When designing this cheery kids’ room in her family’s Greenwood Village home, blogger and mom of three children—all under age six!—Leila Lewis made a somewhat philosophical decision: Rather than turn to the internet—and endless Googling for “boy’s room ideas”—she decided to dream up a design concept that reflects her family’s story.

Their recent move to the Centennial State helped her land on the theme of adventure. “I wanted the room to reflect the roots we’re now building in the mountains, and the Colorado culture of exploring,” says Lewis, founder and author of the everyday-ideas blog Inspired By This.

5280 Home October/November 2018
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Given that the family’s former home was a tiny Los Angeles condo, they needed furniture in a big way—and Lewis and local stylist Natalie Warady outfitted the space from scratch. Featuring pieces from Target’s Pillowfort collection, the hybrid sleep-and-play room is above all designed to flex—with a crib (not shown) for the Lewises’ middle son and, for later years and sleepovers, a bunk pairing full- and twin-size beds that can also stand alone.

The kid-friendly decor pairs a fresh black-and-white scheme with nature accents in green and brown. “I wanted a palette that any child would love,” Lewis says. “It’s not overly designed for a boy or girl.” A tent drives home the theme, inviting games of hide-and-seek, and a soft rug and pillows offer plenty of space for little ones to plop down and rest—with sweet dreams of the next big adventure.

Photograph by Sanaz Photography

Decorating for Littles

Creating a room for tiny inhabitants? Consider Leila Lewis’ tips for making the space design-forward and functional for the long haul.

Create a Growth Strategy
“Think about not just the stage your kids are currently in,” Lewis says, “but the stage they’re to be in.” This space pairs versatile sleeping options with design elements that won’t feel too babyish as the kids grow.

Don’t Over-Decorate
When a child’s room feels light and clean, the space is more likely to inspire play and imagination. Lewis intentionally left patches of wall and floor space open and kept object-overload in check. “You’re not stepping on something that squeaks everywhere you turn,” she says.

Introduce Interactive Elements
The framed moon picture hanging next to the teepee glows in the dark, which helps the Lewises’ son transition to lights-out time. “Every night, he loves saying, ‘Goodnight, moon.’ He pretends he’s camping.”