Finding Inspiration for Kids' Rooms

Don't settle for the usual baby and kids room decor. Create something unique!

A child's room is a space where their personality and interests can really shine. While the color scheme in a child's room can often be designed to blend with the overall feeling of the home, this is not a requirement for these happy spaces. If your taste runs toward neutral earthtones, it is almost guaranteed that your son will want spaceman blue while your daughter prefers ladybug red. So remember--no decorating police will show up at your door if you stray from your neutrals for these rooms.

You can find ideas for themes and colors that are fresh and long-lasting for your little one's private space from many sources. Here are some of my favorites.

Art

Art can make a room and art can start a room as well. Start with a favorite picture, colorful poster, or a whimsical watercolor. You don't have to stick to childish scenes just because it's going into a child's room. If a piece of art doesn't fit into your formal living room, you might decide to use it as the starting point for your child's room. Even prints of classic paintings by Monet or Degas or even Andy Warhol could be an introduction to fine art for a child.

Your Child’s Collections

Any child will love being in his room if the space reflects his special interests and loves. Dolls, airplanes, ballet shoes, and pirates make great themes for a child. Build on an existing collection by translating the motifs into other room elements--wall decor fabrics, and window treatments, for example. Show off an airplane collection on display shelves, then take the theme a step further with cloud-painted walls, an airplane border or sheets, and lamps with a propeller motif. (You might have to draw the line at live frogs or tarantulas!) Be sure to have lots of shelves and wall space available to collect through the years.

Child-Themed Nursery Rhyme Prints

Nursery rhymes are a popular theme for children's rooms. Boys and girls alike can relate to them in the early years. Whether you have some charming nursery rhyme prints from your own childhood or find new ones in a child’s book, frames can make them the start of décor for your child. Remember that the images should be fun and happy—no wicked witches or ugly queens here. Base the room's color scheme on hues taken from the art and you'll be on your way toward a lovely room.