Spaces That Grow – From Playroom to Teen Retreat

Designing a child’s room is one of the most joyful parts of creating a home — it’s where imagination meets practicality, and where design can truly shape how a young person experiences their world. As both a designer and a mother of three girls (two adults and one teen now), I’ve experienced how to plan for rooms that grow with them — adapting to their changing needs, interests, and identities while maintaining a sense of calm and timeless beauty.

When my own children were tiny, I did design an adorable nursery of bespoke painted furniture complete with hand painted murals depicting scenes from Naoahs ark and all the possible animals walking around the walls of this space. It was a gorgeous work of art, absolutely unique but it taught me a valuable lesson – plan for the future! Which I had not. These murals were painted on the wall and this priceless work of art was left behind when we moved house. Lesson learnt ; if you make such an effort paint it on removable panels.

Fast forward to a large new home and three gorgeous spacious rooms – this time I planned for growth. Find out here what I have learnt.

I wanted to create rooms that evolve naturally — spaces that transition from story time and Lego building to homework and teenage introspection without losing their sense of character or harmony. That philosophy has since guided my approach in client projects too: design spaces that have longevity, meaning, and flexibility at their core.

A well-designed child’s room is more than a collection of furniture and colours — it’s a living environment that encourages creativity, independence, and comfort. The key lies in building a timeless foundation, layering personality through adaptable details, and allowing the space to transform gracefully over the years.

In this piece, I’m sharing some of the strategies I use to design children’s rooms that are as enduring as they are delightful — rooms that evolve beautifully from toddlerhood through the teenage years, reflecting each stage of life without ever feeling dated or disposable.

1. Space planning

Built-in or modular joinery can help define these zones without adding visual clutter. For instance, a bookshelf can serve as a subtle divider between the bed and play area; a built-in bench under a window might double as toy storage in early years and a reading perch later.

I also think vertically when planning space. High shelves display keepsakes out of reach, freeing lower levels for toys and books. Peg rails and hooks evolve too — from hanging dress-up clothes to school bags and art prints. The key is layering flexibility: the structure remains, but its function changes.

The goal is not to fix the room in one moment of childhood, but to give it the ability to respond gracefully as interests, routines, and personalities shift. When the space adapts, your child feels that their environment grows with them — supporting every chapter of their life while remaining harmonious and thoughtfully designed.

These areas shift naturally over time: the floor play zone becomes a lounging space for teens; the reading corner transforms into a study nook. The goal is not to fix the room in one moment of childhood, but to give it the ability to respond gracefully as needs and personalities change. By keeping each zone visually distinct yet fluid, you create a space where every age and stage feels welcome, considered, and beautifully connected.

The Colour Foundation

You might start out with a neutral backdrop for babies and toddlers to avoid overstimulation, but I believe young children and teens will enjoy living in colourful, playful, heartyly decorated rooms. Wallpaper and paint can easily be changed 2 or 3 times in the 18-20 years they will be living at home (or 35 years in more cases but lets not get into that). Do not fret over how long they will like a bold animal wallpaper. I prefer to focus on getting the bones of the structure properly proportioned.

Gone are the days of blue for boys and pink for girls. Feel free to experiment and be bold with color and wallpaper. While I am not generally a fan of feature walls, I advocate them in childrens room as they add playfulness and fun and can aid concentration.

Once the foundation is set, bring in colour and character through easy-to-update accessories: playful pillows, vibrant rugs, or colourful wall art. This way, when preferences inevitably change, the room can evolve without requiring a full redesign.

2. Choose Adaptable, Multi-Functional Furniture

Investing in pieces that grow with your child is both practical and sustainable — and it’s one of the best ways to design a room with true longevity. I always encourage parents to think beyond the next two years. Furniture should evolve gracefully as the child’s needs, proportions, and activities change, while still maintaining visual coherence within the home.

Start with core pieces that can transform. Starting with the bed , I designed proper adult sized beds for my children from the age of 3, investing into a really good quality bed and best quality mattress is crucial for me. While the furniture can be repainted, headboards recovered, linens and throws can easily evolve and change the mood and adapt to age, investing into a great quality piece of furniture allows this bed to remain relevant for years.

Modular shelving can begin as toy storage and later house books, trophies, or even a record player. I often design joinery that adapts — a low play surface that can be raised or repurposed into a study desk, or open shelving that can be reconfigured with new inserts as the child matures.

