Let your child’s personality shine by embracing décor trends and prioritizing multifunctional design. By incorporating elements that reflect your child’s individuality, you can create a space they’ll love to spend time in – one that sparks imagination and grows with them. From botanical prints and accent walls to functional furniture and personalized touches, here’s how to craft an unforgettable, safe, and inspiring room your child can truly call their own.
Keep it simple
Creating a lasting space your little one will love for years can feel challenging, especially when kids change their minds as often as they change their favourite breakfast! Andrea Sarlo, Owner and Founder of Rooms to Grow, suggests starting with a soft, neutral palette. “The neutral nursery trend is here to stay,” she explains. “Neutral spaces are soothing, sophisticated, and timeless.”
Neutral palettes are the perfect place to start. To complete an organic look, “you can always add lush details such as gold accents and warm browns or taupe and dove-coloured furniture pieces,” says Cindy Abu Zeid, General Manager of Nestled. “[Designs] are moving away from grey tones and the farmhouse look.” Beyond colour, include essentials like convertible cribs that adapt from infancy to toddlerhood, cozy chairs that glide, swivel and recline, and portable changers.
Arley Coffin, Design Director at FOR Living | Design, emphasizes investing in versatile furniture. “Your biggest pieces, like a quality dresser, rocking chair, or chandelier, should grow with your child,” she advises. “Let the space evolve with smaller updates like artwork, textiles, and the crib or bed.” Her key takeaway: “Invest once in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.”
Walk on the wild side
As babies and toddlers grow up, parents are embracing vibrant tones and taking risks with colour in kids’ rooms. The popular décor mantra “more is more” continues into 2025 with statement-making wallpaper, art, bedding, rugs, and furniture. “Textiles and wallpaper are incredibly inspiring when it comes to personalizing a space while also serving a function,” says Coffin. “Patterns, embroidery, and embellishments like fringe or piping add personal design touches.”
To incorporate pops of colour, start with your child’s input to ensure they feel connected to the space. Draw inspiration from a favourite toy or standout piece and consider the mood you want to create when selecting shades. “We love to include colour in kids’ rooms,” Coffin adds. “Colour- drenching or contrast trim is a cost-effective and impactful way to set the tone with paint.”
“We’re seeing more complex patterns and more detail instead of simplistic designs,” says Abu Zeid. “Patterns such as vintage floral and floral fields are popular.”
Curious about trending hues? Sarlo predicts, “Sage green, crimson, and yellow furniture will define 2025.”
Balancing fun and functionality can transform a kids’ room into a space for play, study, and good sleeping habits. “Many kids’ rooms now serve as a combination bedroom, play, and study area,” says Sarlo. “Our bunk bed selection offers multiple configurations with desks and dressers underneath to maximize space.”
Lighting is another key element for both functionality and ambiance. “We love incorporating accessible task and accent lighting for independent play and reading areas as kids grow,” Coffin explains. “A simple plug- in or hardwired wall sconce, or a cordless table lamp, can provide easy-to-control lighting separate from an overhead fixture.”
Coffin’s must-have item: artful pieces that infuse a playful or whimsical vibe into a child’s space. “Opt for soft, cozy rugs because kids spend so much time on the floor, as well as accessible storage so kids can have a designated place to play within their rooms.”
Designing a kids’ room is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects their personality, supports growth, and inspires imagination. From neutral palettes and bold pops of colour to multifunctional furniture and thoughtful lighting, the possibilities are endless. But as kids’ tastes evolve, so should their rooms.
By starting with timeless, high-quality pieces and adding flexible, interchangeable elements like artwork, textiles, and accessories, you can keep the space fresh and adaptable.
LOCAL LINKS
FOR Living | Design
75 Navy Street
Oakville
www.for-living.ca
www.for-design.ca
Nestled by Snuggle Bugz
3245 Fairview Street, Unit #2
Burlington
www.nestled.ca
Rooms to Grow
1200 Speers Road #35
Oakville
www.roomstogrow.ca
By Nicole Hilton
