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Tips for Designing a Great Shared Kids' Room
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
The other day I got an email from my old friend Shelley, who has a dilemma. She has two little kids - a boy and a girl - and she's recently moved them into the same bedroom. Here's what she had to say:
"I know there's got to be some designer out there who can make a shared kids rooms look good, not just mish-mash thrown together. I just moved Gardner in to Lucy's room and it's a mess! I'm looking for ideas."
Room-sharing can be tricky and the specifics of an effectively designed shared room depend on the kids in question - their ages, temperments and tastes. In all room-sharing situations, though, there are a couple of key areas to consider:
- Layout: Everyone needs their own space, so it's helpful to think of the room in three zones - two private (one for each kid) and one shared
- Storage: Double the kids=double the stuff, so storage space must be carefully considered
- Aesthetics: A pleasant room doesn't have to be matchy-matchy, but aesthetic elements do have to peacefully coexist
The photos below illustrate how to work within these three areas. If you've got any additional suggestions or ideas, please share them in the comments - I know Shelley will appreciate them!
"I know there's got to be some designer out there who can make a shared kids rooms look good, not just mish-mash thrown together. I just moved Gardner in to Lucy's room and it's a mess! I'm looking for ideas."
Room-sharing can be tricky and the specifics of an effectively designed shared room depend on the kids in question - their ages, temperments and tastes. In all room-sharing situations, though, there are a couple of key areas to consider:
- Layout: Everyone needs their own space, so it's helpful to think of the room in three zones - two private (one for each kid) and one shared
- Storage: Double the kids=double the stuff, so storage space must be carefully considered
- Aesthetics: A pleasant room doesn't have to be matchy-matchy, but aesthetic elements do have to peacefully coexist
The photos below illustrate how to work within these three areas. If you've got any additional suggestions or ideas, please share them in the comments - I know Shelley will appreciate them!
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Layout: One way to establish private spaces, even in small rooms, is to make the most of the corners, giving opposite corners to each child.
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The more you can squeeze into one corner, the better, too.
by Amoroso Design
»
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Alternatively, an imaginary line down the center of the room will establish two separate zones. This line could even be made real using a bookcase or a screen as a room divider.
This room also does a nice job of showing a matchy design that works - partly because it's fairly simple.
This room also does a nice job of showing a matchy design that works - partly because it's fairly simple.
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In the smallest shared rooms, it's hard to allocate "shared space" - but it's nice to try, since it offers an opportunity to tie the separate private zones together aesthetically.
by Olga Adler
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One way to establish a shared zone is to focus it on an activity - like homework (the chalkboard above has a similar function). In this room, the shared space offers lots of storage, too - an extra bonus.
by Pierce Allen
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Bunk beds are an interesting way to maximize space and some kids think they're very cool. If you go with bunk beds, though, it becomes even more important to establish those "private" zones, so kids feel like they've got something of their own.
by Stylish Spaces
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Storage: Speaking of storage, it's important to carefully organize all storage areas to maximize capacity.
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It's also helpful to look for storage spots everywhere. Under-the-bed drawers are fantastic.
Aesthetics: This is where it gets muddy, especially if the sharing kids have divergent tastes. A good first step is to choose a color scheme that everyone can agree on - often that means sticking to simple basics. Same goes for patterns - straightforward stripes or polka dots are universal and create a good base upon which to build.
Once the basics are established, each kid can dress up his zone with an accent color and accessories of his own.
Once the basics are established, each kid can dress up his zone with an accent color and accessories of his own.
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Finally, I had to include this photo because it shows an ideal shared room. The colors are simple, but fun, and the space is carefully divided into different levels, almost creating separate rooms within one larger room. If you've got the space and the inclination, this is a great approach.
Ideabook updated on March 11, 2010.
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I have a 3 bedroom 1500 sq. ft. house right now. One room is an "ok" size (11.5ft x 12ft approx.) the other (my daughter's room) is 10ft x 10ft, and I'm finding to be too small. Considering having the kids share the larger room, for sleeping purposes & clothing storage only.Then making the smaller room a shared "play/entertainment" space for them.
My biggest question is are they "too old" to be sharing a space? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
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