Children’s rooms are both fun and frustrating to decorate.   Kids like their room to have a theme (or is it that WE like them to have a theme?).  Themes are fun and we feel like we can indulge and go a little over the top in kids’ rooms.  Once a theme is decided upon, the requisite matching bedding and window treatments purchased, maybe a throw rug to pick up one of the colors, most of us consider the room “done” – or at least done enough, and that’s the fun part. 

However, I know from long experience as a designer that parents always want MORE storage, more ways to control the toys and books and clutter that children accumulate, and that’s the frustrating part.  Designers are always on the lookout for attractive, affordable storage that will blend with any theme and hopefully make it fun for kids to put their toys away.  Some of the tried and true solutions will always work and shouldn’t be ignored:  baskets, bins or tubs, bookshelves, storage ottomans, etc.  Plastic bins can be invaluable in containing kid sprawl – especially for all those things with tiny little pieces (legos!). 

The problem with these solutions is that they often lack any style or color.  They’re made to be so generic that we’re uninspired.  Sometimes a coat of bright paint on old bookshelves or even new, unfinished ones, can provide a lift.  Sometimes even that doesn’t help and then you might want to check out a few sources like the ones below. 

INSPIRED STORAGE FOR KIDS’ STUFF

Stackable storage from Land of Nod

I’ve used this stackable unit for clients before – it’s sturdy and comes in lots of colors to fit any room theme.  It has the main thing kids need to actually put their toys away: easy accessibility – no lids or pulling baskets on or off shelves. 

Also from Land of Nod I found this convenient book storage idea.  Keep their favorite books right next to their favorite reading chair and make bedtime stories easy.

Wall rack book storage from Land of Nod

The following storage options I found here and there on the web and though I haven’t used them, I think they provide attractive options for storage and would help any child be inspired to keep their room tidy. 

Bookcase from 4D Concepts

Great book storage from Leaps & Bounds

Book storage from Leaps and Bounds

Spinning bookshelf from Levels of Discovery

Wood initial by New Arrivals

Wall decal from Land of Nod

Be sure and share these ideas with friends who have small children and are redoing a kids’ space.  Thanks.