I’m often asked how do I create all these Rafa-kids rooms for children. Friends ask me how I discover all the cool items, and where do I find ideas? I didn’t realize it might be so interesting! I always thought that the final effect is the most important. It could be, but it seems that what’s behind the doors is much more exciting sometimes. I will try to tell you more about the process of styling and working on creating Rafa-kids style rooms. I hope you will like it. 

Some of you may know that I’m an architect. Before I went to study, I was five years at Art School. Since I was a child, I’d had an artistic interest and I liked to paint even in my later years. I think I can say; there is something about colors and textures I’m sensitive to. It will sound cliché, but looking around and finding visual inspiration is essential for me. I love magazines, not only interior ones but fashion too; good movies are also on my list of finding inspiration. Creating a room is, in every sense, a very visual thing, and it ticks all the boxes I’m passionate about it. 

I wrote a few guidelines which could help you understand the process, which I always use.  

Styling tips for creating a Kids’ room: 

Here are the three principles that I always stick to: 

1. Create a Moodboard. 

Collect pictures you like, or which inspire you. You can use Pinterest or the old fashion way, cutting out images from magazines. I make a mood board from pictures I like in Photoshop. ( see below ) 

Put them together, look at them, analyze, and try to find the common thread in styling or colors. It’s a key. 

Most of the time I select three base colors. It helps me to keep the whole thing in check. 

Let’s analyze this particular Toddler’s room.  

I was inspired by the natural style of the children’s rooms. The key was to keep the natural vibe and spice it up with black and an accent color. 

I chose a wooden toddler bed as an eye-catcher. The furniture is balanced with accessories in very similar colors, particularly the carpet and lamps. 

Then I decided to have a touch of color.  I could keep going with only natural materials, but I was worried it could be a bit too boring. That’s why there is this beautiful mustard color in pillows and sheets used on the toddler bed. We could also go for some natural dark green, but not intense yellow or pink. 

The black carpet and H dresser give the contrast to the room; without it, all will be a bit bland. If you wish for a gentle look, you can easily keep the grey and wood as a key. 

2. Shop the product according to the plan. 

If you manage to create your mood board – congratulations! 

Keep it in mind, or even physically with you, when you go shopping. When you look around, I can assure you; there will be plenty of cool and beautiful products you would like! Just look the other way, Stick to the plan. It’s worth it. 

One essential tip: don’t shop only in children’s stores! I like to search for products at interior stores mostly. You can find great lamps, carpets, pillows, and storage items there. We often limit ourselves to only children’s shops. I personally think you can find more exciting products in interior stores. 

This way, your house will be more in one style. Bonus, you can move some products to other rooms as the kids get bored or want something else. 

3. Furnishing a room.

All the fun can start! 

Prepare the room. The floor and walls are an essential base for the atmosphere in any space. The material and color of the walls will make a huge impact. Painting a wall is an easy way to create our dream backdrop. The flooring, of course, can’t be so easy to change. But don’t worry; some carpets or rugs can work magic. When you’re ready with the foundation, then position the furniture and accessories! 

I like all these three steps a lot, from the first ideas to selecting the products and creating the room. There is no favorite moment except taking the pictures!  I always want to keep the newly styled room in our studio. I feel sorry I didn’t build it for a real child. I wonder if this could be something I could help you with?  

Would you be interested in some styling advise? Drop me a line via e-mail, and I will be happy to help. 

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