The festive season is usually filled with a whole lot of love, laughter and excitement. To get you in the festive mood, we think a bit of change is in order? And what better time than now, to redecorate? We bring you the latest trends in home décor, particularly when it comes to the comfort of your little one’s personal spaces. Read on to know more

FURNITURE

Latest Trends
When selecting furniture for your kids bedroom, it is essential to make sure you buy safe, sustainable and high-quality products. Choose furniture that will grow with your baby. Mumbaibased independent interior designer, Ayushi Kanodia, says, “Functionality as well as longevity when selecting the furniture should be a priority. Elements of imagination and fun should be a part of their room. Parents also constantly worry about the kids growing out of the furniture. Hence, having the right balance between fantasy and functionality is what is trending these days.”

Select furniture based on the theme of your kid’s bedroom. Founder and creative director, StudioCREO, Parushni Aggarwal, says, “Do you wish to keep the room playful or want to give it a dreamy outlook? For every theme, an array of furniture is available for children. And they are available in bold and contrasting colour choices. A bed bunk is an all-time kid’s favourite. Couple that with comfortable bedding and a monogrammed or striped headboard and you’re good to go.”

Safety
No parents would ever want to compromise on their child’s safety. Children often run around the house and are active throughout the day. They tend to spend quality time in their room, hence, it is important that the furniture is not sharp-edged. Ayushi says, “This is a first priority when designing a kid’s room. Having furniture edges rounded and smoothened should be the way to go. Besides that, consider using water-resistant wood and inflammable laminates.”

Budget
Invest wisely! As your children grow, their understanding and demands will increase. They will start making a call as to what they would like in their own room. So while they are young, make their room child-friendly as well as budget-friendly. Designer and director, Peek-a-boo Patterns, Garima Agarwal, says, “With the DIY trend taking up a big place in interiors, parents have become creative. This has enabled them to go easy on the pockets too. The overall expenditure has been variant as there is demand for both premium and basics.  At the same time, the range has been wide enough so designers are carefully selecting some accessories that are fun but not expensive along with high-priced units, for example, wardrobes.”

Keep In Mind
● Furniture should be functional and ergonomically designed.  For example, a study table should be at the right height.
● For storage pieces, practicality plays an important role. This would make the room clutter free.
● Parushni says, “Make sure your interior designer has met your kids and have spent considerable time with them to understand their needs. It’s foremost to integrate kid’s room with the interiors commensurate to their personality.”
● A fun piece of add-on furniture is a rocking chair personalised with your little one’s initials.

FURNISHINGS

Latest Trends
Furnishings have become the most important accessory while designing a child’s space. They are a great way to add a dose of texture and colour to a kids room. “This is because the theme can be created by using thematic furnishings like curtains and bedding. They are like icing on the cake—helps in giving a visual appeal to the room,” says Garima. According to one of the founders of My Baby Babbles, Mithila Chirawawala, “One of the biggest trends right now are play tents and play mats which encourage a creative hideaway— a place for your kids to call their own. Add this to a playroom or den and let your child’s  imagination run wild.”

Talking about another trend that is here to stay is personalisation. Mithila further adds, “You can never go wrong with adding fun, personalised accents across a kid’s room. Spell out your kid’s name with attention-grabbing, alphabetshaped cushions in bright fabrics or coloured wooden letters. A name plaque at the entrance door, a pretty wall clock or a funshaped cork board will add charm and personality in your little ones space.” Experimenting with different materials like denims for blinds is also a big hit.

Safety
A kid’s room is susceptible to having paints, colours and pencil marks on different things, especially on furnishings. Hence, Ayushi advises purchasing furnishings that are machinewashable without fading out.

She further adds, “In terms of bedsheets, one can go for the anti-bacterial one which will safeguard your kid from rashes.” “Usage of organic fabrics and natural dyes are in vogue. These are safe for a child’s sensitive skin. Easy maintenance fabrics take frequent washes—that helps in maintaining your child’s hygiene,” says Garima.

Budget
Ayushi advises, “It wouldn’t be wise to spend a lot on furnishings in a kid’s room since we know that at some point there will be crayon or paint stains. Hence, opting for rough and tough materials that is machine-washable should be the way to go.” Have an array on display in your child’s room. From bedding and cushions to rugs and fancy clocks, you can get creative. Despite having one too many items, try not to splurge.

Keep In Mind
● A good window treatment is important to complete the look of the room. The colours of the curtains have to be co-ordinated mainly with the walls.
● It is important that all the paraphernalia of the interior is organised well.
● Parushni says, “Space organisation is a key aspect. Kids usually have a lot of stuff scattered around. Look out for  spaces where you can make room for their essentials. They love when there’s space available for them to wander.”
● A toy shelf or bookshelf just above their bed can meet their discerning demands.
● Experiment with lights, incorporate rugs or carpets to enrich dull floors. Also, you can furnish with interesting tiles for a more colourful outlook..