Kids' Rooms
January 29, 2019
This Sophisticated Kids’ Room Is Impossible To Grow Out Of
Senior digital editor Adena Leigh shares a little boys room that’s designed to stand the test of time.
Like kids’ toys and clothes, it’s only a matter of time before kids outgrow their bedrooms. But what if your toddler’s room could be transformed into a cool teenage haven with just a few tweaks? That’s how I approached the design of this space for my friend, Danielle, who wanted a big boy room for her two-and-a-half year old son, Nathan. Danielle was looking to find furniture that would last Nathan from now until college, so I sourced pieces that would grow with him — and that he wouldn’t grow out of.
The result is a sophisticated kids’ room that strikes a fine balance between grown-up and playful. Click through for a look inside.
When it came to the big ticket items, I looked for quality pieces in classic silhouettes. A charcoal grey upholstered bed is well made and would look at home in any era, while the sleek mid-century modern profile of the night tables have proven their staying power since the ’50s.
To bring in the enchantment and whimsy that every kids’ room needs, we used removable wallpaper with a hand-drawn quality that looks something out of a kindergarten art class. A playful mix of patterns — from the cartoonish car-printed sheets to the starry bedspread — are youthful counterparts to the handsome throw pillow and drapery fabric. A geometric light fixture from Etsy takes on a lighthearted look in the space currently, and could easily be reinterpreted as a cool, mod piece for a young adult in the future.
This mini office is perfect for post-day care doodles now, and homework later. The classic Parsons-style desk is a timeless choice, and serves as a sleek counterpart to the playful kids accessories, including a cheeky pom pom plant basket. Nothing is too precious — a kid-friendly Eames-inspired chair is wipeable, and an economical chevron flat-weave rug (not pictured) is forgiving to small, soiled hands.
We brought in personality with the accessories and made sure plenty of toys were within reach!
Nathan loves his superhero art, which was downloaded and printed from Etsy and placed in white Ikea frames. By simply switching up the art and accessories, this room can take on a whole new look. I hope Nathan and his mom enjoy it for years to come!