Need Kids Room Ideas? Designer Dad Gideon Mendelson Says Do This

When planning spaces for your Minis—whether it’s an update like designing a Big Girl Room or scheming up a brand new nursery—it’s important to be mindful of a few very important factors, especially while browsing all of those fun kids room ideas you see on Pinterest.

For instance, how will the space be used? How can you make the space last as your kids grow? How can you tweak those kids room ideas to make them both practical and beautiful?

We went straight to the source, pegging an interior designer dad who knows a thing or two about kids room ideas and the best ways to ensure you’ll get the most out of the space without sacrificing style— not to mention how to include your Minis in the process for maximum fun!

Our expert? Interior Designer dad Gideon Mendelson, Founder and Creative Director of New York based interior design firm Mendelson Group, sat down with Mini to share five ways to create meaningful spaces with family at the forefront.

Be Flexible

Aim for flexible furniture layouts for when your child inevitably wants to move things around. Younger kids tend to need more space for play and older kids tend to want more privacy. And build in tons of storage space!

Let Them Decide

Let your kids share their opinions and participate in designing their room. Allow them to feel like they are their own little artists that can communicate their valuable ideas. This will also help make them more excited about their space!

Stay Tidy

Use durable fabrics that are easy to clean.

Plan Ahead

Make sure these rooms can grow with your children as they grow. For example, for the more expensive textiles that require expert installation —like curtain panels, shades, and fabrics on the furniture—we select patterns and colors that children can’t age out of. Then, items like throw pillows, lampshades, and linens (which are potentially less expensive and are easier to swap out) can be changed as children get older.

Customize It

I like to design spaces that support kids’ needs and are also beautiful. My oldest son has ADHD. He needs a calm space without clutter that is super comfortable. My younger son loves building things and wants to be a comedian. He needs a space to create and lots of storage for his LEGOs. My daughter loves to hang out with her friends and wants to be a doctor. We’ve made sure that she has lots of space to spend time with her friends and plenty of bookshelves for her growing junior medical library.

This article appeared in the Winter 2024 Issue of Mini Magazine. Photography by Eric Piasecki.