When space allows, consider a larger wardrobe early on, fitted with adjustable shelves and hanging rails. It may seem oversized at first, but it quickly becomes useful as clothing and belongings multiply. Built-in storage feels permanent yet flexible — an investment that can outlast the childhood phase entirely. We have opted for both fitted units and redecorated them over the years or bought lovely large vintage wardrobes and had those painted and lined the insides with fun wallpaper. Either way invest into quality furniture and plan ahead.

I also love using furniture with hidden functionality. Ottomans with lift-up lids, window benches with drawers, or trundle beds for sleepovers make rooms efficient and clutter-free. A small desk with integrated drawers or a pegboard above it can provide both workspace and display — practical yet personal.

One of my guiding principles is to avoid pieces that feel overly themed or childish. Furniture with clean lines and classic proportions will never date. We typically add wavy or zaggy edges, fun knobs, shaker panels filled with textured paper or glass doors internally lined with fabric. There are many ways to create fun, texture and playfulness with furniture without being childish.

I like recovering furniture over time, new fabrics can transform a space. I like solid timber bed frames, they can easily be sanded and retreated, varnished or painted to transition effortlessly from nursery to teenage retreat. The character of the room can then be built up through textiles, wall art, and accessories — the easy-to-change layers that express personality.

Durability is another key factor. Children’s furniture takes a lot of wear, so quality materials and craftsmanship pay off over time. I prefer solid woods, well-constructed joinery, and finishes that can be refinished or repainted later. Even a vintage chest of drawers can be revived with new handles and colour — adding soul while being sustainable.

Finally, I encourage creating independence through furniture placement. Low shelves or baskets give younger children access to their toys and books, teaching order and autonomy. As they grow, adding a dedicated work zone with adjustable seating supports healthy posture and focus. The goal is to let the room — and the furniture — evolve with them, offering continuity and comfort at every stage.

3. Create a Wall of Possibilities

A child’s room should be a place where imagination can live and breathe — and the walls, more than any other element, capture that sense of evolving self-expression. I see walls not as something to decorate once and forget, but as living surfaces that record the passage of time, creativity, and growing identity.

When I design children’s rooms, I like to give one wall a sense of possibility. Rather than fixing one aesthetic, I think about how the surface can change and adapt — a space where artwork, memories, and discoveries can appear, move, and evolve. One simple but powerful tool is the picture ledge — a long, narrow shelf that allows art, books, or framed photographs to be displayed and rearranged easily. As children grow, the ledge becomes a changing gallery: from storybook illustrations and finger paintings to travel photos, sketches, or collected postcards. It’s effortless, tactile, and teaches them the joy of curating their own space.

Another idea is a rotating pinboard or fabric-covered noticeboard integrated into joinery or framed as art. It’s a beautiful, non-permanent way for children to express themselves — displaying drawings, achievements, or inspiration images that reflect their interests at each age. As they mature, the same space can become a vision board or design moodboard, reflecting new passions and ambitions.

I often create a “memory wall” in a subtle, elevated way. We create an entire wall either from cork or felt or really thick fabric covered pinboard material or we can use metallic paint, chalk paint or wipable wallpaper. The goal is always to allow creativity: these walls can hold photos, sketches, posters, ticket stubs, timetables or small found objects. The content evolves, but the composition stays balanced and considered, allowing the wall to grow in meaning over time.

The point is to design for change, not perfection. A child’s interests are fluid, and the walls should move with them — sometimes quiet and minimal, sometimes full of colour and expression. The designer’s role is to create a framework that welcomes this evolution, encouraging confidence and independence while maintaining visual harmony.

In the end, the most beautiful walls are those that tell a story — layered with the marks of curiosity, imagination, and time. They become a portrait of growth, a living diary of a childhood well-lived.

4. Build Flexible Storage Solutions

Storage is the quiet backbone of every well-designed child’s room. Without it, even the most beautiful space quickly becomes chaotic. But clever storage isn’t just about hiding things away — it’s about teaching order, independence, and calm, while allowing the room to evolve naturally as your child grows.

