There comes a time when your precious little bub is ready to clamber out of their cot and dive into the delightful chaos of toddlerhood.
As they grow more curious and vocal about their likes and dislikes, it’s a heartwarming experience to watch them grow and change before your eyes. With their rapidly evolving personality and preferences, it’s the perfect time to refresh the nursery design you once lovingly created.
But where to begin? Just follow our step-by-step guide...
Soflty softly
The first thing to consider when transforming your nursery into a toddler’s play haven is safety. As little ones become more mobile and unpredictable, it's essential to anticipate how they might encounter bumps and scratches.
Choose a thick carpet paired with soft, cushy rugs and throws for added comfort. All furniture should be low enough for easy access (unless you'd prefer otherwise) and feature rounded edges to minimise risks. Beds should also be low to the ground to cushion any midnight roll-outs, with those cosy rugs and soft carpets coming in handy. Don’t forget to use non-slip pads under your rugs for extra safety!
Colour to the world
Involving your child in choosing the colours for their big kids' room can be a fun way to discover what excites them the most. However, be mindful that too much brightness and cheer can overstimulate them.
Consider how you would design an adult’s room, then adapt those principles with a playful twist. Start with a calm, neutral backdrop, and incorporate pops of colour as exciting accents rather than overwhelming the space. Wallpaper can add texture and a splash of creativity, but be sure to choose a durable option and keep a spare roll handy for future touch-ups!
Stick with it
Remember, don’t be too precious. The reality is that kids’ sticky fingers will find their way onto every surface! Choose wall paints that can be easily wiped clean, and consider stocking up on art supplies that facilitate creativity without the stress of mess.
Make sure rugs, throws, and cushion covers are machine washable, and opt for furniture with wipeable surfaces to keep everything looking fresh and clean.
Stash the crash
Mess is an inescapable inevitability with toddlers, so it’s best to embrace it. Clever storage solutions will be your biggest ally, so invest in spacious sideboards and cupboards to stash away crayons, teddies, building blocks, and all the other treasures that they will scatter across the room.
Consider beds with built-in drawers or space underneath for extra storage, or create a tower of clear, stackable boxes. This way, you can gather all the chaos while easily keeping track of where everything is at a glance.
Floor to the fore
Aim for maximum floor space by placing their bed in one corner and keeping all other furniture along the edges. This arrangement will create a spacious area for playtime adventures!
Set up a small table and chairs against one wall, allowing them easy access to a handy station for indulging their inner artist with drawing, painting, and sculpting. While it's best to stick to neutral colours overall, feel free to unleash some vibrant pops of colour here and there to spark their creativity.
Bring the outdoors in
We love using natural greenery in our home designs, but pot plants can be a liability with toddlers around. So, in this instance, we’re talking about the illusion of the outdoors.
Little ones adore setting up a teepee - or even an old-fashioned sheet fortress - in their bedrooms, adding a touch of wonder to their playtime. A great tip is to use a bed with a house-like frame, perfect for draping throws over to create a cosy tent.
Instead of stick-on stars, consider a bedside lamp that casts enchanting waves of light onto the walls and ceiling, bringing a magical atmosphere to their room!
Making their mark
Listening to your child find their words, piece by piece, is one of the most magical parts of parenthood. Don’t hesitate to encourage them by asking about their favourite things. However, you probably don’t want to be redesigning the room every five minutes.
That’s why it’s wise to keep the basic design of the room simple and easily wipeable. This way, you can introduce small design flourishes inspired by their imagination that can instantly change the vibe. Allow them to choose their bed linen—it's a beloved tradition that can carry through from toddlerhood to their teen years!
Feeling inspired? Take a look at some more of our children’s bedroom ideas here.
