As color enthusiasts, we’re always seeking new ways to bring a little fun into the “function” of architecture and design. But “fun” design doesn’t mean it needs to look juvenile, even when designing with kids in mind.

With children’s spaces, the end result is more than just a visually appealing place to play; thoughtful design can sprout spaces that invite creativity and encourage success both in learning and in life. Here’s how the current design trends—and the experts at grOH! Playrooms—are shaping kid-centric spaces today.

With our attention so often focused on connecting digitally, there’s an increasing demand for design that holds interest, grounds us, and provides a similar sense of well-being and optimism.

Nostalgia is also an important influence in modern interior design, powerful both for the comfort it brings and the reminder of simpler, more carefree times. Often, those times coincide with childhood.
 

Many larger design trends have been showing a whimsical, more childlike side lately: the minimalism movement has gradually introduced a playful use of color. Maximalism, on the other end of the spectrum, has allowed designers to use their imaginations, exploring a mix of prints, patterns, and textures to create a lively end result.

When you’re accustomed to designing for adults, the idea of creating spaces for children can seem to present a challenge. But whether the space is residential or commercial, kids’ spaces are actually rife with possibilities to get out of our comfort zones and introduce our boldest ideas.

There’s no need to sacrifice style for the sake of catering to little ones. A design-driven approach can still resonate, with the trends of warm minimalism, unexpected color palettes, and rounded or geometric shapes playing nicely in spaces that can feel kid-friendly without compromising on gorgeously “grown up” aesthetics.

Four Point Design Partners renovated the Indianapolis Public Library Wayne Branch children’s area in Westhighland White SW 7566 (255-C3), Mindful Gray SW 7016 (244-C2), Manitou Blue SW 6501 (174-C5), Indigo SW 6531 (178-C7), and Cilantro SW 6453 (158-C6). Photo by Michael Firsich.

Thanks to the emphasis on Instagrammability and the increased distribution of high-design ideas on social channels, many savvy, creative caregivers have come to expect a more elevated experience in childcare environments and residential work/play rooms, child bedrooms, and beyond.

We reached out to the expert designers at grOH! Playrooms for their advice on designing sophisticated kid-centric interiors. grOH! began as a big dream for cofounders Anne Gillyard and Jodi Arellano. Their teaching backgrounds showed them that kids with intentional play opportunities at home had a significant head start academically and developmentally, and this discovery sparked a desire to bring quality play environments to more children’s homes.

Click through to see the Sherwin-Williams shades that brought these grOH! designs to life.

“We created grOH! to combine our passions for education, play, organization, and interior design,” the founders say. This effort, combined with emerging research and ongoing partnerships with teachers, administrators, and schools, helps them fulfill the dreams of clients and their families.

grOH! clients are also where these two designers find inspiration for the playspaces. “Our clients’ goals usually have one core theme: spend time together,” the founders say. “What is more inspiring than creating an environment where an entire family can thrive and ‘grOH!’ together?”

An attic playroom is elevated to the level of high style through the use of Aquaverde SW 9051 (170-C3), Black Magic SW 6991 (251-C3), Greek Villa SW 7551 (254-C1), and Coral Reef SW 6606 (108-C4).

Among the duo’s top considerations when designing kids’ spaces, from toddlers to teens, is color. The grOH! team agrees that color is a top priority, a “driving force” in encouraging kids to interact and for piquing interest—which is just as true for grownups! As at Sherwin-Williams®, the team at grOH! says they strive to bring color into people’s lives. “Color isn’t something to be afraid of,” according to Gillyard and Arellano, “and there are so many amazing ways to introduce color into your environment!”

Whether through the use of color, creative cubbies for studying or storing, or other custom design concepts, people like Gillyard and Arellano are paving the way for new places to play—and perhaps teaching good taste to a new generation of trendsetters in the process.

grOH! Playrooms images by Laura Metzler Photo.

Top image colors: Oceanside SW 6496 (172-C7), Jetstream SW 6492 (172-C2), Sunny Veranda SW 9017 (134-C3), Daybreak SW 6700 (269-C5), High Reflective White SW 7757 (256-C1).