A Holistic Approach to Decorating For Children

Creating a home to boost a child's creativity, enhance their wellbeing and encourage their learning is not as difficult as it may seem.  

You can much improve children's bedrooms with the use of colour, natural materials and as much natural light as possible and as the same rules apply to adults, the following suggestions could be applied throughout the home to everyone's benefit.

Children learn best when the learning experience is more closely identified with fun and often the spaces they need change as the child grows.  

Colour

The use of colour in an interior can impact immensely on how a child settles to concentrate or inspires them to be creative. Colours can also induce a sense of warmth and calm.

For example,

·      Sky blue is a great shade to use where you want a child to be inspired. 

·      A deeper blue will help with concentration.

You can implement the colour theory in more ways than just the walls of a room: furniture, artwork and accessories.

 In areas where you want a child to feel soothed or calm, i.e., a reading nook or bedroom, pale green and lilac have been identified as healing colours and definitely help soothe emotions. 

Sleep has a huge impact on our wellbeing and to help a child to settle, you can ensure the view from a child's bed is not too overstimulating. Colours such as soft green, or pale warm tones are conducive to sleep.

Materials

Young children explore their environment in a very physical way, so avoid the use of synthetic materials and furniture made from MDF and particle boards, these contain glues containing formaldehyde. This can have a negative effect on children who suffer from asthma and can irritate the skin.

·      Natural wood, wool and cotton fabrics are definitely nicer to the touch and a variety of interesting textures will stimulate minds through touch. 

·      The use of air-purifying plants will enhance your home environment and provides another essential connection with the natural world.

·      Nature-inspired artwork to promote a connection with the outdoors. Scientists have proven that any interaction with nature can help boost mental health by reducing stress.

Natural light

Apart from the obvious maintenance of vitamin D in our bodies through natural light, exposure to daylight is proven to enhance our mental health and with today's preference for online and screen entertainment even for very young children, we need to boost the light levels in our homes to compensate. Ensure your window treatments don't restrict the light. Clean windows and good ventilation will definitely impact positively on a child's sense of wellbeing.

Furniture and decoration

Create purposeful areas for different activities. Keep them clear of clutter and by participating with your children initially, you may find they begin to seek out these spaces on their own as they become more independent.

Keep areas clear of clutter. By participating with your children in their own zones initially, you may find they begin to seek out these spaces on their own as they become more independent. 

For under 10's and independent readers, if you want to encourage learning through reading at times other than bedtime, create a comfy nook surrounded by easy access to their books where they can curl up with good light and warmth; a quiet spot where they can journey deep into their reading.  

 The use of easy to move modular furniture is a good idea and will allow you to rearrange areas as your child's needs develop. 

 Involving your child in how they want their bedroom and play area to be arranged is another good way of encouraging your child to have a sense of belonging. 

Decorating with items gifted and better still created by family and friends also helps a child to relate more intimately with their surroundings. 

Space permitting, having a desk or learning space in a child's bedroom is not advised. If we have learnt anything over the past year and a half, it's that quiet space with a designated work area at home is essential to our productivity.  The same applies to children. A well-lit area, supportive chair and an organised wooden desk are essential.

If you feel you need more personalised guidance, get in touch to book a consultation to find out how we could help design a beautiful and practical space for your little ones to thrive in.