We have all seen it, or maybe even lived in it. The theme room. Mine was Annie. In the throes of the 80s. And it was a dream. Boy I wish I had a photo to show you, but my mom was not a photo taking mom. Little did she know her daughter would need all that inspo 37 years later. {Takes a sip of wine and moves on…} And truth be told, I do not care for themed rooms. However, I think they can be pulled together successfully without ever really being dubbed as “themed”. Huh? Read on, my friend.
Here is the number one thing I see with “themed” rooms. And when I say this I may get some comments. I’m ready for it. Ok, go easy. It usually looks like said theme threw up all over the room. There, I said it. 🫣You know what I’m talking about.
Let’s use the common baseball room, for instance. A bed with the headboard made of bats. A baseball themed comforter and sheets. Baseball mural on the back wall. Baseball paraphernalia everywhere. You see where I’m going. Now, I would post a pic of an example but I know someone somewhere worked hard on creating that room and you don’t know what you don’t know, right? It’s too much. All. The. Baseball (or insert theme). Here is a“ baseball room” that is put together well. Let’s go into what makes it and any “theme” room successful.
First, we can see a nod to baseball in the room. Check. But, notice how “baseball” is played out through color, patterns and textures instead of overly done with all things baseball. The success is in the subtlety to invoke the feeling of baseball and use his favorite team’s colors—orange and blue. You can get a feel of baseball without having baseball everywhere. The wallpaper has a baseball stitch connotation without having a huge baseball on the wall. The best part is, when he outgrows his love of baseball it will be easy to change up and do something new.
The key is to give a nod to the theme, but don’t overdo it. Kids grow up and interests change. This is where shelves are always a must in kids rooms to display their favorite treasures and then you can add or take away anytime.
Pick your “theme”
Find what your overarching theme will be from books, hobbies, games or even color. Once you pick this, choose a color palette. You can pull it from a book, artwork or bedding. If you want to use bright colors such as lime green, hot pink, bright teal consider using those in accessories and bedding and use a more subtle color for the walls so it can be changed later and to look more sophisticated.
Picking furniture
Invest in timeless furniture that will work with your child as they grow. Trust me—their tastes will change several times! The basics are a bed, bedside table or nightstand, and dresser. Consider what the goals are for the function of the bedroom besides sleeping. Will they be doing arts and crafts? Will they need a reading area or desk for homework? If you need to add furniture to suit these needs, take measurements before buying for the room.
Adding in themed elements
To pull off a themed room and not be too overdone, first I think it is important to note that I personally believe the success lies in coming into the room and not realizing it is themed. It has such a subtle overview that it plays as a room design, not a theme.
Take our 11 year old’s room, for instance. His room has a subtle space or solar system theme. Over his desk is a planet mobile and hand painted tiny stars on the wall. I incorporated the theme with navy walls, the stars wall, and mobile along with a few whimsical items such as the light next to his bed which has stars on it.
I decided to add a touch of fun and whimsy with the gallery wall full of fun things he likes and the little circle at the top is his zodiac sign. The number 2 was his and his dad’s soccer number so it has significance. I stayed neutral with the bedding and furniture so it can be used when we makeover the room down the road. The rug is also neutral to be used again or in another space if we want.
I think one main key is to be sure to add practical elements such as the bookshelves, hooks by his door for his hats and backpack, the toy baskets on either side of the dresser, and his desk.
Textures
To really bring a room to life in any design is through textures and layering. Textures can be bedding, pillows, artwork, furniture and curtains. Think of adding textures in the way of mixing fabrics. Maybe you are doing a subtle woodland theme. Using tweeds, wools and elements of wood create texture. Create layers with artwork of different sizes and materials. Add in different lighting in addition to the overhead light in the room.
Let me know what theme room you are thinking of creating and if you need a little guidance!
More on how to design a teen or kids room here.
