Kid Zone - MC Design By Local Interior Designer and Tastemaker Megan Dufresne (ASID)

From nurseries to teen domains, we are diving into kids' rooms and all that goes into making them fun and functional for kids of all ages! Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries and kids need spaces built just for them too. The fun of designing kids' rooms is the freedom to explore and make bold choices. Whether its vibrant colors or a favorite theme, getting creative is the name of the game. Here are a few ideas to get the most out of your kid room design no matter how old they are.

Make Room for Baby: Designing a room starts with setting your theme and color palette and a nursery is no different. I do recommend leaning a bit towards themes and colors that can evolve with your baby as they grow so that your overall design has some longevity.

Opting for calming neutral tones in wall and furniture paint sets the stage for more whimsical accents that can be updated over time. For example, create a gallery wall using frames that allow easy access to switch out pictures. This will give you the freedom to update or change out photos as time goes on.

I also recommend creating designated areas within the space to utilize for different things, like a changing area, a play area, and the crib in its own zone for sleeping. This is will enable you to organize baby items and establish a flow in the space.

Hit the Snooze: No bedroom is complete without a bed and when it comes to kids' rooms, sometimes two or three. As we know the bed is the centerpiece of the bedroom so have fun and make a statement! Whether choosing bunk beds, a single bed, or a day bed, make sure to always keep quality in mind. I tend to choose natural materials and look for study construction in any bed choice.

When it comes to bedding, let your creativity flow. Kids' bedding can be fun, colorful, and showcase their individual interests. Mix and match colors and patterns, find fun pillows and throws to add some interest and don't be afraid to experiment with fun textures and fabrics. I do recommend opting for natural or smart fabrics that can handle kid wear and tear and a waterproof mattress pad is a must.

Wild Walls: First and foremost, always opt for scrubbable paint or wallpaper. Kids will take wall art to a whole new level, but with scrubbable paint or wallpaper, their artistic whims don't have to be permanent.

Again, to maximize the longevity of your decor, I like to opt for wall options that will evolve with your child. For example, using shiplap or beadboard is a great way to bring durability to the walls while also creating a timeless feel in the room.

Wallpaper is always fun and there are endless possibilities out there. Kids rooms offer the opportunity to play with different colors and patterns and even mix and match the walls altogether, with complementary color schemes and patterns of course, which when done right can create an amazingly fun and energetic atmosphere in a kids' room.

If the thought of committing to bold wallpaper sounds a bit scary, self-adhesive wallpaper may be a great choice to have all the fun without the commitment. This offers the option to change the wallpaper with your child's changing preferences over time.

Study Session: When we think of kids' rooms, we think all fun and games, but creating a space that is kid friendly and helps with study time can be tricky, but necessary. Having a designated desk and chair helps kids stay comfortable and motivated while hitting the books.

When choosing a desk chair always choose a chair made with good quality, durable materials. Chairs chosen just for looks end up being replaced. I also often opt for rolling chairs for ease of use and kids tend to sit longer when their chair offers some mobility. Always try to get wood floor casters if you have real wood floors to avoid damage.

When it comes to desk choices, I do like to choose desks that offer built in shelving, drawers, or other opportunities for storage and organization. Kids have a lot of stuff and that stuff needs a place to be stored. An efficient organization system is important, but it doesn't have to be bland. Use a favorite color or theme to jazz it up and make it fun to keep things in their place.

Show Your Stuff: Speaking of keeping things in their place, I always like to create areas where kids can store knickknacks, display artwork or school work, and help keep important or sentimental items contained.

An easy way to do this is to create catch all trays or baskets that can easily store items while keeping them in sight and reachable.

Another great idea is using corkboard on a wall or on the back of a door to transform it into a designated area to display items. This is a great way to get kids involved in decorating their space. The same idea can be achieved with chalkboard or magnetic paint, giving kids the space to create and experiment without giving up the refrigerator or other surfaces in the house.

Chill Zone: Having a space to hang out, read, play, or just let their imagination wander is essential for any child. We all want to carve out a little space for ourselves. We have man caves, she-sheds, and kids have their chill zones. I like to create these areas to help kids feel empowered to own their space and designate an area that is separate from their sleep space and their work space.

These zones can be a simple nook, seating area, or a fully built out indoor tree house! I will often include cozy seating, fun decor pieces like wall art, pillows, shelving for books and toys, and any other items that may be fun or useful for the child who will be spending time in that chill zone.

Subscribe Free to Palos Verdes Pulse

About Megan Dufresne

Megan Dufresne, founder and principal of MC Design is a Manhattan Beach native who was raised visiting job sites and marking up blueprints with her contractor father. She grew up in homes custom built and designed by her parents.
Today, she brings South Bay’s casual sophistication to residential and commercial spaces across
Southern California. Passionate about textiles and design, Dufresne’s goal is always to elevate
the everyday into motivating spaces for her clients. Innovative, fun and inspiring are three of her
favorite adjectives when it comes to design.
Dufresne works with both homeowners and builders to create personalized environments that are
timeless yet current; with thoughtful layers that look and feel as though they’ve been
collected over time. Focusing on clients’ culture, tastes and interests as well as the structure’s
architecture, she translates those influences into highly livable, visually stunning interiors and exteriors. Kids, pets, sand and swimming pools inspire instead of limit her creative possibilities.
She works primarily in the beach cities of Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Redondo Beach, Hermosa
Beach and Manhattan Beach, and travels for clients as needed. While currently building a showroom in Rancho Mirage, Dufresne is excited to expand her Firm to the Greater Palm Desert area.
As a former luxury design specialist for House Beautiful and Modern Luxury Interiors California magazines, Dufresne now brings that knowledge and passion to interior design. She founded MC Design in 2007.
Dufresne lives in Lower Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates with her husband and two Chihuahuas. She’s a firm believer in cocktail hour(s) and beautifully organized spaces.
Follow @MeganDufresneDesign on Instagram