Designing Dreams: Transforming Spaces for Your Child's Thriving Future

Are children the solution to our broken world?

To a pragmatic adult, it seems counter-intuitive to continue to burden the world with more people (children) who will inadvertently, continue to rampage the Earth. ‘We have enough mouths to feed! And there’s no more room here today!’’

We’d like to take a more optimistic, pro-life view, to consider that with proper upbringing, education and the right physical environment, these little beings will save our Earth.

Like how inculcating good manners shapes a child’s behaviour, exposing them to a healthy environment is equally important during a child’s developmental stage. This cultivates cognitive and emotional development not only for today’s children but for the generations they will influence.

Seems like a big ask - how do we go about that?

There has been a growing realization of how our world is deteriorating due to the demands of our ever-growing population. Aside from environmental issues, technology allows inappropriate information and unhealthy stimulants to wreak havoc in our little ones’ minds at an early stage. Research shows that our children’s developing minds and bodies are more prone to physical and mental complications when exposed negatively. This, in turn, affects their social behaviour and interpersonal relationships. Our children’s future is at stake. They’re in our hands, and we should be responsible. As parents, we need to start investing in resources that will support healthier families while we build our homes.

Since we’re interior designers, let’s start shaping our spaces for healthier children!

1. There is no sanctuary of virtue like home.

A safe haven free from physical harm and emotional turmoil, this is a space that children can retreat to. Someplace they can call their own - a sanctuary.

This space should soothe them, enabling them to better regulate their emotions. Turn it into a cosy area filled with mellow textures and muted colours, with their favourite objects displayed in an organised fashion. Consider minimising things that may over-stimulate and distract.

2. Monkey see, monkey do.

As the saying goes, children tend to observe adult behaviours with intent, memorize, and mimic them. They are always curious, even about the smallest of things.

They’ll be wondering what you're doing over the kitchen counter. If the newspaper you’re reading is so interesting that you’re staring at it intently. They would see it as the most fascinating thing!

We want to keep that sort of captivation going. Get them their very own cooking set or a handful of books, and let their imaginations take flight.

See that these items remain accessible. This allows for self-directed learning, enabling them to nurture independence at their own pace and comfort. 

3. A creative mind is an amplified one.  

Don’t panic if you’re not sure where to begin; pay attention to your little ones. How do they respond to certain colours or textures? The environment should promote freedom for children to explore elements of their choice. 

By designing together, it instils a sense of ownership in children while allowing them some form of creative freedom. Managed by parents, it also prevents things from getting too out of hand. After all, we'd still like it to look like a home. 

4. The ache for home lives in everyone.

How can we go beyond and converge the lines of aesthetics and functionality? There are times when we only see space as it is, and fail to realize its potential.

Look at the things in your home - where do they all come from?

Floors, wall finishes, furniture, and in-built carpentry. Constructed with distinct materials, they are each designed for a specific purpose. How does each element contribute to its encompassing environment in providing a safe and healthy home?

As children's needs evolve ever so rapidly, so must their surroundings.

5. Let kids be kids.

How many times have you seen children make a complete mess of the house? 

Drawing on surfaces, scattering toys across the room. That's how kids manifest their creativity when unable to express themselves through words. More often than not, they’re showing us small glimpses of how they view the world.

We'd like for them to be unapologetically themselves, doing the things they love. But there has got to be a more practical way for this.

As technology advances, we've seen an increase in research and development of sustainable products. Forgo the usual synthetic toys and furniture. Encourage them to connect with their surroundings instead. With the introduction of certain laminates and easy-wash paint finishes, kids can draw freely on surfaces. All while keeping them safe from harmful chemicals and substances.

Another good way is to get them outdoors to bask in the sun or swim at a nearby pool! This aids in developing sensorimotor skills, which are vital for growth.

6. Modular adaptability.

As living spaces grow smaller, multi-functional and modular furniture has been on the rise. They take into consideration the space constraints, as well as functional requirements. 

For example, one such concept would be kinetic sand. Children can express creativity with interchanging modules, depending on mood or preference. It also doubles up as a therapy play session, improving mental well-being by reducing anxiety while fostering problem-solving skills and empathy. Kinetic Sand also ranks high on practicality and cost-efficiency aspects. As a modular product, it can be moulded in any way deemed fit, dismantled or refitted as needed. 

Another popular modular product is display panels, such as peg boards for example. They are height adjustable and can be utilised as storage, writing boards or organised display within a room. So don’t sweat it when you notice your children growing taller. It's adjustable after all!

Congratulations on making it this far! That was a rather hefty read, wasn’t it? Well, frankly it’s for good measure.

Regardless of what we’re purchasing and whom for, most of us simply choose products on account of the brand, without researching how they came about. 

Where were they manufactured? How? What were the materials used? Are they safe in the long run?        

These are some questions and problems that if not brought up, would always be left unanswered and unresolved if not addressed.

Thus, we’ve put great effort into the Homeowner’s Guide (Kids Edition!) with a curated list of brands that we’ve researched with the potential to pave the way for sustainability in the long run. 

This guide will be made available to all of our clients! We hope you enjoy looking through it, as much as we did putting it together.

(All illustrations above by Divine)