A few years into this whole design game and I have learned one really stand out thing about myself. I'm literally a 12 year old boy trapped in a women's body. For any of you that know me, that comes at no surprise. This is detrimental for many social reasons that I don't care to get into, but has played to my advantage in one professional regard: designing children's spaces.
My most favorite people to design for are children. Yeah, the sophisticated, adventurous, laid back, high budget clients are pretty rad too but if they have kids, even better. Kids room decor is majestic and inspiring, an outpouring of pure fantasy coming to life. There is usually very little direction, maybe a few of their favorite colors and characters, dollies and trucks you have to incorporate, but for the most part I find its a free for all. Typically I get called in for that transitional period; between sweet baby nursery and teenage angst dungeon. Mommy's love to handle the nursery design which is understandable and teenagers won't let you step foot in their space because its way too personal and they have it all figured out already, duh.
For the older babies and inbetweeners there are a few really great design guidelines I like to stick to when creating their space. First and foremost I like to incorporate really solid, classic, high quality and even vintage furniture pieces for the bigger items like dressers, desks, bookcases and nightstands. Just because they're kids, doesn't mean they don't deserve quality furniture. They may not appreciate it at first, but brain wash those babies to be vintage connoisseurs from the beginning and they will never go wrong. Parenting 101 by Kaitrin Degan. But honestly, you'll spend less time and money in the long run if you buy something that can take a beating rather than giving into your Ikea desires and having to replace it three times over in the next 12 years. Stick with clean lines and neutral solid woods.
I like to bring in character, energy and warmth with rugs, pillows, art and lighting. Kids favorite colors, animals, superheroes, let's face it, personalities can change over night so you don't want to invest too heavily in those variable accent pieces, but you also want to indulge their imaginations. Curating pretty bedding and pillows, layering rugs, stringing garland and twinkly lights, creating reading nooks and plenty of pretty practical storage options won't break the bank and will give your kids the creative inspiration they need in their own little oasis. On tip I do stand behind is, from the beginning, stay away from cheap, plastic, ugly toys. If they never had them, they wont know they exist. Buy your children untreated wooden toys and figurines. They're vintagey, indestructible and look just as cute styled on a shelf as they do thrown on the floor, which is inevitably be where they end up.
For those of you struggling to pull it together, here's a girls bedroom design that I would have just died to call my own when I was a little cherub turned bitchy 14 year old, with the sources below, to aid in your inspiration. Or you could just check out my pinterest, that's where I log all my killer finds.
1. Mobile- I love a mobile at any age, in ay room. Especially when its brass and a moon phase motif like this guy.
2. Vintage Mid Century Dresser- This piece has a warm honey finish, pretty brass pulls and lots of little drawer storage which lends classic character to a necessary piece and will be realvent for years to come.
3. Killin It- a minimal print with a strong statement leaning on the dresser next to that cute figurine and under the mobile creates the sweetest vignette for this little modhemian.
4. Accordian Coat Hanger- Love a hook for so many reasons. A quick place to throw jackets, bags, hats and tomorrows outfit, avoiding a pile on the floor and creating a pretty display of their favorite accessories.
5. Sconces- These perfectly minimal plug in sconces are just the touch of modern this room needed to balance all the soft sweetness, that if let alone could take a turn towards the too cutsie. A little edge in a kids space allows for that transition into teenage land seem less painful.
6. Nightstand- clean, unobtrusive closed storage that fades away and just does its job. Not all furniture pieces need to speak up.
7. Woven Half Moon Headboard- Loving the texture, shape and bohemian vibes of this piece. Crips white bedding, a pop of pillows and decorated with a little pom pom garland and you have a pretty little sleeping situation.
8. Wool Blanket- Folded and decorating the end of the bed this wool throw doesn't distract from the top half. Layering is good but keep the color story to a minimum.
9. Beni Ourain- A little Moroccan shag with a slight hint of pink and a tassel makes for the perfect landing pad for that gorgeous bohemian bed. One of kind makes it extra special and etsy is my go to for extra special accouterment.
10. La Jolla Basket- Storage! Don't forget closed storage. These are perfect for throwing dirty clothes, toys, extra blankets, dollies, stuffies, you name it. They come in other pretty colors but i like how the neutral grass just fades away next to the dresser in here.
11. Woven Hanging Chair- Where were these when I was a kid, and am I too old to have one now?! So cute, so fun and a perfect corner reading nook chair.
12. Pillow- Hanging chair is lovely but it needs some cozy and this cactus pillow is too cute to pass up.
13. Leather Pouf Ottoman- A place for friends to sit or just somewhere to rest your feet while you hang, this buttery moroccan leather pouf it doing its job well.
14. Rug- I like to define a space with a rug and I feel like the reading nook deserves its own layer of vintage Turkish boho charm.
15. Pantone Chair- Funky modern chair for a totally cool little dude when she does her homework. I like the juxtaposition of the white plastic with the honey wood desk in her little "office".
16. Alcott Desk- Classic, minimal mid century style and solid enough to make it through years of cramming for life changing exams. Throw a mirror on there and she has a great little vanity situation later on.
17. Shooting Star Light- Neon lights are definitely a trend and this is whimsy fun all around. This takes me back to my Rainbow Bright days, or was it Care Bears, either way, I love it.
18. New York- A nod to my birthplace, I think this is the perfect piece for a cool girl ready to take on the world.
19. Basket- Pop of pink to play off the pillows, this could be used as a waste basket or trinket collector.