Project Profile - Whimsical Jungle for a 10 Year Old
One of my favorite aspects of Designs by Human is our diversity in project offerings. From full on architecture and development work to kid’s rooms which is exactly what we are talking about today! Children’s rooms can be some of the most fun and creative spaces a designer can work on and one of the most challenging.
Our client, who, at the time, was a 10-year-old Manhattanite with a creative imagination with an already grown up and sophisticated spirit. We were brought in to hone in the plethora of ideas she had floating around and make them work in a singular space that she can enjoy now and also grow into over the next several years. The initial inspiration was a whimsical garden or jungle theme with gold accents. Excited for this we wanted to create a base that other items in the room would go off and that was a wall covering. We sought out the perfect wall pattern to be the inaugural layer in the room, and we found it with a pattern from Anna French.
From there we built off and started to incorporate a handful of custom elements such as her storage bed, both for extra toy storage and the ability to drape fabric over creating that more whimsical space. The second were floating wall shelves to allow for practical storage of books but also a rotating display space for new art, Lego projects and interests as they change.
We worked with Garden on the Wall for the statement piece in the room which was a real but preserved wall garden. This design element really enforced the theme as a whole and made for a wonderful conversation piece with her friends.
Lastly, we designed a ultra-colorful rug with FLOR for practical reasons. Using the different pile heights and colors was a fun way to finish off the space but leave it open ended for her to change colors as she wants in the future.
There are some practical steps when plotting out your kid’s bedroom (or for any home project for that matter):
How long are you going to stay in the home? This can be somewhat of an arbitrary question but if you know you are moving in the next 12 to 24 months perhaps investing in only what is needed at the time to get you by.
Invest in quality pieces! Yes, IKEA is tempting but if your plans are to stay in a space for a good period invest in a few key pieces. Quality items will stand the test of time as your child ages and let’s be honest they will not be the most forgiving when it comes to abusing them. I know I have crashed my fair share of Hot Wheels and flying Lego sets into furniture as a child … and maybe even as an adult.
Bed - This can depend on the room size, but a good quality bed will be something they remember and will literally use each and every day.
Desk or Work Space - At their younger age they may be doing homework or play at the Kitchen table but there may be a time your child needs to have a quiet time to work on their studies. Looking for that desk that fits the space right but can be big enough to accommodate (some) artwork and homework is a good piece to invest in.
Lighting - Now, in New York City this can be more of a challenge to add lights but there are plenty of options such as Human Co Lighting to add wall sconces with no major electrical work. Having adequate lighting is both helpful and necessary in study and play!
If you need help with your child’s room we would love to be part of it, feel free to contact us for more details!
