Cozy Play Space

Bedroom20DSC_0256Little ones love little spaces, places where they can tuck themselves in and feel safe, a bit hidden, and above all, in proportion to the world around them. For a child everything is so big and mostly out of reach. A cozy space just big enough for one or maybe two children makes everything better.

This children’s room makes a point of providing that hiding place, perfect for retreat when the world seems more than a bit overwhelming. The little tent, in a circus theme to fit the room’s décor, creates the opportunity for imagination, storytelling and even a bit of adventure. Please pay attention to the fierce tiger playmate in the tent waiting for a chance to pounce.

When planning a small child’s room, be sure to make room for a little nook, hidden corner or just a chance to feel the right size for once instead of so very small. Choose a pint-sized table and chair set, an easy chair made child-size, a canopy surrounding the bed or even a desk or dressing table with a drape concealing a small toddler-sized place.

As your child gets older, old enough to reach the sink for his or her own drink of water, old enough to use the microwave instead of having to ask someone else for help, the need for a cozy space will fade. The desk will become just a desk, the tent will go into the attic or be given away, and the world won’t feel quite so overwhelming. But until then, be sure to make a small space for your small one.

Design Inspiration – Colors

Color provides a terrific design inspiration for a room’s décor, and there is no room that can take advantage of color better than a child’s room.

In our second installment on using various inspirations to start your design plans, we’re taking a look at a seven-year-old’s bedroom. She and her mother visited a contemporary accessory store and she chose the colors you see here for her room. Her mother snapped a photo of their choices and shared it with the designer.

If you look at the final room below, you’ll notice that the colors aren’t a perfect match. In order to create a space that would grow with her, the designer added warm brown furniture and the softening influence of light blue. She also turned to a yellower green for accents.

However, in terms of mood and message, the colors in the photo are present in this space. Once again, don’t think of an inspiration as an exact reproduction in a design. Instead, it’s a starting point.

The final room also picks up the floral elements from the original photo without going overboard. The diagonal blue-washed wood flooring is an interesting variation on the whitewashed wood floor in the photo.

With a sophisticated color palette such as this one, a change of paint and bedding can help this bedroom grow as the child does, making it work well into her teenage years.

Are you drawn to certain colors and color combinations? How about visiting a favorite furniture, fabric or accessory store to experiment with new color combinations for your home? If you like the way they look in a small format, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy them when moved up to room size!