Sunday Independent LIFE Magazine
Thank you to Darren Kennedy for a wonderful conversation about designing spaces for kids in the Sunday Independent Life Magazine. Photography of these elegant rooms in our Brook Residence project in Dublin captured beautifully by Tristan Photography.
Q. How can I decorate my toddler’s bedroom so it feels playful and age appropriate without becoming overly childish? I would like to create a stylish, practical space that can adapt as they grow, rather than having to redecorate it completely in a few years.
The chance to decorate and refresh a child’s room, to give a little one a gorgeous place to unwind, relax and have as their own, can often be at odds with the practicalities. The many clothes, shoes, and coats; toys of every shape and size, a library of books and every other knick-knack and craft set, not to mention the child’s own taste!
Kids grow quickly, so a beneficial “grow-with-me” room design approach offers longevity with flexibility, focusing on a beautiful, mature room foundation, which is adaptable as kids age and behaviours change.
To create a stylish toddler space that develops as years pass, start with neutral base elements, and then use playful, age-appropriate accessories and accents. This long-term approach is conducive to life changes from toddlerhood to the school years without needing costly redecoration.
For the base, choose soft, neutral colours, for the walls, cabinets, and floors. Soft warm white, beige and muted sage give a calming colour scheme, so important with busy modern life. For some subtle texture, a softly patterned wallpaper can add lovely texture and depth.
Invest in quality furniture and cabinetry. Well planned, beautiful wardrobes, bench seats, chests of drawers, workbenches, and storage beds are key to a solid, lasting room design and will serve invaluably over time.
Pick mature lighting fixtures, like chic pendant lights or wall sconces instead of novelty lamps. Consider the different types of lighting required from day to night and cater for all these.
Layer this base room décor with complimenting, accent textiles, without a theme. Plain or subtly patterned curtains and blinds, and a washable, durable flat-weave rugs that add texture.
Finally, the fun part. Introduce accessories like wall prints, cushions and throws, keeping your toddler’s personality and interests in mind. With a little effort, a youthful theme of cartoon characters or sports can be carried into a room scheme. These items can be inexpensive and easily replaceable later.
Top Tips
- Avoid painting the walls pink, despite the requests of an 8-year-old client! It’s a tricky colour to get right. Use soft pink accents instead.
- A series of framed wall art or a co-ordinated gallery wall looks great and can carry playful animal prints or childhood photographs in a stylish way.
- To display arts, crafts and other “current” memorabilia, use pretty pin or magnet boards, declutter as you go.
- For toys and other “stuff”, use two complimenting stacks of attractive storage baskets.
