Light, Bright & Playful: Summer-Ready Kids’ Bedrooms

A kid’s bedroom is one of those first opportunities to let creativity shine while making a space that’s uniquely theirs. Whether they’re sharing it with a sibling or enjoying it all to themselves,  these rooms are perfect for showcasing personality and fitting in all the essential storage and playful spots. Here at SSD, we’re all about creating these fun spaces for you and your family! And if the kids are old enough, we love having them jump in on the decision-making to make sure the design is just right for them.

If you’re starting from scratch

First things first, we always find it helpful to kick off with some initial questions. Asking yourself these things gives you a solid starting point for figuring out what the room should have. Whether we’re doing this for you or you’re diving in solo, always start here and everything else will just fall into place.

For younger kids: think about how you plan to use the room with your little one and how it might change as they grow up. Are you ok with going bold now and switching it up later, or do you want it to be super flexible and grow with them? What type of storage will you need and what would you like to fill this room with?

For older kids: think about practical details like homework areas, hobbies, and even a little spot for all old stuffed animals. Starting with this kind of thought process is a fantastic way to get a feel for what you need, so you can incorporate all the right elements whether it’s cool storage, a built-in desk, a dressing table, or shelves perfect for books.

Designing a child’s bedroom offers a wonderful opportunity to mix in personality, playfulness, and even a touch of magic. While functionality is key, the most unforgettable rooms are the ones that ignite wonder and creativity. Here are some fun ideas to make a kid’s room truly one-of-a-kind:

Commission a Custom Mural: Imagine a hand-painted mural that instantly brings a personal, storybook feel to the space. Whether it’s a whimsical forest with friendly animals, a starry sky filled with planets, or scenes inspired by a favourite book or movie, a mural can create an immersive atmosphere tailored to your child’s interests or designed to grow with them.

Embrace Full Wallpapering: Wallpapering all four walls gives the room a warm, inviting cocoon-like vibe perfect for a little retreat. Go for bold patterns, cute motifs, or vintage-inspired prints to add layers of colour and depth.

Introduce Softness Through Plush Textiles: Think thick, plush curtains that not only dress up the windows but also add a soft touch while gently blocking early morning light. Mix in scatter cushions in various textures and colors to create a space that’s ideal for lounging, reading, or letting imaginations run wild.

Choose a Daybed with Trundle for Younger Kids: A daybed with a pull-out trundle is both stylish and practical for a growing child. It frees up floor space during the day for play or studying, and when friends come over, it effortlessly turns into a ready setup for sleepovers. This smart piece adapts as your child’s needs evolve.

Personal Touches That Spark Joy: Small, unique details can make the room feel distinctly theirs. Add personalised name plaques, hang framed artworks they’ve created, or set up a little display of their favourite treasures. An open shelf or a pinboard is a fun way to keep these ever-changing details fresh as their interests evolve.

Lighting That Feels Magical: Layered lighting can transform a space. Whether it’s a main pendant, cosy bedside lamps, or subtle wall lights, soft and warm lighting makes a huge difference in setting a magical mood.

If you’ve already built a great foundation based on these ideas, you might wonder how to freshen the room up for summertime without a full redesign. Just like any other space in your home, giving the room a lighter, more refreshing feel for the warmer months is a great idea, especially in a kids’ room where they’ll be spending plenty of time.

If you want a summer refresh

Lighten Up Your Bedding: Swap out heavy duvets and thick throws for light, breezy cotton or linen sheets. Choose cheerful, summery colours or fun prints, think gingham, soft stripes, or patterns inspired by nature like florals, animals, or even sea themes.

Freshen Up with Seasonal Colours: Introduce a burst of freshness with sunny yellows, sky blues, leafy greens, or soft pastels that scream summer. Whether it’s new cushion covers, updated wall art, or even a painted feature wall, these small tweaks can make a big difference.

Add Some Natural Textures: Incorporate elements like rattan baskets, wooden toys, or a woven rug for that relaxed, summer vibe. Natural materials work wonderfully with vibrant colors to create a balanced, laid-back space.

Bring the Outdoors Inside: Think about adding a few easy-care houseplants, like spider plants or pilea, in some cheerful pots. Even a small vase of wildflowers placed on a desk or bedside table can bring a touch of the outdoors in and keep the room feeling fresh.

Create a Summer Reading Spot: Rearrange a few cushions, throw in a beanbag, or add a simple canopy to create a snug corner perfect for summer reading. Fill it with books that spark adventures, explore nature, and invite discovery to further ignite your child’s imagination.

Clear the Clutter: Remember to tidy up and store away those bulky winter items like heavy blankets, coats, and extra toys. Using under-bed storage or decorative baskets helps keep things neat, freeing up space and making the room feel light and airy.

By starting with these friendly, easy-to-implement ideas and building on a strong foundation of practicality and personality, you can create and adapt a kid’s bedroom into a true haven – a space that grows and transforms with them through every season.