Blog Post

Building a custom home can be time of creativity and excitement, especially if it is a family affair. While the big decisions are typically left up to the adults, most kids want to play a part in the design process too. Here are a few ways to get the kids involved in the process and help create spaces for them to enjoy, all while keeping their spaces stylish and transitional. 

1. Allow for a Few Liberties when Selecting Colors and Patterns of the "Kid Spaces"

When you ask any given 7-year old what their favorite color is, most won't say "a neutral gray". Lime Green, Hot Pink, or Electric Blue might be a few of the top choices, but those colors on the walls will likely be a bit too bright. When allowing kids to make decisions on what color to paint their bedroom, keep in mind that they will need to grow up in those rooms, and the favorite color of a 7-year old might not be the favorite color of a 17-year old. 

Instead of picking their favorite bright red for the wall, keep the walls neutral and consider letting them pick out a few pieces of accent furniture or wall art. A bright red table or light fixture will add that fun pop of color to make the room seem more kid-friendly, even if the walls were painted a neutral white. You can also explore options with accent walls and ceilings. Darker or more intense colors can help those kid spaces come alive without overpowering the whole room. Keep in mind, switching out or repurposing furniture, curtains, decorations, or bedding will more likely be easier than painting a whole room. 

2. Plan for Future Use of the Kid Spaces

When you consider adding a play room or kid's lounge to a custom home, it can be a wonderful place to store toys and games, all while giving your kids their own place to play. That being said, those kids will eventually grow up and have new interests in other hobbies. When designing for a kid's space, planning for future space is important and makes the transition much easier. Plan for a home office, game room, or craft room to take the place of the playroom in the future. 

3. Take Advantage of Dead Space

Kids love to play in those small spaces. They can also be great places for toy storage to keep things looking clean in the common spaces. If you are designing a custom home, think about those dead spaces that could be easily finished for kid spaces. Spaces under the stairs might seem like a difficult place to navigate with the angled or lower ceilings, but they are usually the perfect height for kids! Kids also don't mind getting on the ground and in those tight spaces. If you are in the process of designing your home, also talk to your builder about the areas under the roof as well. If your kids' bedrooms are upstairs and there is room for a bump out under the roof, it is a perfect place for a play nook, maybe with a hidden door!

4. If You Are Going To Do It...Go Big or Go Home

While painting kids' bedrooms more neutral colors may make transitions easier down the road, sometimes it can be much more fun to let the kids pick their bedroom and playroom colors regardless of how bright they are. If you are going to let them pick those bright colors, embrace it! Go for that hot pink in the playroom, they will love it! Sure, you might have to repaint in a few years, but it gives them a sense that they played their own special part in the design process. 

Check out more photos and the virtual tour of the 2016 Home of Distinction Here!