The perfect children’s room - a journey from idea to solution
An IKEA home is designed for the people living in it - even if it’s set up in a photo studio. Read on to see how ideas and function transform into a fun and lively room for your little ones.
Introducing the designer
When taking on a new room, interior designer Sara Zetterström lives by a few but important facts. “Regardless if it’s for a studio shoot or an actual home, my idea starts with who is going to live there. In this case, it’s a five-year-old. Real person or not, I go through much the same steps,” says Sara. From there, bit by bit like a puzzle, the whole picture comes into view.
“The best part of my job is seeing all the pieces come together, forming a whole. Here I like how the airy theme is backed by sky-blue walls, and furniture in light colours and blond wood. Also, an important factor in a kids room is that it should work over time. That the functional and safety thinking – like a soft mat beneath the wall bars – is matched to the age of the child. At five, the bed can be near the floor, which is good for bedtime reading and feels safe. In a year or two, it can be turned upside down and become a loft bed.” (See top and bottom pictures for low and high bed positions.)
Flying high
Sara feels a uniting thought is important in the creative process. And for this room, the concept is quite a high-flying one - air and altitude! This idea is reflected in all the creative choices in the room. Such as the irregular shelving unit that blends into the mountains painted on the wall behind it.
Taking playtime seriously
“What type of room is it? It’s a basic enough question, but so many choices depend on it. In a child’s room, opportunity to play is central. It means creating spaces and storage to make play accessible, and adding details to spark creativity and joy. And, above all – not getting too serious.”
A magic bag for their toys and things
“The needs of a child are, of course, different from a grown-up. Some things are obvious, others more subtle. Like is a bedside table really necessary here – or is a net bag on a knob a better way to keep important things close?”
Start with function, as in how can the room best serve everyday needs. Then try to find a connecting theme that matches the interests or personality of the person living there – something to make the room unique.”
Sara Zetterström, IKEA interior designer
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.
