Guest Picks: Cartoon-Free Finds for Kids
Create eclectic, contemporary style in a child's room with fun and flexible pieces like these
Jenny Batt
May 21, 2012
My two sons share a room, and I'm finally redecorating it this summer. I am trying to incorporate fun into their room without going bonkers with mass-marketed cartoon characters — OK, fine, I am avoiding them altogether. I will use bright colors and fun modern styling instead to make the world's coolest kids' pad. Here, I chose items for both boys and girls that would work equally well in the rest of the house, just in case you switch things up a bit down the road. — Jenny from Hank and Hunt
What little one wouldn't want to read a book in his very own nook?
Mini furniture for mini people is the bee's knees. It doesn't get much cuter than this. I have to go for the bright green, but you can get it in a range of fabrics.
This is simple, modern and fun. I would use this as a bookcase in a boy's room. Of course, it would make a great dollhouse too!
No room is complete without some sort of fun garland. Period. These ecofriendly and reusable lovelies are fun in a rainbow of shades.
These vintage cubes are stackable and rearrangeable. Make two, three or four. I would probably repaint these in a bright hue.
Bold patterns are a great choice for kids' rooms. Plus, the herringbone print makes a great parking area for cars.
I just got these for the boys. There is something about having their little heads in the clouds that I love. I am fully debating on whether to get some for myself.
Here is a craft cart in a cool summer green. We could actually store the crafts away in another room and transport it where ever we needed. This is also cute enough to stay out in the dining room.
A plain and simple easel — no weird pieces of plastic here! It's clean and modern.
Pink for girls doesn't have to be frilly. I love the colors in this duvet.
This simple wood dresser is ready to paint any color. I would coat it in chalkboard paint.
This is fun in nightstand form.
This classic preschool chair comes in a wide range of colors. It is indestructible, which is always good for little ones.
Everyone who has kids knows you need floor pillows. If you have to look at it strewn across the floor, then make it pretty.
Why not add a giant chalkboard? It is on my wish list and I know the boys would love to have this. It's made of wood, just like the hard-to-find vintage ones.
Kid dressers are usually dull or overly childlike, but this has a modern vintage edge. I love it.
Here's the coolest world map in a rainbow of colors.
I am getting this style of chair in white for my dining room. Matching little ones for the mini ones? Yes, please.
Frilly scallops in bright orange — girly, but quirky. It's perfect.
Here's a vintage dresser in gorgeous emerald green. This could work for boys or girls, which is good if you aren't finished with your brood.
Next: The Family Home: 8 Summer-Prep Sanity Savers
Next: The Family Home: 8 Summer-Prep Sanity Savers
Related Stories
Trending Now
The Top 10 Kids’ Spaces of 2023
Get ideas for beautiful built-in beds and storage pieces, as well as charming decor, from these most-saved photos
Full Story
Bedrooms
20 Kids’ Bedrooms That Pump Up the Fun
Space scenes, VW buses, a castle and other fun elements inspired these out-of-this-world bedrooms for toddlers to tweens
Full Story
Trending Now
The Top 10 Kids’ Bedrooms of 2022
Get ideas for built-in bunk beds, smart storage solutions and playful details from these most-saved photos of the year
Full Story
Decorating Guides
5 Rules for Planning Your Child’s Bedroom
Consider these important elements to create a space where your little one can thrive
Full Story
Nursery Ideas
A Nature-Themed Nursery Designed to Grow With the Child
This baby’s room in a barn conversion in England is stylish, comfortable and adaptable
Full Story
Kids’ Spaces
Back-to-School Action Plan: Homework Zone
Encourage your child to love learning with a comfortable, organized and age-appropriate study area
Full Story
Kids’ Spaces
The Most Popular Kids’ Rooms Around the World
Visit nine countries to see the most-saved kids’ space photo on Houzz in the first half of 2022
Full Story
Decorating Guides
9 Pros on the One Thing You Need for a Great Family Home
Design professionals share the feature or element that makes the biggest difference
Full Story
New This Week
5 Stylish New Bedrooms With Built-In Bunk Beds
Pros share details on how they created beautiful bunks that can efficiently accommodate four or more guests in a bedroom
Full Story
Bathroom Design
10 Terrific Bathrooms for Tweens and Teens
These bathrooms hit the sweet spot between youthful and sophisticated
Full Story
A lot of these are such fun pieces. I wish I had the ball chair when I was a kid.