Kids’ Room Styling That Grows With Them (Without a Full Makeover)

Let’s talk about the most unpredictable little clients we have, our kids.

One minute, they’re obsessed with dinosaurs or ballerinas. Next, they want a gaming station, a reading nook, and a wall dedicated to Taylor Swift lyrics. Sound familiar?

As a luxury interior designer (and a mum who gets it), I’ve had countless clients say the same thing:“I want a room that grows with them, but I don’t want to redesign it every year.”

That’s where styling smartly comes in.

Whether you’re designing for a baby, a five-year-old, or a pre-teen entering their “please shut the door” era, there is a way to create a space that’s functional, stylish, and still flexible enough to grow with them without tearing it all down every time their favourite colour changes.

Here’s how we do it.

1. Invest in Timeless Core Pieces

Let’s start with the foundation: furniture.

❌ No, you don’t need a themed car bed.
✅ Yes, you do need high-quality, neutral-tone pieces that will stand the test of time.

Think:

• A solid timber bed with a headboard that can be dressed up or down

• A simple dresser that works for both clothing and collectibles

• Shelving that can house board books now and headphones later

Luxury doesn’t mean “over the top.” It means choosing pieces that last, both in quality and aesthetic. Your child’s personality can evolve. Their furniture doesn’t need to.

Seventeen Designs Tip: Our Signature Design Experience includes personalised selections for your child’s current age and future stages. We source elevated basics that give you flexibility, not fuss.

2. Keep the Walls Flexible

Children grow, and their walls shouldn’t hold them back.

Instead of mural-style wallpaper or bold paint colours that feel instantly dated, opt for soft neutrals, textured whites, or gentle greys as a backdrop. Then, layer on age-appropriate styling.

• For a toddler: add removable decals, floating book shelves, or soft animal prints.

• For a tween: hang pinboards, cork strips, or gallery walls that let them curate their space

• For a teen: install a magnetic photo grid, string lights, or a full-length mirror.

And because we’re all about details around here, use wall hooks for display-worthy items (hello, ballet shoes or gaming headphones) and rotate as their interests evolve.

3. Use Styling Accessories as the “Changeables”

This is the real secret sauce.

Instead of redesigning the entire room, simply update the styling accessories. It’s the easiest and most budget-friendly way to refresh the look without a full overhaul.

Swap out:

• Bedding

• Rugs

• Lampshades

• Art prints

• Soft toys and cushions

• Storage baskets

Go from storybook whimsy to cool coastal teen vibes just by updating textures, colour palettes, and styling accents.

Designer Secret: I always design with layers. You’ll notice every Seventeen room includes moodboard-backed accessories that can evolve. Want to take it up a notch? Pre-order our Styling Secrets: Accessories, Décor & Finishing Touches to your cart. It’s filled with budget-friendly, luxe-looking swaps.

4. Focus on Function

Confidence and independence grow when kids have ownership of their space. That’s why smart storage is key.

💡 Use under-bed drawers, cube shelves, or lidded baskets for toy rotations
💡 Labelled storage teaches organisation from a young age
💡 Hooks at kid-height make daily routines easier (and rooms tidier)

Don’t just design for how the room looks, design for how it’s used. When kids can navigate their space confidently, they feel more grounded. And you get fewer Lego-to-foot moments.

5. Lighting That Feels Grown Up (But Still Fun)

Lighting sets the tone for any space, and kids’ rooms are no exception.

Instead of themed character lamps, go for layered lighting:

• A central pendant or ceiling light

• A luxe bedside lamp or wall sconce

• A warm-toned night light for comfort

• A soft-glow reading light for winding down

And yes, fairy lights still have a place, just styled in a way that feels curated, not cluttered.

6. Honour Their Personality Without Compromising Style

Here’s the truth: designing for kids doesn’t mean letting go of your aesthetic.

At Seventeen Designs, we believe in honouring your child’s individuality while still creating a space that reflects the calm, curated, elevated style of your home.

Some ways to do that:

• Let them choose one “fun” element (like a statement pillow or artwork)

• Include personal items in the decor, like their artwork in sleek frames.

• Style a “personal corner” they can own: a reading nook, desk space, or a little display shelf.

It’s not about control. It’s about collaboration with a designer’s eye guiding the balance.

Final Thoughts: Style That Grows With Their Story

Your child’s room isn’t just where they sleep, it’s where they become.

From learning how to tie their shoes to writing in journals or FaceTiming friends, it’s a space that holds their earliest memories and future dreams. So why not make it as intentional and beautiful as the rest of your home?

With the right core pieces, layered styling, and thoughtful transitions, you can design a space that evolves as effortlessly as they do.

And no, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Whether you're starting fresh or refining what you already have, our Signature Design Experience takes the guesswork out. We tailor every concept to your child’s age, style, and your home's aesthetic so it feels like you from floor to ceiling.

Want the insider checklist? Download our Styling Secrets: Accessories, Décor & Finishing Touches, packed with product suggestions, layout tips, and luxe-yet-livable secrets.

📦 Create a space that feels like home now and grows with them later.
✨ You’re not just styling a room. You’re designing their childhood story.