Expert Tips for Charming Children’s Rooms from Designer Lauren Robbins

Wood paneled bedroom with navy and white details
Interior designs by Lauren Robbins (pictured) of Lauren Robbins Interiors. Photo by Jessica B Johnson Photography.

As a mother of three, Georgia designer Lauren Robbins has a special knack for outfitting children’s rooms in fun yet timeless style. Whether incorporating family heirlooms or playful accents, Lauren offers expert advice for decorating kids’ bedrooms to reflect their personalities and grow with them over the years.


1. Start with a theme.

An American flag hung on the wall behind a bed
Interior designs by Cindy Barganier of Cindy Barganier Interiors. Photo by Steve Rizzo.

Does your son have a favorite pastime or fondness for red, white, and blue? Are there flowers or animals your granddaughter adores? Draw on aspects of your child’s personality to curate a space that suits him or her to a T.

Boyish bedroom with wood paneling and navy accents
Interior designs by Lauren Robbins. Photo by Jessica B Johnson Photography.

For her oldest son’s room, Lauren took inspiration from his affinity for fly- fishing and the outdoors. She combined artwork sourced from a fishing camp with traditional plaids and left the wood paneling unpainted for rustic warmth, accentuating the setup with navy-painted trim.

2. Include heirlooms and sentimental pieces.

Vintage-inspired twin bedroom with pale pink bedding
Interior designs by Dana Holcombe of Holcombe Interior Design. Styling by Kim Chiselko. Photo by Jim Bathie.

As with other parts of the house, antiques and artwork can anchor kids’ rooms with timeless appeal. Don’t be afraid to include handed-down furnishings or hang keepsakes in shadow boxes alongside beautifully framed family photographs.

An antique bed and nightstands framed by black-and-white animal artwork
Interior designs by Cindy Barganier of Cindy Barganier Interiors. Photo by Steve Rizzo.

Instead of trendy accessories, incorporate chic art and classic linens for a look that lasts. Here, vintage nightstands and an ornate bed impart classic elegance amid modish details, such as the whimsical woodland-motif wallpaper.

3. Use colorful décor that’s easy to update.

Girly bedroom with turquoise draperies
Interior designs by Lauren Robbins. Photo by Jessica B Johnson Photography.

Vibrant pillows, rugs, and draperies brighten a scheme without feeling too permanent. Lauren suggests blending lively elements against a neutral backdrop, like the turquoise floral window treatments and complementary trim color in her daughter’s bedroom.

A girl's room with floral wallpaper and framed butterfly prints
Interior designs by Janie Jones and Elizabeth Miles of Hundley Hilton Interiors. Photo by John O’Hagan.

For another fun way to capture a child’s style, create an accent wall with a bold hue or dramatic wallpaper. Changing the scheme down the road will be easier if you stick to a single wall.

4. Keep it comfortable.

White, coral, and blue bedroom with a pitched ceiling and iron chandelier
Interior designs by Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors. Photo by Julie Soefer Photography.

Lauren says, “A kid’s room should feel like a safe space they can retreat to whenever life feels chaotic.” For bedrooms with hardwood flooring, Lauren suggests bringing in plush rugs in durable materials like wool that are perfect for playing or sitting on the floor. Arrange multiple small lamps or sconces around the room for added warmth and coziness.

Follow Lauren Robbins Interiors on Instagram and Facebook for more design inspiration, and share your own children’s rooms with us by tagging @southernladymag on social media.


 

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