Home Design Ideas: Neutral Kids Room Design

“If a room, especially a child’s room, can’t grow with you, then I haven’t done my job,” says Lindsey Crowley. As the parent of four children under 7, the founder of Lindsey Crowley Interiors knows a thing or two about designing children’s rooms that are flexible. Her secret? Selecting investment pieces that can be used in subsequent iterations of the room or elsewhere in the home (this Dover nursery will eventually become a guest room). Items that are not needed in the long term, such as a crib, or those that are likely to break down, such as carpet, may be more affordable.

1 Crowley wallpapered the room with forest wallpaper from Bunny Williams for Lee Geof. “It highlights the surrounding trees, but not in a literal sense,” she says. “It’s a soft, almost abstract background.”

2 Draping in tiny textured polka dot fabric from Zak+Fox highlights the earthy, tone-on-tone color scheme. Neat folds give a finished look that’s not too fancy, but still suitable for a guest bedroom. And the curtains are neutral enough to pair with almost any decor.

3 Rattan lighting combines natural textures, different shapes and pieces of brass. “juxtaposition makes a room interesting, so I always include different shapes, periods and styles,” says Crowley.

4 Vince Monade’s bold and rich artwork by Hubert Couillet took the room from sweet to cool. Burl frames are less substantial than varnished or gilded wood and are another natural material. Equally unexpected is Holly Addie’s abstraction above the crib from Libby Silvia Artstyle. (The blanket and pillows are for decorative use only.)

5 The wool rug from Lulu and Georgia has an uneven mesh pattern that anchors the room and plays on the free movement of the wallpaper. Plus, it’s soft, doesn’t shed, and hides spills.

6 The natural sheepskin armchair and ottoman from Crate & Barrel are simply stunning. “A chair in a nursery is very important,” says Crowley. “I know she embraces that child in him, all day, every day.” The plaster side table is practical and durable.

Marnie Elise Katz is a contributing editor for Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to [email protected].