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From an Interior Designer Hobart
Have you ever wondered how to create a bed and bedroom that grows with your child? How about making it so cozy that your child feels relaxed and embraced in it. You’re not alone. When I first set out to design my child’s bedroom, I had no idea it would turn into such a rewarding project.
Have you noticed that in most children’s bedrooms, the bed is the standout piece of furniture? The rooms tend to be small, and the beds can dominate the space, leaving little to no room for a lounging sofa, a comfy chair, cushions, play area, or even a place for them to retreat and hide. And what about the needs and desires of children changing so much over time? Every month there’s changes in size, ways of playing, sleeping patterns, and even the amount of time spent in there. It’s difficult to not wonder how to accommodate all of that.
While I was sketching some interior design ideas I quickly I realised that the key to creating a timeless bedroom for my child was in creating a flexible environment that could adapt to seasons, growth, and development. And that if I was to design something that would help my child with life rather than getting in the way I would have to start by rethinking the bed, the most prominent and used piece of furniture in the room.
The Bed: A Cozy Cocoon
To create the cocoon, I sketched a wrap-around and padded bed surround. It all started with a flat pack timber frame bed we already had. I decided to cut the legs to make it lower and more accessible for a young child. This way, it’s safe while sleeping and easy for them to get in and out of bed. Around the bed, I added a structure to create a padded wrap-around headboard, which feels like a big inviting pillow. I built this (not really, my husband did) with structural plywood cut with curvy shapes and securely screwed to the timber frame. To make it safe and padded I added a layer of foam to add that cushiony feel, followed by wadding to give it that soft rounded feel, and a white poplin fabric stapled to the plywood to hold it all together and give it that nice, clean finish. This setup adds a lot of softness to the sleeping space and serves multiple purposes: it’s a bed at night, a sofa for sitting and lounging, and a play area during the day.
Thoughtful Fabric Choices
Easy maintenance and natural textiles were the priority when choosing fabrics. The natural cotton canvas was an easy choice as it’s breathable, durable, has a slightly textured to the touch, and it’s easy to sew at home. And to top it up I made the cover removable and machine-washable. And a little trick I learnt a long time ago, I made sure to wash the fabric before sewing to prevent any shrinkages during the first wash.
Simple Colour Palette
When it came to the colour palette, I aimed for simplicity, romance, and elegance. I chose neutral muted warm tones like warm mochas, beiges, and greys to create a serene backdrop. I added touches of sage or dark sea greens for a nod to nature, and hints of dark grey for a bit of modern sophistication. For uniqueness and a touch of romance, I added a delicate pink and a fabric with birds that ties it all together. The whole palette feels like the bush with the fading light at the end of the day, even covered with a dancing mist. It’s all about balance and harmony without anything shouting for attention. Children’s rooms are already busy with colourful toys and clothes so it’s about aiming for a palette of calm and sophistication.
Quality Sleep Environment
Children spend so much time in their bedrooms sleeping, and I wanted to give extra care to the space and create a comfortable embrace that would hold my child for hours of quality sleep. Reducing light and noise helps achieve this.
A unique feature of this bedroom is the use of a dark mocha for the bed wrap-around surround. I love to think that this unusual extra dark colour for a children’s bed helps create a sleep-friendly environment, maintaining darkness, which supports the body’s natural needs. And all that timber and padding buffers the noise so nicely it feels like recording studio music walls.
Sustainable Craft
At the heart of this design is a commitment to simplicity and sustainable materials. The solid wood bed base, combined with an elegant cotton balance, ensures durability and timeless appeal. Plus, most materials were either natural or reused, which means they don’t give off much VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) anymore. VOCs are harmful chemicals that can come from certain materials and mess with indoor air quality. It’s really important to choose low or no VOC materials, especially for a kid’s room, to keep the air clean and safe. I wanted this room to be a memorable family treasure, providing daily doses of comfort and joy while being considerate, kind, and conscious in every detail.
Creating my child’s bedroom was such a rewarding experience. It was more than just about aesthetics; it was about crafting a space that grows with my child, offering flexibility, comfort, and a touch of magic at every stage of their life. I hope this inspires you to create a cozy and timeless space for the children in your life too!
Your Turn to Create
If you feel inspired by this journey, why not give it a try? Imagine a cozy cocoon of a bed, draped in soft, natural fabrics, where your child can sleep, play, and dream. Grab some paper and start thinking like an interior designer and sketching your ideas. And please, feel free to write a comment or send me a message. It means the world to me that you’re here. I hope you stick around.
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