How to create the ultimate cool kid’s bedroom.
When it comes to decorating a kid’s bedroom, the demands you receive from your children can see your budget skyrocket, with desires such as replicating their favourite movie to installing a built-in slid.
Realistically, you want a space that they will adore for years to come and a place that’s practical for parents too, with wardrobe storage solutions for toys and clothes, so you’re not constantly tripping over toys that cover every inch of the floor. One thing to keep in mind throughout your planning process: not all kid's bedrooms need to be overly playful to be age appropriate, adding subtle kid-friendly elements here and there can make an impact without causing you to have to completely redecorate within a year.
To help a design-challenged parent, Sharps have created an array of cool kids’ room decor ideas. Whether you are looking for a complete bedroom transformation or for key decluttering options and wardrobe storage solutions, we’re here to inspire all budgets with some practical styling advice.
1. Pick a theme
Decide on a general theme but try not to make it too over the top as we all know how kids can go off their once much-loved children’s character or toy like a flick of a light switch and move on to their next obsession, leaving you with a room that’s no longer fit for purpose. You want a bedroom to grow with your child, but one that incorporates a playful, imaginative element.
Whether your theme of choice is based around dinosaurs, a nautical seascape, jungle safari, ballerinas, or a Disney character, you can add quick-win solutions with a bedspread that ticks the theme, carefully placed toys scattered around the room, or a picture/colour palette that’s in keeping with the overall concept.
There are many ways you can work with a theme from the subtle to the extravagant, but it will frequently be dictated by your budget. Opt for a theme that’s simple and enduring to avoid a complete redesign every other year.
2. Storage is key
Are your child’s endless array of toys making you want to channel your inner Marie Kondo? Want to avoid a pint-sized standoff when it comes to which toys to keep and which are to be gifted to charity? Then storage is your best friend.
Clever wardrobe solutions will de-clutter any bedroom, even when space is limited and you have nowhere to hide certain playthings.
Sharps have a fantastic array of bespoke fitted wardrobes that leave no wasted space.
Sharps wardrobes stretch from wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, giving you up to 40% more storage space than ordinary fitted wardrobes and accommodate clothing, shoes, toys and a dedicated fancy dress area, no matter your space.
3. The bed
Stylish, ageless furniture is always a good long-term investment, especially when it comes to updating a crib to toddler bed, or toddler bed to a single kids’ bed.
When shopping for a bed, opt for one that will continue to suit as your children grow up.
A solid, classic single bed can easily be revamped over the years with a touch of paint, bunk beds are good if you are short on space and cabin beds are also a popular choice due to the built-in storage solutions.
Be wary of themed beds such as those in the shape of racing cars, houses or dinosaurs, as they tend to last a couple of years at most, due to children’s changing tastes and regular growth spurts.
4. Colour palette
Unless you want to be repainting regularly, avoid bold, bright colours and stick with a neutral colour palette to complement the overall design aesthetic of your kid’s room.
Leave some space for a little playfulness, perhaps anchored around skirting boards in a contrasting colour or a gallery wall in your chosen colour palette, which will also pull your colour theme together.
You can still add shots of colour to a room by accessorising with a rug, bunting, lighting, cushions and furniture to make a big impact on a neutral background and all of these can be affordably updated as your child grows up.
5. Wallpaper
If you don’t want to mess around with paint to revamp a kid’s bedroom, wallpaper is one of those fail-safe solutions that can bring a room to life and add a signature touch.
Think outside the box and don’t automatically choose a pattern inspired by your child’s latest short-lived obsession.
Depending on your colour palette or theme, opt for a bold print on one feature wall. Then if you or your child gets bored, it’s easier to update just one wall rather than a whole room.
6. Art
Creating a gallery wall or adding a print or two can really enhance a bedroom.
If you are opting for a neutral colour palette and just want to add some unique finishing touches then some artwork is a fail-safe option, whether it be vintage prints, personalised framed name posters or a world map - these are easy ways to create a space that has personality.
7. Mix old with new
When it comes to furniture shopping, why not mix vintage with modern?
Antique shops are a great way of unearthing treasure. Whether it be a daybed that you might want to upholster in your own fabric, a cool 50s-style chair or a bedside table, a collection of vintage objects dotted among more contemporary pieces really transforms a room from the ordinary to the sublime.
Why not also opt for some vintage toys to add a nostalgic twist to a kid’s bedroom? Mixing new and old toys on shelving is an easy win from a cost perspective too.
8. Lighting
If there’s one oft-forgotten thing to consider when updating your kid’s bedroom, it’s lighting.
After all, who doesn’t like a cool lighting feature?
You might be drawn to a pendant light with a striking lampshade or interchanging coloured lightbulb.
Neon wall lighting that has seen a rise in popularity over the past couple of years, or go for something retro, like a decorative 60s-style lava lamp which is pleasing on the eye for all age groups.
9. Create a chill-out zone
What kid wouldn’t love a chill-out area in their bedroom? Depending on the age of your child you can really transform that under-utilised corner into a den area with a tepee for younger children, complete with cosy quilted blankets, or a reading area with oversized bean bags and comfy cushions for older kids. The options are endless.
10. Bespoke fitted wardrobes the Sharps way
Here at Sharps, we offer a variety of fitted wardrobes that are sure to appeal, no matter your budget, space and specific requirements.
We specialise in built-in office furniture with a bespoke service and a guarantee that they will last years.
To find out more about how Sharps could help you with designing your dream child’s bedroom have a read of our brochure or book a free, no-obligation home design visit today.
