12 Things To Know When Transitioning to a Big Kid Room

1. Include Your Mini in the Process

Kids are full of opinions and will enjoy feeling they’re playing a vital role in the design process. “I love to get feedback from the child on their interests, favorite colors, or anything that sparks joy for them,” says designer Eilla Pradier of Eilla Adi Design. 

1. Root a Space in Neutrals

While vibrant colors are certainly the name of the game in kids’ rooms, designer Amy Peltier suggestss tarting with a neutral base. “My go-to’s are classic colors like white, beige, or navy,” she says. Then, add bursts of fun accent colors throughout their room.” Peltier says that this tactic will set you up for design success in the long run. “This way as [kids] grow, all you have to do is switch out the accessories as their passions and hobbies change,” she notes.

1. Purchase a Convertible Bed

Designer Malka Helft suggests o pting for a convertible crib from the get-go. “This will make it so much easier and cost-efficient to remove the front of the crib when your little one is ready to transition to a big boy or big girl bed,” she explains.

1. Lay Down a Rug

Kids love to play on the floor, whether dressing up dolls or setting up a racetrack for their favorite toy cars. To ensure their play space is comfortable, lay down an area rug that’s cozy. Choose a color that will camouflage basic wear and tear (a patterned option is always excellent), and avoid anything too precious; this piece is bound to get lots of use. Plenty of washable rugs on the market these days are great for kids’ spaces.

Credits: Bunk bed room on left designed by Design Lines Signature; Room with daybed on right designed Georgia Zikas of Georgia Zikas Design, photographed by Jane Beiles

1. Incorporate a Custom Built-In

Not sure what furniture pieces to include in a big kid room? Peltier says you can’t go wrong with a custom built-in to stay organized. “This multi-purpose area acts as a bookcase, extra storage, and desk,” she notes. “They can read their favorite books, store their toys, show off their artwork, and do their homework.”

1. Frame Favorite Kid Projects

There’s no need to go out and buy art for your child’s room when they’re most likely making a ton of their own masterpieces at school or daycare! “All that preschool and kindergarten artwork you’ve been holding onto? Frame it! Make a gallery wall in their room,” designer Georgia Zikas says. “It wi ll be such a proud moment for them to see their artwork hanging in their own space and make the room feel that much more ‘theirs.’”

1. Rethink Storage Solutions

The storage bins you relied upon in the nursery days may not be as necessary now. “You may be moving away from large baskets for stuffed animals and loveys to smaller, more functional storage trays for Lego pieces,” Helft says. In addition, storage solutions may evolve over time, so you may not wish to invest a ton when purchasing various bins and baskets. As Helft adds, “I recommend reconsidering and upgrading your storage options every few years to grow with the child and his/her interests.”

1. Create Different Zones

Reevaluate your little one’s space and think about how it best suits them as an older child. “If you have the space, think about converting nursery zones to little kid zones,” Helft shares. “Move the rocker/nursing chair out and replace it with an arts/homework table.” In lieu of a changing table, set out a toy chest, she adds.

Credits: Custom built-in desk and bed on left by Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors; Cozy pink bed on right designed by Georgia Zikas of Georgia Zikas Design, photographed by Jane Beiles

1. Rejigger the Closet

Tackling decor and rethinking color schemes isn’t all that’s involved in transitioning a space into a big kid room. You’ll also want to pay attention to the closet. “Think about reorganizing the closet in a smart, versatile way,” Zikas notes. “Swap out diaper cubbies and replace them with a shoe cubby,” she says

1. Make Clothes and Accessories Easy to Access

On a related note, ensure that bins and clothing items are easily reachable for little ones. Zikas adds, “If you create a closet space that is functional and accessible for them, they will be able to exert their independence in getting dressed in the morning, which is always helpful with getting out of the house in the morning!”

1. Hang a Mirror

Hanging a mirror will serve essential functions—they can quickly glance over and check their outfit, whether playing dress up or getting ready for the school day. Mirrors are also super helpful when kids are mastering tasks like zipping up jackets and pulling on pants and shirts by themselves.

1. Set Out a Laundry Hamper

Remind kids that dirty clothes belong in the hamper, not on the floor! There are so many adorable hamper options to choose from; you can even pick one out with your mini to make this chore fun.