Empowering Young Designers: How Kids Are Shaping Home Decor Trends

In a surprising twist, children are now playing a pivotal role in shaping the interior design of their family homes. From selecting paint colors and wallpaper patterns to designing bespoke spaces, these young visionaries are leaving an indelible mark on the spaces they inhabit. This article explores the growing trend of children's involvement in home decor decisions and the profound impact it is having on the design industry.

Unleashing Creativity: The Rise of Kid-Driven Design

Embracing the Unexpected

The Tennenbaum family's vacation home in Suncadia, Washington, is a testament to the power of children's design influence. Twelve-year-old Ella and eight-year-old Edie collaborated with their family's interior designer, Emily LaMarque, to bring their unique vision to life. From rejecting insect art (with the exception of butterflies) to insisting on indoor swings, the sisters' preferences shaped the home's playful and whimsical aesthetic. The bunk room, designed with Edie's love of bunk beds in mind, has become the family's favorite space.

Embracing the Unconventional

The Tennenbaum sisters' influence extended beyond the bedrooms, as they even convinced their parents to include a snow cone machine in the kitchen. This unexpected addition reflects the growing trend of children driving interior design decisions, challenging the traditional notion of adults solely dictating the home's aesthetic.

Fostering Family Collaboration

The Tennenbaum family's experience is not an isolated incident. Interior designers Lynn Stone and Mandy Gregory of Hunter Carson Design routinely collaborate with their clients' children, incorporating their preferences and ideas into the design process. From selecting furniture and wallpaper to curating artwork and decor, these young design enthusiasts are actively shaping the spaces they inhabit.

Empowering the Next Generation

The pandemic has played a significant role in this shift, as families have become more aware of the impact their living spaces have on their daily lives. Children, seeking to exercise control over their environments, are seizing the opportunity to influence their homes' design. This newfound empowerment is not only fostering stronger family bonds but also inspiring the next generation of design innovators.

Navigating the Challenges

While embracing children's design input can be a rewarding experience, interior designers and parents alike must navigate the challenges that come with it. Recognizing the constraints of budget, time, and space, it is essential to strike a balance between the child's vision and the practical realities of the project. Designers like Khoi Vo emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations and guiding the process to ensure the final result aligns with the family's needs and preferences.

Redefining the Role of the Child

The growing trend of children's involvement in home decor decisions reflects a broader societal shift in how we perceive and engage with young people. Nureed Saeed, the interior designer who worked with the Becktold family, notes that children are now viewed as "their own humans" whose opinions are worth honoring and listening to. This shift in perspective empowers children to become active participants in shaping their living environments, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Embracing Diverse Design Inspirations

Interior designer Emily LaMarque observes that the children she collaborates with often draw inspiration from nature, music, or specific cultural references, such as Taylor Swift's aesthetic. This diversity of influences adds richness and uniqueness to the design process, challenging traditional norms and pushing the boundaries of conventional home decor.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Designers

The involvement of children in home design not only transforms the spaces they inhabit but also has the potential to inspire the next generation of design professionals. As young people witness the impact they can have on their living environments, they may be more inclined to pursue careers in interior design, architecture, or related fields, further shaping the future of the industry.In conclusion, the rise of child-driven design is a remarkable shift in the world of home decor. By empowering young people to express their creativity and influence the spaces they inhabit, this trend is not only transforming the design industry but also fostering stronger family connections and nurturing the next generation of design innovators.