My happy place // Kids room design
- Diana Weininger
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
According to Alfred Adler, founder of Individual Psychology, a sense of belonging is one of our fundamental human needs, just like safety and nourishment. A child's room gives them a place of their own within the family home, where first experiences unfold, interests shape, and authentic self-expression is encouraged. Thoughtful kids room design cultivates this precious instinct by creating an environment that feels personal, meaningful, and playful.
Kids room design - more then just a place to sleep
As childbirth approaches, parents experience what is commonly known as nesting - an instinctive desire to prepare the home for the baby's arrival. Beyond organizing and cleaning, nesting is an emotional process. Nurturing our home creates a sense of safety and stability, as we prepare for a new chapter in life.
A child's relationship with their room follows the same principle. Home is more than a physical environment; it is a place that provides comfort, security, and the confidence to explore the world setting out of a safe base. A child's room is not simply a place to sleep and store belongings. It is where they play, imagine, create, discover, and gradually become more independent.
Sparking joy in children’s rooms
Our homes naturally accumulate a lot of stuff over the years, and nowhere does this happen faster than in the kid’s room. Hand-me-down clothes and toys, kindergarten creations and all sorts of treasures... before long, the room can feel cluttered and overwhelming. Deciding what to keep and what to let go of is an important first step. Marie Kondo's famous question, "Does it spark joy?" remains a surprisingly effective tool that facilitates intuitive decision-making, helping us understand what we intentionally choose to keep in our homes and our lives - and what no longer serves us and can be let go.
The next step is designating a specific place for everything. Well-planned storage solutions help children make sense of their environment and navigate it with confidence. Storage solutions should be tailored to what they are meant to contain, creating a sense of clarity and order. Both children and parents can conveniently find what they need, use it, and put it back when they're done. Frequently used items should be kept within sight and reach, while objects that require adult supervision or are used less frequently can be stored on further away.
Everything has its place - Storage in kids' Rooms
As an interior designer and mom, I’ve found that storage needs in kids' rooms generally fall into three categories:
1. Clothes. The key is matching the storage solution to what it is meant to hold, making the most of the available space:
Hanging space for coats or dressy clothes
Shelves for sweaters, trousers, and bed linen
Drawers for underwear, socks, bags, and small accessories such as scarves, hats, umbrellas etc.
Shoes are best stored in a basket or box - outside the wardrobe
Tip: opt for drawers rather than shelves whenever possible. Drawers make better use of the wardrobe's full depth.
2. Toys. Again, the key is to match the storage solution to the item it contains. For example: Playmobil or LEGO in a box, dolls in a basket, collections in a drawer, and so on. This makes toys easier to access and put away afterwards.
Less is more Keep only the toys that you really love and use.
Board games with lots of pieces are best stored on a high shelf that is accessible to parents, and taken down intentionally, for shared play.
3. Art Supplies. To avoid overstimulation, put out only a small selection of art supplies at a time. This encourages more focused and meaningful engagement. For example, put out one pack of crayons in a cup on the activity table, alongside a coloring book and some stickers.
Art display Favorite drawings can become a meaningful part of the design, creating a sense of pride and reinforcing a healthy sense of self-worth.
Try it at home! Incorporating playful furniture in kids' rooms
Playful furniture combines functionality with opportunities for physical, play-based activity. It easily becomes a focal point that ties the room together, while encouraging social interaction and connection.
Playful elements such as a bunk bed with a slide, a climbing wall, a play tent, a hammock, or a swing are more than just decorative pieces for kids room design; they encourage joyful play and imagination. Incorporating playful furniture in a kid's room supports emotional regulation by providing outlets to release energy through movement and challenge, or to retreat and relax in a soft and cozy corner.
Activity stations in kids’ rooms for hobbies and creativity
Activity stations encourage engagement and dedicate space for experimentation, imagination, and initiative. Tailored to the child's unique personality and interests, they may include a drawing table, a mechanics station, musical instruments, a costume rack, or any other fun activity that sparks curiosity. Giving the child's interests a platform allows for in-depth, independent development, sends a message of value and importance for passions and interests, and validates the child's inner world.
Lighting for Different Moods and Activities
Using different types of lighting in a child's room allows the space to adapt to different activities throughout the day, while creating the right atmosphere in various moments. Although the main lighting fixture is primarily functional, it may also have a strong design presence. In the Israeli climate, it is highly practical to make it serve a dual purpose by incorporating a ceiling fan.
Focused lighting can be used for specific activities, such as a reading lamp beside the bed or a spotlight above the activity table.
Ambient lighting creates a pleasant mood and adds personality to the room. It can be a relatable character, an inspiring symbol, a string of soft fairy lights, or a small lamp that can be left on at bedtime, providing a sense of safety.
Textiles: Adding Warmth and Softness to Kids' Rooms
Creative use of textiles is a simple and flexible way to bring softness, warmth, and personality to a child's room. It is a subtle layer of the design that can be easily updated as they grow and their tastes evolve.
As with lighting, the secret is in creating layers: a rug adding softness over parquet floor, decorative cushions adding color and texture to the bedding, or wallpaper creating a focal point that highlights a particular area of the room. A harmonious mix of different textiles - bedding, baskets, curtains, soft toys and ornaments - creates a rich and inviting room that feels personal rather than like a set taken straight out of a catalogue.
I made this! Nurturing self-esteem by displaying personal treasures in kids' rooms
Displaying cherished items such as favorite books, artwork, collections, games, and special objects is a wonderful way to incorporate them into the design and celebrate their aesthetic value. Keeping these items accessible encourages children to use and engage with them, which in turn strengthens the connection to their environment.
When things that matter to a child are given a designated place and thoughtful consideration in the design of their room, the message is clear: we value what interests you, brings you joy, and expresses who you are!
Some final takeaways for designing inspiring kids' rooms
Don't over-design. A great kids' room is warm and real.
Humor makes design better.
Keep it flexible. Kids grow fast, and their rooms change with them.
