Transform the children’s room into a playful and cosy oasis with the help of beautiful colours, patterned wallpapers, timeless furniture and soft textiles. Interior stylist Anna Starrén shares great advice on the way to wonderful children's room where everyone can feel at home.
TEXT: Therese Ahlström STYLIST: Anna Starrén
LET CREATIVITY FLOW FREELY
It has hardly gone unnoticed that more and more people dare to express their personality and be bolder in their décor. Beautiful shades from every part of the rainbow have moved in, while all-white walls have quickly been consigned to history. We have also started dressing every room in the home – and even the ceilings – in wallpaper patterns and unique motifs. And perhaps it all began in the children’s room, because if there is anywhere creativity has been given free rein, it is without a doubt here.
In the children’s room, we are more than happy to match Floral wallpapers with equally flourishing bed textiles, let nature-inspired wallpapers sit alongside furniture in beautiful colours, and take inspiration from animal motifs that bring to mind the world of fairy tales. Stepping into the world of wallpaper is like opening a creative treasure chest – with endless possibilities for creating an imaginative world.
LET PERSONAL TASTE LEAD THE WAY
So how do you choose the right wallpaper and find one that stands the test of time? One thing to keep in mind is that the children’s room is not only a place for play – but also for important rest and recovery. Tone-on-tone patterns and calm shades such as blue, green and muted pastels are often better suited than loud colours and motifs. But in the end, it is personal taste that should lead the way, says interior stylist Anna Starrén.
– I don’t think you should overthink it when choosing wallpaper, go with the flow! Choose the wallpaper that feels lovely and Playful. One of the biggest challenges is that the child grows and their taste changes quickly. No matter how timeless a wallpaper you choose, it may still need to be replaced within a couple of years.
– There are plenty of good-quality furniture finds at flea markets, Blocket and Tradera. With paint and a little creativity, you can go a long way, says Anna Starrén. If the room is small, give some extra thought to storage. Make the most of both walls and ceilings to free up as much play space on the floor as possible. As the child gets older (and taller), several wall shelves reaching up towards the ceiling can, for example, be a good idea. By choosing closed storage, plenty of baskets and boxes, you can also easily create a neat and tidy impression in the room. A good tip for decorating more sustainably is therefore to invest in timeless furniture that can stay with you for years while the wallpaper can be changed. That way, you won’t have to replace the entire children’s room interior as the child grows older.
START WITH THE CHILD’S INTERESTS
Another important key, according to Anna Starrén, is the overall feel. Here, colour plays an important role.
– Let colours from the wallpaper reappear in furniture, textiles and other interior details; it creates a lovely cohesive feel. Painted shelves, dressers and upholstered furniture also add to that all-important cosy factor.
Another way to create a Red thread is to let one material recur several times in the décor. Or choose a theme based on the child’s interests. Does your Children like space or animals? Don’t be afraid to let it show in the décor!
And the most important thing to keep in mind for a truly cosy Children's room?
For Anna Starrén, the answer is simple:
– Warm tones, cosy lighting and textiles in different forms. Plus: clever solutions – with room for creativity and plenty of storage space!
Think smart when choosing wallpaper
4 things to keep in mind when choosing wallpaper for the children’s room.
• USE WALLPAPER SAMPLES
Just like with paint, it is important to order different wallpaper samples to find the right one. A good tip is also to leave the samples up in the room for a few days to see how the patterns, colours and motifs are experienced at different times of the day. Don’t be afraid to involve the child in choosing the wallpaper; here, it can be a good idea to make an initial selection that the child can then choose from.
• MATCH WITH THE DÉCOR
Before choosing wallpaper, it can be a good idea to think about how it works with the existing furniture in the room. To create a pleasant overall feel, it is lovely if colours from the wallpaper reappear in the furniture and textiles.
• TIMELESS WALLPAPER
Do you want to choose a wallpaper that lasts for a long time? Then some general tips are to choose a wallpaper that feels Playful without being childish, and to opt for more muted shades and tone-on-tone patterns.
• HIGHLIGHT WITH LIGHTING
Lighting is essential for a cosy room – and that applies to the children’s room too. In addition to a ceiling light, it is a good idea to complement it with several smaller light sources in the form of table lamps and wall lamps that can highlight the wallpaper beautifully. A good tip is to use LED bulbs, which do not get as hot, to avoid your Children getting burned.
DIY tips with wallpaper!
Make the most of leftover wallpaper as a craft material. Using scraps and leftover wallpaper samples, you and your child can create beautiful details together.
• BEAUTIFUL STORAGE
Cover old shoe boxes or other boxes in different sizes to create beautiful, matching storage.
• BEAUTIFUL PATTERN ART
Frame scraps in different mismatched frames. A fun way to turn leftover wallpaper pieces into beautiful pattern art.
• BUNTING
Make your own bunting from leftover wallpaper pieces in different sizes. Bunting garlands liven things up and create a Playful feel in the children’s room.
• COVER BOOKS
Cover the child’s books with wallpaper. With new book covers, the bookshelf becomes an eye-catching feature that gives the room a more cohesive feel.
• WALLPAPER A DRESSER
Refresh a dresser by covering the drawer fronts with wallpaper, or line the inside of the drawers.
The stylist’s best tips!
Here’s how to create cosy children’s room settings that are also practical for everyday life.
• MAKE THE MOST OF SPACE
Invest in good storage so it is easy to put away toys, clothes and belongings. Be sure to make use of every surface, such as walls and ceilings. That way, you free up more space for play on the floor.
• CHOOSE A COLOUR THEME
Start with a colour theme – it creates a lovely overall feel in the room and makes the décor feel more cohesive.
• INCREASE THE COSY FACTOR
We have seen canopies in every imaginable shape and colour, and they really are wonderful for creating magic in the children’s room. A large, lovely rug also gives the whole room a warm, cosy feel, perfect for both play and relaxation.
