I know, that when your first baby is on the way, designing a nursery seems to be a very important step. It is, because it helps you feel prepared, excited, adjusted and help tick off the necessities (some feel there are more necessities than others). The importance of this can fade as kids get older or more children come along because you have learnt that sleeplessness, feeding, getting kids to school on time and all these other things take over.
So let's take a look at how we can create healthy and supportive bedrooms for our kids, supportive for them and for us as parents, here we go!
SPACE TO CREATE
From toddler to high school, kids need space to create. This means somewhere they can sit and draw, write, stick things, do homework etc.
So a space for a desk is fantastic.
Zoning is helpful here, you can create a feature on the wall, put down a fun rug, put up a big cork board for them to collect inspiring images. It's ok that this active space is in the bedroom but zoning will help keep the stimulation or focus within that space.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
Consider how the light behaves in your childs bedroom, this will be different for everyone.
Do they get strong evening sun bursting in, morning light, little light?
The position of their room is best when it is in response to natural light and if there is little natural light create it with appropriate bulbs and lamps.
Use sheer curtains or shutters to soften harsh light but still letting natural light in.
thermal/blockout backing on curtains will block out light for a more quality sleep and help regulate temperature too.
Curtains are a fun way to introduce colour and pattern in a childs room without being as overwhelming as a feature wallpaper and can easily and affordably be changed as the child grows older.
MATERIALS
Furniture is expensive, especially if its quality. Natural timber is a great investment for drawers, timber is timeless and will allow the style of the room to change around it.
Real timbers also help absorb CO2 from the atmosphere which is amazing for indoor air quality.
Sleeping with wool for bedding is breathable, holds warmth in winter and cool in summer so is a wonderful choice for bed toppers and blankets. Wool for carpet is lovely for the same reasons but is more prone to staining, so if you love woollen carpet, rugs are your friend.
Cotton sheets are also fantastic for allowing your little ones bodies to breathe, make sure you wash them before first use to remove lingering production or importation chemicals.
STORAGE
Toys can act as decorative pieces to a bedroom, much like the Orangutang above sitting on a pale blue bed. But too many toys out is messy and overwhelming.
Baskets under the bed are an easy and quick fix to chucking things away and hiding them easily.
A bench seat with hidden storage is such a cute way to refine a space, add hidden storage and opportunity for more soft furnishings either upholstered or cushions.
Toy storage with slide out compartments are great for toys that have lots of pieces but need to be kept together. These help the toys remain organised within storage, because if you only have a big trunk everything inside gets mixed up which is less inspiring to play with too.
Be clever with your closet. You can add hanging storage, built in drawers, use the inside of the door for hooks.
Shelving is a really nice way to add character to a space that can be changed with styling.
PAINT
When painting your childs room, do consider a low or zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.
VOC's can release toxicity in the air for up to 10 years after application and have been linked to various kinds of illnesses. If you have already used a product with VOC (and most paint products do have some) it is a good idea to put a toxicity absorbing house plant in the space, a spider plant, succulent or peace lily will do the trick.
For me I think the key to a successful child's room is a fun and expressive space that is also calming and not overwhelming, regardless of their age.
It is their safe space from the world and where they can be truly themselves and learn to enjoy their own company but be proud when visitors do come to call.
I hope you found this post informative and inspiring to create a sanctuary for your child/teenager that supports their health and wellbeing and remember the most important, best part about improving a child's bedroom is to have fun!
Have a fabulous day designing your life x
The Healing Spaces Project - Lauren Shiels.
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