Kids' room decor ideas

By Jen Barton Packer on 19/2/2019

A quick glance at social media and it becomes readily apparent that kids' bedrooms are not what they used to be – in fact, we're envious of the Scandi minimalism, Vitra Eames Elephants and the modern takes on canopy beds that the mini-me set is growing up with (#interiorsgoals).
We've rounded up the best kids' interiors trends – with a bit of help from Pinterest, Etsy and the latest in baby tech gadgetry from CES. Paint brushes at the ready...

The Scandi house bed

While every parent dreams of a kids' bed that will entice children to sleep, Mini Maison's house bed (£170) does one better: it applies Montessori principles to encourage them to play, too. The floor bed design allows kids their independence to turn it into a den, playhouse, underwater palace, pirate ship - whatever they like. Bonus points for its chic and simple Scandi design.

Plastic-free play

Parents are making a conscious move away from plastic everything in an effort to up their eco-consciousness (and get their kids understanding the damage that plastic can cause, too). Non-plastic wooden toys are gorgeous, but don't tend to appeal to kids in the same way as a colourful, musical piece of plastic does. This Magis Villa Julia cardboard playhouse (£166 at Nubie) may change all of that: designed by the incredible Spanish artist Javier Mariscal, it encourages kids to build, design, decorate, play imaginatively and deconstruct. And repeat. This is one of those toy houses that we'll be playing in ourselves. A lot.

Smart stuff

Kids' tech is getting a lot cooler, as evidenced at the latest CES (Consumer Electronics Show), where Elvie's revolutionary, wearable pump and Miku's new smart monitor were the items exciting all parents. You see, the military-grade Miku monitor tracks your baby's sleep patterns, vitals and the room temperature wirelessly. It even plays music to sing baby to sleep and works with or without the internet. It will helpfully analyse baby's sleep patterns, too – tempting us to try sleeping in the nursery so we can get this next-level treatment for ourselves.

Geometric wallpaper

According to Pinterest, geometric wallpaper is what it's all about this year. Geometric can mean precise and simple – or OTT metallic fabulousness, as this wallpaper from Mr. Perswall at Nubie (£27 per square metre) shows. If the kids decide to start a punk rock band as a result of this inspiring wall art, then all the better.

The new unicorn: introducing the sloth

You can push your child's unicorn float, unicorn horn headband, unicorn onesie, unicorn glitter and 27 unicorn soft toys into the back of the cupboard (or better yet, give them the KonMari treatment): the new animal to take over your child's consciousness is the sloth. We think this is a good thing because A) they can actually go see them, at the zoo and in a fun role in the fab film Zootropolis and b) this might encourage lovely weekend lie-ins. Emphasis on might. Melissa & Doug's cosy sloth (£29.99) is just the animal to cuddle on those occasions.

Rustic furniture

Rustic furniture is on the rise with parents getting babies lodge-style cots and wood-panelled accessories. Loaf's Greta bed (£495) might be our favourite way to try the trend. Even better? It's made from reclaimed fir.

Bye bye pink and blue

We're happy to say that the trend towards pink and blue bedrooms has been sidelined in favour of white walls and colours that can be for anyone: green, yellow and grey are all making their way into the nursery and kids' bedrooms. If you need some interiors inspo, head to Bobo Kids for the latest in designer kids' bedrooms, like this green-tinged space from cool designers Mathy by Bols. They also make treehouse beds which will have you wishing you were 10 again.

Monochrome

The monochrome look is nothing new – although IKEA says 'methodical monochrome' is big for kitchens in 2019 – and it's easy to see why black and white is so enduring: it works for any age and any gender. You can always start with a monochrome accessory or two to pep up a child's room – try this laundry bag from Minene (£27), which doubles as a toy basket for younger kids.

The new way to do animals

Kids' bedrooms don't have to be simplistic: an animal theme can be reflected in a statement piece rather than allover wallpaper or millions of safari animals. The next time your child asks for a puppy, point them in the direction of Made in Design's Eero Aarnio puppy dalmatien chair (£70), which comes in different sizes and colours. We like this speckled version which also ticks the monochrome trend. Good boy!

Something enchanted-forest themed

Because this is the party theme they all want to have. Do one better – and yourself a favour – and give them an enchanted accessory. A toadstool night light perhaps? This red Heico version at Hurn & Hurn (£40) adds instant appeal to any room. Then take them out for pizza on their birthday instead.