Kids' Rooms Hold a World of Possibilities
Patterns, textures, shapes and colors from across the globe help create stylish, worldly spaces for kids
Princesses and superheroes are all well and good, but they don't last long. Sure, a 5-year-old might love them, but what about a 10-year-old?
My basic rule for nurseries and kids' rooms is to create something that is young and playful but that won't be completely useless in five years. That's why I love these kids' rooms influenced by global design. They are lovely, fun, and timeless.
Global style is a close relative to eclectic style. While it sometimes takes the form of a single theme — say, an African room — it most often blends colors, patterns and items from across the globe to create a lively, well-balanced room.
My basic rule for nurseries and kids' rooms is to create something that is young and playful but that won't be completely useless in five years. That's why I love these kids' rooms influenced by global design. They are lovely, fun, and timeless.
Global style is a close relative to eclectic style. While it sometimes takes the form of a single theme — say, an African room — it most often blends colors, patterns and items from across the globe to create a lively, well-balanced room.
Draping an Indian block-print fabric against the wall lightens up this nursery and creates a cozy pocket around the crib.
Who says a playhouse has to look like an English cottage? This tepee is easy and fun (and cuter, if you ask me).
This map mural is a more literal take on the global theme. And the Innit rocker adds a bit of modern tropical to the mix.
The layered fabrics and texture in this room give it an exotic vibe, especially those suzani floor pillows and bright orange throws.
The Moroccan pouf has become an iconic piece in eclectic decor. It makes a perfect footrest and adds a touch of the casbah to this kids' room.
All that white is Scandinavian. The hammock is from Latin America. And the wall map is just plain globally minded.
This is not exactly exotic, but it is also very Scandinavian. Colorful details against an all-white background are a dead giveaway.
There are subtle touches of the exotic in this otherwise traditional and subdued girl's room. The shape of the headboard evokes Middle Eastern architecture. The table lamps have a Moroccan filigree feel, and the mixed textures and patterns of the wall, bed and blanket give it a global lushness.
Here's one way to bring the world into the room: Stick the Taj Mahal on the wall. This nursery was designed specifically to inspire curiosity about the world.
Big Ben is in the same nursery. So is a richly colored MIddle Eastern patchwork rug.
This formal and neutral nursery is enlivened by bright Mexican fiesta pompoms, a variety of poufs and floor pillows, and an African-inspired pink zebra rug.