Interior designer Armina Kasprowicz knows how to create unique nooks for kids. Just last month, she earned first place at the Detroit Home Design Awards for a jungle-themed room she created for a local boy crazy about animals and nature. Originally from Poland, this Rochester Hills mom brings a European flair and young energy to her work. Try some of her tips to personalize your child’s space.
The bedroom
Bedrooms are kids’ sanctuaries. Kasprowicz says she thinks about making them playful, fun, full of color and, of course, reflective of your child’s interests. “I like rooms that sort of grow with kids over time,” she says.
Creativity
Nix the TV and opt for a nest of colorful pillows or a nook for reading and makeshift easels for artwork to spark their imagination. “You can create a big board or separate space on the wall that you frame with a large border. You can separate that into two different sections and use one board to pin different, fun ideas and the other one for coloring or drawing.”
Color
Go gender flexible with neutral colors and have fun with combos of pastels – which are trending, Kasprowicz says. “You can use neutrals in a very interesting way for girls or boys. You can add accents or metallic.”
Curiosity
Rooms should reflect your child – and spur their interests. With her son, now in college, that was Kasprowicz’s philosophy.”Think about your child and what it is you would like for him or her to be surrounded with, be happy with and call their space.”
Outdoors
Spring is here! Inspire your family to get more fresh air by channeling your personal style and the elements in your backyard.
Palette
Vibrant colors can be a great bet. “Have fun with seating in bold, bright colors,” Kasprowicz says. “Maybe surround the seating with different planters of different scales and sizes to create an interesting and cozy place.”
Play
Try a small coffee table for parents and a small, colorful area for kids to sit and read or run around. “It’s just about creating a little section outside where everybody can sit and relax and kids can play.”
Plant
Let kids join in the decorating – and gardening. Buy fun containers and help kids plant some herbs or fruits. It’ll spruce up the space and create some memories, too.
Family areas
Creating study/work spaces for both kids and parents is tricky. But it’s definitely doable, Kasprowicz says.
Divisions
First, plot out how much area mom or dad needs for his or her work or desk. Then split the space. “The other part of the room can have colorful bean bags or a section for fun things,” she says. “Kids can have a floor with large pillows or room to play and read and write.”
Distractions
Eliminating them is key to keep the space productive. Again, leave out the TVs and screens if possible. “This is just a place where both the parent and kid can spend time in the quiet – or maybe the kids are doing homework, playing or drawing in the space,” she says. The goal is a “balanced” space great for concentration.
