Designing personality-led interiors for children

When it comes to designing spaces for kids, it can be tempting to play it safe. A neutral backdrop with a few, colourful accessories is the obvious way to go, but will it be stimulating for your little one? And does it really reflect your child's personality?

Our childhood bedroom is something we remember for the rest of our lives, so it's worth creating a truly memorable space for your child that will inspire them and encourage their creativity.

The goal is to create a welcoming interior that speaks to your child's particular interests while making them feel safe and secure. Here, we look at how to design kids' interiors that are every bit as unique as the children themselves…

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

While the temptation might be to make all the key choices yourself for your child's bedroom or play room, the experts say it's a good idea to involve the kids in the decision making.

Further reading: What fabrics are best for when you have children (and messy adults) in the house? >

That way, not only will you end up with a highly original scheme, the child will feel fully invested in their new space and will be more likely to keep it tidy.

"Giving kids control over the design of their room is a great way to teach them to make decisions based on what they like rather than based on someone else's vision. I also think it's important for people to have the freedom to create spaces that feel safe and reflective of them, and I believe that starts at a young age.” – Shavonda Gardner, Interior Designer, SG Style, California

It's also important to ensure the space reflects your child's personality. This will reinforce their connection with the interior, giving them an increased sense of ownership and belonging. And it will also make your child feel 'heard' and validated – an essential part of building solid self-esteem.

If they're passionate about sport, for example, why not include a climbing wall or basketball hoop? Or if arts and crafts are more their thing, you could incorporate a dedicated 'making' table so that your child has a specific zone in which to pursue their favourite hobbies.

ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY

Another way to reflect your child's personality in the design of the room is to spark their imagination by encouraging creativity and play.

Again, the key here is to make it as unique as possible to your child so that they feel a direct connection with their space.

If your child is into travel and exploration, a mural of a world map or jungle scene will help them immerse themselves in ideas of adventures to far-flung places. More hands-on play can be encouraged by the inclusion of a slide in the bed design or even a swing hanging from the ceiling.

It's also important to allow kids to express their artistic side. What might look like just a messy scribble to you may well be an important creative outlet for your child. If the thought of crayons and paints in the bedroom is a step too far, why not consider using blackboard paint to create a designated 'art wall'?

That way your child can go to town with chalk without wrecking your newly-decorated walls. A large, framed 'gallery wall' also works well as a specific area in which your child can display their latest artworks.

INCORPORATE CLEVER STORAGE

Designing kids' rooms can be great fun. That's why you need to make sure you don't get too carried away with the creative ideas and risk forgetting about the functional elements of the room. Let's face it, kids come with a lot of stuff and if you're not careful both you and your children are likely to feel completely overwhelmed with all the clutter.

The key here is to incorporate clever storage into your design. It's useful to think vertically as well as horizontally, so you might want to include a cabin bed with a built-in desk underneath, or a bed with integral drawers beneath the sleeping area. Custom joinery is also worth investing in for a child's bedroom, especially if the room is on the small side.

Built-in shelving, cupboards and wardrobes can really help maximise the available space. This kind of bespoke cabinetry also has the added benefit of creating a streamlined look – especially if painted the same colour as the walls – which helps to make a small room look bigger.

It's also good to consider including a variety of storage options. You could combine shelving with a series of baskets or storage boxes on wheels, for example, to make tidying up fun and practical for all the family. Whatever you decide for your kid's room, make sure you keep it fun, stimulating and linked strongly to your child's individual personality.

FibreGuard fabrics: perfect for homes with children

Take the worry out of soft furnishings in kids' rooms with our stain-resistant fabrics. Any spills or stains can be easily wiped away with water and – if necessary – a simple rub with a bar of soap. Let FibreGuard fabrics do the hard work so that you can relax and let kids be kids! We can't promise to make your whole life fuss-free, but we can help make things a little easier.

Explore more interior design ideas for childrens' rooms on Kids' Room Design: you'll find style inspiration and ideas for boys, girls or gender-neutral bedrooms and playrooms.