I like to think of storage as a living system that adapts over time. When children are small, they need open access to baskets, shelves, and toy boxes they can reach easily — it gives them autonomy and helps them learn how to tidy up on their own. As they get older, those same storage pieces can be reconfigured or repurposed: baskets become homes for art supplies, shelves hold books and models, drawers store gadgets or stationery.

Start Low, Build Up. Begin with storage that’s accessible from a child’s height — open shelving, soft baskets, low drawers. These make it easy for them to engage with their things. Over time, you can add layers vertically: higher shelving for keepsakes, seasonal storage, or less frequently used items. In built-in joinery, I often use adjustable shelves so the proportions can shift as needs change.

Make Use of Every Niche. Children’s rooms often have awkward corners, alcoves, or sloping ceilings — these are perfect opportunities for bespoke joinery. A window seat with drawers underneath, cubbies under the eaves, or a shallow wardrobe built into a recess can transform unused space into functional storage. I love designing under-bed drawers that roll out smoothly or raised beds with hidden compartments — every centimetre matters, especially in London homes.

One of the few products which I use over and over again is Vitsoe shelving, it’s a life saver.

Think Modular and Moveable. Modular cube units or stackable crates can be rearranged endlessly, adapting to different stages of life. They might start out holding board books and toys, then shift to art supplies or vinyl records. When designed in timeless finishes — oak, rattan, white lacquer, or powder-coated metal — they blend seamlessly into older children’s and even adult spaces.

Label, Display, Rotate. Labelling baskets or drawers is simple but powerful. It encourages responsibility and helps children understand order visually. I also like the idea of rotating toys or books — keeping a few in easy reach while storing others away to reintroduce later. It keeps the room feeling fresh and prevents visual overload.

Storage as Design Feature. Storage can be beautiful in its own right. A wall of built-in joinery painted in the same tone as the walls creates calm and cohesion. Open shelves styled with a mix of toys, books, and objects add personality and texture. I integrate lighting within shelving or attach pretty picture lights — to bring a subtle glow and highlight special pieces.

Grow into Organisation. As children mature, their storage needs become more sophisticated. Consider a tall wardrobe with adjustable hanging rails, drawers for folded clothes, and open shelves above for display. A narrow cabinet can house art portfolios or sports equipment. For teenagers, integrated charging drawers or cable management make tech storage feel intentional rather than cluttered.

In the end, great storage design is about balance — keeping things accessible but not overwhelming, practical yet beautiful. It allows a room to breathe, evolve, and stay connected to the rhythm of family life. When done well, it quietly supports creativity, comfort, and independence — the hallmarks of a space that truly grows with your child.

This second floor bedroom had sloped ceilings which we closed off to make a square room and created a walk in closet.

5. Personalities grow

Personal touches make a room feel special, but children’s interests and hobbies are constantly evolving. Instead of committing to specific themes or character-focused decor, add personality through easily updatable accents like posters, bedding, and art pieces. These elements can be refreshed over time without altering the room’s structure.

Grow Together. As children mature, their relationship with their room deepens — it becomes a private refuge, a study, a social space. Allowing them to contribute to that transformation fosters independence and confidence. I’ve found that even small acts — choosing a new lamp, rearranging shelves, chosing new soft furnishings, new plants, painting a section of wall — give children a sense of agency and pride in their environment.

Bedside shelving is essential and will grow with your child from teddy bear collections, books and love letters, it’s the space close to their heart where they can express and keep their treasures.

A custom name sign or wall art featuring their initials can add an element of personalization without tying the room to a fleeting phase. Similarly, seasonal decor and changeable art frames allow for an easy refresh, letting them express their current passions, from dinosaurs to superheroes to nature photography, without locking in a single theme.

6. Desk space and Lighting

As children grow, I think their need for a dedicated workspace becomes essential — a place to draw, write, think, and dream in peace away from the hubub of the kitchen. I consider placement and proportion. Natural light is ideal, positioning a desk near a window encourages focus and connection to the outside world. If that’s not possible, good layered lighting can recreate that sense of calm clarity.

Designing the Desk Zone. I often start with a simple, solid desk that can adapt over time. A smaller child might use it for art projects or Lego building; later, it becomes a place for study, reading, or digital work. Adjustable or modular pieces are ideal — height-adjustable chairs, removable drawers, or a top that can be refinished when tastes mature.

