Designing a children’s bedroom is one of my absolute favourite parts of any interior design project. As both a mother and an interior designer, I understand how important it is for the space to feel magical and nurturing, while also being practical and lasting. Over the years, I’ve designed countless children’s bedrooms, from serene nurseries to playful tween spaces and what I’ve learned is this: the best children’s bedrooms are the ones that evolve, not expire.
So today, I want to share my five interior design tips for creating a children’s bedroom that grows with your child, full of personality, but rooted in timeless design principles.
1. Plan the Layout with Longevity in Mind
Before I sketch a single layout or choose a fabric, I always begin by writing a detailed design brief. Not just for my clients, but for myself, too. I ask: Who is this room for now, and who will it be for in five years? Will it be used just for sleeping, or also for play, homework, dressing, and reading?
When I designed my daughter Ava’s room, she was still in a cot, but I planned the room to accommodate a 135cm wide bed later on. That one decision saved us from a total redesign just two years later. I also knew we’d eventually swap the nursing chair for something more functional, so I left enough circulation space to later install a bespoke storage island.
Takeaway: Think about longevity now. Children’s needs change so fast, and by planning your child’s bedroom layout with flexibility in mind, you’ll avoid waste and save time later.
If you’d like to see how I designed my daughter’s room, then watch here: My Daughter’s Bedroom & Our Fertility Journey
2. Choose Practical Hard Finishes That Feel Luxurious
When considering how to design a children’s bedroom that lasts, the selection of hard finishes are critical. Children’s rooms experience daily wear and tear, so opt for flooring, wall finishes, and cabinetry that are durable, easy to clean, and non-toxic.
For example, I love using Vinyl Wall coverings which replicate natural textures such as silk, grasscloth and linen, what this does is gives you the look of authentic textures but with the durable, wipeable, and more resistant properties so the space still feels elegant but can handle sticky fingers and the odd felt-tip incident!
Dusty Pink Safari Fromental wallpaper Link HERE.
Our wallpaper collection with Andrew Martin Wallpaper Link HERE.
In our Hyde Park project project, we used a vinyl geometric wallcovering, it gave us the texture and warmth we wanted but could be wiped clean. The parents were amazed at how durable and luxurious it felt.
DESIGNER TIP: To elevate the look of vinyl wallpaper in a child’s room, consider continuing it into window reveals, alcoves, or even onto sloped ceilings. This small detail creates a polished, tailored feel and brings an element of whimsy and architectural interest that’s particularly charming in children’s spaces.
3. Prioritise Smart Storage That Evolves
Bespoke joinery is where a child’s room can really shine, both functionally and visually. I always try to incorporate clever built-ins that conceal clutter, maximise floor space, and can adapt to changing needs.
In one of our London projects, we designed a wardrobe wall with a hidden door to the ensuite bathroom. It delighted the daughter and kept the room looking beautifully tailored. Integrated within the wardrobes we also designed open shelving for books and trinkets that would change as the child grew.
In another project, we created a window seat with drawers beneath for toys and books.
My advice? Don’t overlook joinery. When designed with intent, it becomes the architecture of the room and can make even a small space feel curated and grown-up, while still being functional for everyday life.
4. Choose the Right Bed for Growing Years
Selecting the right bed is one of the most important choices when designing a child’s bedroom, it needs to balance comfort, safety, longevity, and proportion. I often recommend a small double (typically 120–135cm wide) for clients who want a bed that will last well into the teenage years, especially if they like to snuggle in for bedtime stories or if a parent occasionally co-sleeps.
But alternatively, if you feel like a small double is too big for your child or the room dimensions, a single bed can work beautifully when floor space is tight. In one recent project, we designed a room around a beautifully upholstered single bed with an elegant canopy above. The canopy added a soft, cocoon-like effect that made the bed feel special and secure, perfect for a younger child, while the classic shape and neutral fabric of the bed ensured it would grow with them into their tween years.
5. Add Personality Through Details, Not Themes
If there’s one principle I always return to when designing children’s rooms, it’s this: let personality shine through thoughtful details, not overpowering themes. The most timeless children’s spaces are those that feel curated and considered, never overly themed or trend-led.
It’s easy to be drawn to loud jungle murals, princess wallpaper, or superhero bedding in the early stages but these are the kinds of choices that children grow out of quickly, leaving the room feeling dated within a year or two. Instead, I prefer to work with subtle nods to your child’s interests, layered in through art, accessories, or bespoke finishes.
For example, in my son’s bedroom, we introduced a loose animal trope but in a way that felt refined and enduring. I framed vintage-style animal illustrations for the wall, added a playful leopard-print rug, and hung playful animal heads on the walls. These details give the room personality and warmth without locking it into a specific ‘theme’ that he might outgrow by the next birthday.
Take a look at my YouTube video that I filmed a couple of years ago where I walk through the design of my own son’s bedroom in more detail. I explain in depth how I combined practicality, personality, and longevity to create a space that he loves now but that will still feel appropriate as he grows.
You can watch it here: How I Design A Bedroom For Kids.
All of these principles are explored in greater depth in the Children’s Bedroom module inside the Sophie Paterson Academy course.
In the Children’s module, I walk you through my full approach to designing a space that grows beautifully with your child, including how to transition from cot to bed without redesigning the room two years later, how to create flexible furniture layouts, how to plan lighting for different ages, moods and activities, my favourite durable yet elevated finishes, and how I layer in practicality without compromising on elegance.
You’ll also find:
- Annotated floor and lighting plans
- Real case studies
- Custom joinery plans
- My suppliers for durable hard finishes and fabrics
- My go-to trade tips for making these rooms feel luxurious, safe, and deeply personal to your child
Need more Inspiration to help you design a children’s bedroom?
Click HERE to view my Pinterest board to view all of the children’s rooms I have designed.
For even more inspiration, explore our portfolio to see how I translate timeless design principles into distinctive, character-filled homes. For exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including project reveals, product collaborations, and more insights into our design process, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
And for daily inspiration, updates, and a closer look at life inside the studio, follow us on Instagram @sophiepatersoninteriors and Tik Tok @sophiepatersoninteriors
