Kids' Rooms
September 9, 2015
How To Create An Inspiring Kids’ Space For Back-To-School
Just in time for the start of the new school year, Ashlyn Gibson’s new book Creative Children’s Spaces (Ryland Peters & Small, $42), takes kids from the classroom to the playroom in style with imaginative hideaways, funky bedrooms and hardworking homework zones. See real-life homes across Europe that embrace color, pattern and smart storage solutions while staying on budget. Click through for six of her inspiring ideas that will make this school year the best and most organized yet.
Make a fort out of cardboard for a fun and affordable addition to a children’s room or play area. Cardboard isn’t exactly permanent, but that’s half the fun of fort building and there’s a certain magic that comes with their limited lifespan. Let your child decorate their new fort with stickers, painted polka dots or whatever their heart desires.
In this bedroom, two narrow nooks are transformed into useful spaces complete with a single bed and reading station. To create your own reading station, trim shelves to fill a small space and display your child’s favorite books — a little desk and chair completes the playful nook.
Jungle wallpaper and saturated hues transition from tot to toddler in this graphic nursery. Even if your little one isn’t off to school, a few funky additions can breathe new life into their bedroom this fall. Turn a bland wall into a focal point with a graphic jungle-inspired wallpaper grounded by a vibrant Boucherouite rag rug. A mirrored disco ball reflects light and a large parlor palm houseplant brings the outdoors in.
Sharing a bedroom with a sibling can be tricky — especially when it comes to decorating for boys and girls in one space. Create division in the room with two different wallpapers that represent each child’s unique personality.
Funky storage solutions will get kids excited about staying organized for the new school year. Vibrant woven baskets can be hooked on the wall to hold sheet music and easily removed when kids are off to their music lessons. Plus, making the piano area colorful will encourage kids to stay and play.
Craft a custom play station out of wood and fabric for an easy and inexpensive DIY project. A simple wooden frame can be imagined as a house, shop, little café or so much more. Finish it off with a graphic bed sheet or large piece of fun fabric and let the games begin!
Ben Robertson
Creative Children’s Spaces by Ashlyn Gibson