When space allows, I like to build the desk into joinery — a nook between wardrobes, under shelving, or even beneath a window seat. It becomes part of the architecture, grounded and enduring. Floating desks can also be beautiful in smaller rooms, leaving floor space free while feeling airy and modern.

I find that a sense of order supports creativity. Drawer organisers, wall-mounted pegboards, or slim picture ledges above the desk allow materials and artwork to be displayed elegantly without clutter. Overhead shelving provides room for books or keepsakes, while soft pinboards or cork panels create a changing display of inspiration.

Lighting has the power to shape mood, rhythm, and routine. In children’s rooms, I always use three layers of light — general, task, and ambient — each serving a different emotional and practical purpose.

Ambient light: A warm ceiling or wall light sets an overall glow for comfort and play.

Task light: A focused desk lamp or wall-mounted light provides clarity for homework, reading, or art — adjustable and directional so it grows with their needs.

Accent light: Soft, indirect lighting — fairy lights, a reading lamp, or concealed LED strips — brings atmosphere and helps them wind down at the end of the day.

For younger children, dimmable or low-level lighting can help establish calm bedtime rituals. As they mature, adjustable desk lamps and sculptural pendants feel more sophisticated and functional. I often choose vintage lights , incorporating some mature elements which grow up well with the room: nice metal finishes , colored shades, sparkly glass or other textured finishes that add sophistication and point to the future.

The Role of Light in Growth. Lighting isn’t just functional; it’s deeply emotional. It defines how a child feels in their room — alert, creative, safe, or soothed. A well-lit desk supports learning, a great bedside light encourages cozy reading time.

7. Layering with Rugs and Fabrics

Rugs as anchors. Personally I prefer laying wood floors and softening rooms with layers of rugs. This is better for long term maintenance. Even in carpeted rooms, rugs help define areas, and add texture to the space. Start with a durable, washable rug for play areas when they’re young; these can withstand plenty of activity and spills. Over time, a classic or neutral rug can anchor the space and serve as a foundation for more grown-up decor.

Rugs with patterns or texture provide depth without overwhelming the space, while layering smaller rugs over a larger base rug allows for easy updates and customization as your child’s style develops. This approach keeps the room grounded yet adaptable.

Window treatments play a vital role, especially in the early years — I remember my daughters needing their rooms to be completely dark in order to sleep. For that reason, I always prioritise effective blackout solutions, often using discreet roller cassettes hidden within the window frame. Once the functional layer is in place, I like to dress the window with Roman blinds. They bring texture and charm without overwhelming the space, take up less room than curtains, easy to operate and can be easily updated as the room’s theme or colour palette evolves.

Cushions, Bedding, and Comfort. Soft furnishings are the most expressive layer of all — and the easiest to refresh. Cushions, throws, and bedding allow personality to shine in a way that’s flexible and low-commitment. A mix of textures — cotton, bouclé, or quilted linen — instantly adds depth and comfort. I like to start with a muted base palette and then introduce a few accent colours that can shift over time: soft blues, gentle greens, or warm ochres that evolve effortlessly from nursery calm to teenage sophistication.

Changing bedding or throws is a simple yet transformative act. A quilted blanket, a wool throw, or a new cushion arrangement can refresh the entire atmosphere of the room without any structural changes. These are the design details that make a child’s room feel like home — soft, welcoming, and ever-evolving.

Tactility and Emotional Comfort. Beyond aesthetics, textiles bring emotional grounding. They appeal to the senses — the weight of a blanket, the feel of a rug, the warmth of a cushion — and that tactile comfort helps children feel secure in their space. It’s something I deeply value in design: the small details that turn a room into a sanctuary.

Designing a child’s room that grows with them is a bit like raising the child itself—it’s a mix of careful planning, adaptability, and, let’s face it, a dash of improvisation. You’ll start with a space for cuddly toys and finger paints, and before you know it, you’re debating the merits of a gaming chair versus an ergonomic study setup. Designing a room for a child is unlike any other room in the house. It holds the most potential for change, the greatest need for flexibility, and often, the deepest emotional investment. Done well, it can be a place where creativity, comfort, and independence flourish side by side.

Whether I’m designing for a young family in their first home or integrating a teenage den into a sprawling estate, my approach is always the same: timeless foundations, flexible layers, and room for the design to evolve as life unfolds.

Stay inspired, Stay sophisticated