Formerly my home office, I created this bedroom for my Sweet Baby James to transition through his elementary school years in a fun, happy and creative environment. Loosely inspired by the big top circus, bold red and white stripes complemented by polka dots create a sense of whimsy. I wanted to capture my son’s personality without being trendy or too devoted to a theme. And it needed to allow plenty of space for sleepovers, toys, art, games, playing and of course, family dance parties.
I paired a round kids’ table with vintage chairs (a flea market find) to provide a space for any number of creative endeavors for little fingers. Colorful canvas bins, large buckets and shelving creates plenty of storage for toys, books, stuffed animals and so on. The small vintage sofa covered in a whimsical “circus” toile gives us a great place to sit, read, and snuggle, and twin beds make bedtime easy for overnight playdates.
Red accents are repeated throughout the design creating continuity and a happy design rhythm. Vintage touches (an antique measuring cup used as a planter, a lobster buoy and a musical rocking horse lamp) complete the room with character and charm.
I always encourage my clients to choose a sophisticated rug rather than something designed for children. It will tie the room to the rest of the house and ensure they won’t outgrow it. A nice rug adds warmth and texture, and a great place to sit and play. A simple rope with clothes pins hung low on the wall is also favorite trick of mine. It’s the perfect way to minimize clutter and display budding artists’ work.
Overall, I like bright and bold design elements and good lighting in kids’ rooms to foster a happy and creative space without feeling like it was ordered from a catalog.