A GUIDE ON HOW TO DESIGN A CHILD BEDROOM

SELECT THE PALETTE

One thing we've found when designing our own spaces is that it can be daunting to know where to start, so one of the best tips we can offer is to start with a palette. Sticking to a color palette often helps provide much-needed focus and direction for projects as personal as designing a child's room. If you're not sure what colors you're drawn to, take a look around. The art we choose, the furniture we surround ourselves with, and the clothes we choose (both for ourselves and for our children—if they aren't already!) often reveal our interests.

LOOK AT THE SPACE DIFFERENTLY

Children often don't see things the way adults do, so it's important to look at the room from a child's perspective. The best way to do this is to get on their level, literally. What does the room look like through their eyes? Is art low enough for them to enjoy? Are there books to reach? Keeping your child's unique needs and interests in mind is often the best way to design a room with care. Better yet, if your kids can communicate their interests, involve them in the process!

ORGANIZE THE ROOM ACCORDING TO FUNCTION

Knowing what to expect often offers a sense of peace and stability. The same applies to the way the interior is arranged. Dividing a room by function is a simple way to add routine and consistency to everyday life. It also helps organize things and keep things tidy. Here are a few features we'd like to start with:

Toy and Activity Center – An open shelving or storage system with several rotating toys can help minimize clutter.

Arts and Crafts Table – A small table with chairs and art supplies stored nearby. If space allows, leave room for a "creative wall" where you can hang everyday creations using Washi tape.

Reading nook – A place to store books and read them, ideally by a window with lots of natural light.

Dressing room - a chest of drawers, a wardrobe or a wardrobe for storing clothes. If space allows, add a self-service station with a wall-mounted mirror, lotion, toothbrush, tissues and a small trash can.

Sleeping area - a cozy bed that can serve as a private space if you share a room with siblings.

MAKE ROOM FOR STILLNESS

Bedrooms are often the most sacred spaces in the home, so creating a quiet and cozy corner is one of our top priorities when decorating a child's room (or any room). While there are many ways to add coziness, we've found that adding vintage and heirlooms is an easy and economical way to add warmth and personality.

Creating a calm environment and regular visits have also been shown to have psychological benefits. Author and family therapist Jane Nelsen says that creating a quiet space for children in the room provides a safe place to release emotions, spend time alone and unwind after a busy day. We also find that this can be especially helpful as children grow and need more independence.

BE MINDFUL OF SHARED SPACE

There are a few other things to consider when designing a room for multiple children. We've found that making sure each child has a place to be alone is key. It can be as simple as a permanent pillow fort or canopies over the bed (which can be closed for privacy).

It is also important to keep different interests in mind. Give each child the opportunity to adapt and take ownership of their area. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Install a shelf above the bed that can be customized with knick-knacks, photos and stuffed toys.

• Divide storage space according to age and activity with a higher shelf for older children and a lower one for younger members.

• Hang a floating bookshelf at different heights for different children and ask one of the older children to rotate the books regularly.

When all is said and done, designing a home is a deeply personal exercise. We hope this guide helps you get creative and explore what works best for your family