Lora Appleton knows a thing or two about stylish kids’ rooms. The mom and founder of Kinder Modern—a New York gallery that showcases vintage collections of and modern-day riffs on classic children’s furnishings—helps parents nurture a love of design without sacrificing practicality on a daily basis. “Design is about having fun but making sure your room or home is functional and caters to your family’s unique needs,” she says. Here, she offers tips on how to avoid the kitsch and design a chic room that will grow with your child.
How do you instill a love of design in your children?Expose your children to a mix of creative exploits in art, design, food, and culture. Children are curious by nature, so teach them about the objects around them—what things are made of, who made them—and explore with them. See sculpture around your city, or pause to examine the way buildings are designed. Observation is the entryway to design.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when designing a kids’ room?Overdoing the theme! Having superheroes everywhere is cool for about a minute but gets old fast. Consider accessories or accents, like vintage toys or a sophisticated color that acknowledges a hobby or passion, that can grow with your child as they deepen their experience with their favorite team, story, etc. And remember that function is most important. The more you think about how the room will work for your child, the easier it is to design a space parents will enjoy as well.
How can you create a more considered look in a children’s room?High design doesn’t always mean expensive—sometimes it’s just great taste. Inject a strong base piece, such as a grand lighting fixture, then buy one or two key pieces (a luxurious rug, a pair of mid-size chairs) with rich but durable fabric that both kids and parents can use together.
What types of furnishings and accessories you should look for?Look for statement pieces that anchor the room and work from there. If your child is really into sports, you can pull something from the past, like an oversize vintage team photo—maybe even one that was Grandpa’s, for example—to cover a wall. And look for solid pieces that will last. A chair with good bones can be re-covered as it ages to suit taste or wear.
What’s your take on smaller versions of classic furnishings for children?I’m not a lover of miniaturizing adult pieces for kids, but Gaetano Pesce’s Up5 chair is, by far, one of the best. Another classic is the Bertoia chair. A great investment piece either vintage or new, this is a wonderful option for any child’s work space.
How do you address the money issue?Think about the room like a body: The bones and structure should be the real expense. The pretty additions, like bedding and curtains, are easy to change. The key in all design is to invest in great lifetime pieces—the ones you need the most, like a beautiful chair to encourage homework and study time.
Related: Family Friendly Homes: Expert Advice on Kid's Rooms, Family Kitchens, and More
