Our Favorite Kids’ Room Design Trends

For an authentic space that grows along with them, keep it fun, fresh + flexible.

Whether our design brief requires a serene setting for a brand new bundle, or an energetic hangout for a burgeoning “big kid,” creating a child’s bedroom is always such a privilege and a joy. Can you think of a more important assignment for an interior designer?

To be honest, finding the just-right balance of whimsy, style, and function is no easy feat. The challenge is to design a comfortable yet stimulating environment that feels “true to them,” while also providing a safe space where they can start to figure out who they are going to be in this world. Oh, and major bonus points if the outcome seamlessly blends with the rest of the home!

While your instincts might tell you to totally throw out the design rule book (If not here, then where?) — we’ve assembled some of our favorite kids’ room design trends that show how simply bending the rules can have a big impact on these little ones’ spaces.

A Neutral Base Accented with Pattern + Color

As tempting as it may be to paint the entire room hot pink or commission a jungle mural, the reality is that children’s interests and hobbies change as often as the seasons. To avoid the hassle and expense of frequent updates as they move on from one favorite to the next, don’t rely too heavily on a specific theme or trend.

With a flexible neutral foundation for your staples like furniture, flooring, etc., today’s unicorns can easily transform into tomorrow’s dinosaurs without breaking the bank. Lean on the easy-to-change elements like bedding, art, décor, even peel and stick wallpaper to help the room grow along with them for years to come.

Chango + Co

Texture and pattern coupled with tons of natural light add interest to this contemporary black and white scheme.

Liz Lipkin Interiors

A minimalist graphic theme in a neutral palette makes it easy to introduce new colors or patterns.

Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Teal and orange accents pop against a backdrop of neutral grays, beiges, and natural wood.

Touch Interiors

This wallpaper shows how a bold pattern can still be applied in a neutral way.

Design Source Interiors

Here’s a great example of using a colorful theme in a way that can easily be updated as the child’s interests evolve.

Baiyina Hughley Interior Design

Simple updates to bedding, art, accessories, and the light fixture could totally transform this neutral bedroom.

The “Just-Right” Mix of Function with Form

Even in the most utilitarian, minimalist households, kids tend to accumulate lots of stuff! What starts out as diapers and onesies quickly evolves into toys, books, art supplies, school gear, and countless other childhood treasures. If the design is thoughtful and creative, kids’ rooms can perfectly walk the line between function and form without sacrificing style.

Storage is key, so explore solutions that maximize space without dominating the room or making it feel cluttered. Transitional furniture can also be a great thing to consider — and this spans beyond a crib that converts into a bed! For example, a quality dresser can double as a changing table for the first few years.

Tim Barber Ltd.

A single wall houses twin desk spaces flanking a pair of cozy bunked bed nooks (with a trundle) leaving plenty of open floor space.

Chango + Co.

A ceiling-height wall shelving system provides ample storage while creating a bold focal point in the room.

Tania Ahmed / Dadu

A custom furniture piece combines space for sleeping, homework/activities, and storage in this simple and sweet bedroom.

Studio Munroe

This play table doubles as additional functional storage.

Abney + Morton Interiors

A six-drawer dresser that will last for several years doubles as a changing table in this nursery.

Open Ruum

Utilizing a lofted bed is a great way to reclaim some of the room’s footprint for other activities or additional storage.

Multi-Purpose Spaces for the Win

Since keeping a kid's attention focused for more than a few minutes is nothing short of a miracle, a space with many uses and defined activity zones is the perfect way to keep them happy and entertained.

From indoor climbing walls, to private reading nooks, to a mini stage, the options are as endless as your child’s hobbies! Just be sure not to do anything too permanent or complex that you’ll be stuck with replacing further down the road.

KARP Associates

This vaulted ceiling creates a cozy private space, as well as the perfect opportunity for a swinging reading chair!

A! Emotional Living + Work

These stacked bunks provide separate sleeping and hangout spaces and accommodate multiple children. Perfect for sleepovers!

Turnstyle Design

Multiple defined zones for relaxing, reading, art, music and play make up this child’s bedroom.

Regan Baker Design

Too rainy to play outside? An indoor climbing wall is a unique way to keep active kids busy!

Decoist (design source unlisted)

Piano practice is more fun on a cobalt blue piano — and less noisy when that piano is tucked away in their room!

Decoist (design source unlisted)

If your child has a flair for the dramatic, consider adding a “stage” with a platformed window seat for reading their favorite plays.

Make it Youthful, But Not Juvenile

The key to designing a child’s room that’s a bit more evergreen is to find pieces that have a youthful flair without coming across as too juvenile. Fun colors and playful patterns can be still done with style when used alongside more sophisticated finishes like leather, metal, stone, and wood.

This is especially true for anchor furniture pieces or any large design gestures in the room such as window treatments and wallcoverings. To achieve a space that an older child or teen would still feel at home in, skip anything cartoonish or heavily themed. Instead, look for inspiration in things from nature which can be appreciated at any age.

Arent + Pyke

These modern, sculptural pieces are youthful, eye-catching, and timeless.

ArhciCGI

With tons of color and texture, this stylish space could be anything from a young child’s room to a college dorm.

Nastia Landusheva

This chic loft-style room easily transitions from young child to young adult.

Maria Gluzdakova

Rainbow colors are fun for any age, but the use of bold geometric shapes here gives them a slightly more mature vibe.

Nicole Hollis

This backdrop for this child’s room is a clean, minimalist white scheme, allowing the room’s fantastic architectural details to shine through.

Fine Design

With the use of trendy color-blocking in varying hues, this pink themed room is far from babyish.

While creating the perfect space to meet your child and family’s needs can be a little daunting, it’s also a whole lot of fun! We hope this post has reached your inner child’s imagination and has you feeling inspired to get creative and think outside of the (toy)box.

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Are you expecting your first baby, or hoping to revamp your growing child’s space to function a little bit better? Studio 1049 can help!

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