in tow. So, having their own space where they can relax, study and hangout with their pals is important, not only for their own wellbeing, but that of the entire household.
If you have the space to do so, adding some additional comfortable seating options is a great idea for teen rooms or hangout spaces. Bean bags are a good space-saving option, as is modular seating that can be swapped around. Entertainment options and space for their hobbies can also help the space feel like theirs. This could look like wall storage to display their guitar, an online gaming station, cool wall art, or a reading nook for getting lost in stories. It really depends on your teen, so make sure to involve them in the process.
Flexible family spaces
Multipurpose rooms, like a second living space, are a great way to give kids their own area, but can also serve the entire family. How you design the space will help ensure it’s ready for whatever activity you or the kids have planned.
Modular sofas, foldable tables and plenty of storage will mean you can add and pack away seating, surface space and activities as you need them. This will help keep the space tidy while it’s not in use, or when you’re just hanging out with family or friends. Vinyl planks or hybrid flooring will also help make cleaning up a breeze, especially with a handy robotic vacuum!
Bringing it all together
When kids are involved, it’s important the spaces they play, study and hang out are fun and functional. Not only does it help with their development and wellbeing, it makes it easy to adapt as they age too. Remember, the ideas in this article are just the beginning. Explore what works for you, your home and your family and you’ll have a range of fun spaces for kids set up in no time!
