Project Profile - Whimsical Jungle for a 10 Year Old
One of my favorite things about what we do at Designs by Human is the range. Some days we are deep in architecture and development, and other days we get to step into a project like this one, which honestly reminds me why design can be so fun. Kids’ rooms are some of the most creative spaces to work on because they ask for imagination, but they also have to work hard. They need to feel exciting now while still having enough longevity to grow with the child living in them.
For this project, we were designing a bedroom for a 10-year-old in Manhattan who already had a strong point of view. She was imaginative, creative, and surprisingly sophisticated in the way she saw her space. Our role was to take all of those ideas and shape them into one room that felt cohesive, special, and layered rather than overdone. The starting point was a whimsical jungle-garden direction with touches of gold, which gave us a strong foundation to build on without making the room feel too themed or too temporary.
We began with the wallcovering because I wanted the room to have a clear visual anchor from the start. Once we found the right pattern from Anna French, the rest of the design started to unfold naturally. From there, we introduced custom elements that made the room feel personal and functional at the same time. The storage bed gave us a practical place for toys and everyday overflow, but it also created an opportunity for softness and imagination with fabric draping. We also designed floating shelves so the room could evolve with her, giving her a place for books, artwork, Lego creations, and whatever new interests came along next.
One of my favorite moments in the room was the preserved garden wall we created with Garden on the Wall. It gave the space a real sense of life and texture, and it immediately became a focal point. It reinforced the jungle story in a way that felt elevated and memorable rather than literal. To finish the room, we designed a custom rug with FLOR that brought in a lot of color and energy, while also being practical for how a child actually uses a space. I loved that it added another playful layer, but still left room for the design to shift over time as her taste changed.
What I always try to keep in mind with a child’s room is that good design should never only be about the moment. It should also consider how a family is living and how long they plan to stay in a home. That usually affects where it makes sense to invest. If you are going to be in a space for a while, I really believe in choosing a few quality pieces that can hold up over time. A well-made bed, a desk or workspace that can adapt as your child gets older, and good lighting all make a big difference. Those are the elements that keep a room working well long after the initial excitement of the makeover wears off.
This project was a great example of how a kid’s room can feel imaginative, polished, and practical all at once. It had personality, it told a story, and most importantly, it gave our client a space that felt like her. That is always the goal.
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!
