Designing a kid’s room is a delightful opportunity to combine creativity and functionality. By using wallpaper, textiles, and a well-chosen color palette, you can transform a simple space into a vibrant and inspiring environment that reflects your child’s personality. Here’s how to incorporate these elements effectively.
Kid’s room DIY decoration ideas
I will walk you through how to plan to transform your kid’s room with my “Camping at the Lake” collection, which I designed for adventurous kids and kidults. I love bright and vibrant colors and hope you love them, too.
1. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
Before diving into patterns and designs, decide on a color palette that ties the room together. Here’s how to pick one:
- Incorporate Favorite Colors: Ask your child about their favorite colors and find ways to include them in the design. This ensures the space feels personal and memorable to them.
- Stick to 3-4 Colors: Use a main color, a secondary color, and one or two accent colors to create harmony. Too many colors can feel chaotic, so keeping it simple will create a more polished look.
- If you love a super colorful pattern, pick 3-4 colors from it and use those to finish the look.
- Neutral Base: Consider using neutral tones for larger elements, like walls and furniture, and adding pops of color with textiles and patterns. Neutral bases allow you to update the room’s look with ease as your child grows.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Choose a palette that can be easily updated with small changes as your child’s preferences evolve. For example, swap out throw pillows or wall art to introduce new colors.
- Example Palettes: Try combinations like a soothing pastel trio of mint green, soft pink, and white for a calming effect or a bold mix of oranges, yellow, and green for a playful and energetic vibe. You can also go for monochromatic schemes with different shades of a single color for a sophisticated yet youthful look.
2. Balance Patterns and Colors
To avoid overwhelming the room, balance bold patterns with neutral or solid-colored elements. Pick solid muted down colors from the pattern can help balance the feel of the room as well.
Use a cohesive color palette to ensure all the patterns work harmoniously, like I did when I created the pattern collection in the above picture.
For example, if the wallpaper features bright colors, choose muted or single-toned textiles to complement it. You can also vary the scale of patterns—combine large prints with smaller, subtle designs to maintain visual balance.
3. Transform Walls with Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a powerful design tool that can instantly set the tone for a kid’s room. I focused on kids who love the outdoors, camping with grandparents, and hiking in nature with my collection featured in this post.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Themed Wallpaper: Choose a pattern that matches your child’s interests, such as animals, outer space, or fairy tales. Themed wallpaper adds character and becomes a focal point of the room. Consider coordinating smaller details, like wall art or bedding, with the wallpaper’s theme to create a cohesive look.
- Accent Wall: Apply wallpaper to a single wall to create a striking feature while keeping the rest of the room simple and versatile. This approach is great for making a bold statement without overwhelming the space.
- Removable Wallpaper: Since our little ones grow way too fast, opt for peel-and-stick options that are easy to change as your child’s tastes evolve. These are ideal for growing kids and can be easily swapped out.
- Textured Wallpaper: Look for embossed or textured wallpaper for added depth and sensory appeal. This is especially great for younger children who enjoy tactile elements in their surroundings.
- Consider Durability: Select high-quality, washable wallpaper that can withstand wear and tear. This is especially useful in play areas where walls might encounter sticky fingers or creative crayon art.
- Layered Designs: Combine murals with wallpaper borders or decals for a multi-dimensional look that adds extra character to the room.
4. Add Warmth and Comfort with Textiles to kid’s room decor
Textiles bring softness and coziness to a room, making it more inviting for kids. Consider these tips:
- Bedding: Select colorful, patterned bedding that complements the wallpaper. Look for options with fun motifs like stars, animals, or their favorite characters. Layer the bedding with blankets or quilts for added texture and comfort.
- Rugs: Choose a plush or patterned rug to define play areas and add a touch of luxury underfoot. Rugs also help to absorb sound, making the room quieter and more peaceful.
- Curtains: Use curtains with bold prints or soft textures to tie the room’s theme together while controlling light. Blackout curtains are especially useful for younger children who need naps during the day.
- Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Consider sustainable textile options, like organic cotton or recycled materials, for a greener approach. Spoonflower.com offers a variety of eco-friendly fabrics with customizable patterns, allowing you to create bedding, curtains, or even throw pillows that align with your child’s room theme while being kind to the environment.
5. Personalize with DIY Home Decor Accessories
Adding personal, handmade elements makes the space uniquely yours:
- Custom DIY Cushions: Sew or paint your own designs onto cushions. This is a great way to involve your child in the creative process.
- Handmade Wall Hangings: Create banners or garlands using leftover fabric or wallpaper. These can be tailored to match the room’s theme and add a personal touch.
- Patterned Lampshades: Cover lampshades with patterned fabric or wallpaper for a cohesive look. This small detail can make a big impact.
- Memory Displays: Frame your child’s artwork or use a corkboard to display their creations. This not only decorates the space but also celebrates their creativity.
FAQs About Styling a Kid’s Room
Q: How do I make a kid’s room design last as they grow? A: Focus on versatile elements like neutral furniture and removable wallpaper. Use easily replaceable accents like throw pillows, rugs, and wall art to update the look as your child’s tastes evolve.
Q: Are bold patterns overwhelming in a small room? A: Not necessarily. Use bold patterns on a single accent wall or in small doses, like on throw pillows or curtains, to create visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Q: What are the best colors for a “happy” kid’s room? A: If your kid loves bright colors, shine the room with orange, yellow, aqua, and green colors. However, if calming is needed, pastel shades like lavender or peach would create a relaxing environment. Pair them with neutral tones like white or beige for balance.
Q: How can I decorate on a budget? A: DIY elements, like handmade cushions or painted wall art, can save money while adding a personal touch. Look for sales on Spoonflower or shop secondhand for affordable furniture and décor.
Q: What’s the benefit of eco-friendly fabrics? A: Eco-friendly fabrics, like organic cotton or recycled materials, are sustainable and often hypoallergenic, making them safer for kids and better for the environment.
Final Thoughts
By combining wallpaper, textiles, and a cohesive color palette, you can create a kid’s room that is visually stunning and deeply personal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and patterns to design a space that sparks joy and creativity. Most importantly, involve your child in the process to ensure the room feels like their own special haven.
What are your favorite ways to style a kid’s room? Share your ideas in the comments!
