Designing Kid-Friendly Spaces: Expert Tips from Eema Studio

Photography by Leah Soboroff

Designing spaces for children is a special art, and few understand this better than Hannah from Eema Studio. As the founder and designer behind EEMA, an interior design and nesting studio specializing in children's spaces, Hannah brings a unique blend of creativity and practicality to her work. As a mom to three young boys, she understands the importance of creating simplified spaces that are not just beautiful but also functional, peaceful, and playful.

Hannah provided Everhem with invaluable tips for designing nurseries and kids' rooms that stand the test of time. With her experience and expertise, she reveals the secrets to crafting spaces that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

Photography by Leah Soboroff

1. Source Vintage

“Repurpose a vintage chest of drawers as your baby's changing table by pairing it with a changing pad, small baskets and a little table lamp. Paint a vintage bookshelf, or anything really,  to give it new life. Incorporate vintage lighting for added charm in the space -- a rattan ceiling pendant, a scalloped table lamp, or a unique wall sconce. “

Hannah's first tip is all about infusing character and charm into your child's space by incorporating vintage elements. There's something timeless and special about vintage pieces that can instantly elevate a room's aesthetics.

In Hannah’s example on repurposing a vintage chest of drawers, you can create a functional and stylish changing station that tells a story.

But the vintage love doesn't stop there. Get creative and breathe new life into vintage bookshelves or any other piece you adore. By doing so, you add a unique touch to the room, and your child's space becomes a canvas for both the old and the new. Vintage lighting can be a game-changer too. Think about adding a rattan ceiling pendant, a scalloped table lamp, or a one-of-a-kind wall sconce for that extra dash of charm. Vintage elements can bring warmth and character to a child's room that's simply unmatched.

Photography by Leah Soboroff

2. Prioritize Safe Window Treatments

“You'll most likely have a tired baby in your arms when you're getting the nursery ready for nap/bedtime, so opt for safe window treatments that are easy to operate. Everhem's motorized, cordless and chain loop are not only one-hand-friendly, but also child-safe, as these options don't have any long hanging cords that can be hazardous in a child's room.”

Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to children's rooms. The design should not only be visually appealing but also child-safe and practical. 

Everhem offers motorized, cordless, and chain loop options that are not only easy to operate with one hand but also designed with child safety in mind. These options eliminate the risk associated with long hanging cords, ensuring your child's safety in their room. They're the perfect choice for busy parents who need simplicity and peace of mind when it comes to window treatments.

Photography by Leah Soboroff

3. Consider Longevity

“Kids grow quickly, and their rooms will need to support all their transitions. Investing in well-made items that will grow with your family will make things easier when it's time for a room update. For example: choose a crib that converts to a toddler bed, use a nursing chair that can later be used as an accent chair, and/or pick a changing table with a removable topper, so once baby outgrows diapers - the topper can be removed, and you're left with a standard dresser.”

Kids grow up quickly, and their needs change just as fast. When designing your child's room, it's essential to consider the longevity of the big-ticket items. Investing in well-made, versatile pieces that can grow with your family will save you both time and money in the long run.

Hannah’s suggestion: consider a crib that converts into a toddler bed. This clever design ensures that your investment serves your child through multiple stages of their early years. Similarly, choose a nursing chair that can later find a new home as an accent chair in a different part of the house once your child outgrows it. And when it comes to changing tables, select one with a removable topper. When your baby no longer needs diaper changes, simply remove the topper, and you're left with a dresser that can serve your child for years to come. These choices contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to designing children's spaces.

Photography by Leah Soboroff

Hannah's Favorite Everhem Fabric/Textile: Dune Woven Woods

“I’m a big big fan of the Dune Woven Woods! The color is sun-kissed and warm, and the woven texture is elevated, but still relaxed. so versatile and timeless!”

When it comes to choosing window treatments, Hannah has a soft spot for Everhem's Dune Woven Woods. She admires the sun-kissed and warm color that adds a welcoming vibe to any space. The woven texture of the Dune woven woods strikes a perfect balance between elegance and relaxation, making it an incredibly versatile and timeless choice for window treatments. This particular fabric offers a natural and organic feel that complements various design styles, from boho-chic to coastal and beyond. Its warm and inviting tones create a cozy atmosphere in any child's room, making it the perfect backdrop for play and rest.

Photography by Leah Soboroff

Fun Fact about Hannah from Eema Studios: A Passion for Cooking

“I looove to cook. Being in the kitchen, making new dishes and feeding my family and friends brings me a lot of joy.”

Beyond her passion for interior design, Hannah loves to cook. Being in the kitchen, experimenting with new dishes, and sharing delicious meals with her family and friends brings her immense joy. This passion for culinary creativity often finds its way into her design work, where she draws inspiration from the artistry of food and the joy of sharing meals together.

Photography by Leah Soboroff

Beautiful, Functional Spaces

These expert tips from Hannah at Eema Studio provide a fantastic foundation for creating beautiful, functional, and safe spaces for your children. Whether you're expecting a new arrival or giving your child's room a makeover, these insights will help you design a space that not only looks great but also adapts to your child's growing needs. Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your wisdom with us and helping parents create dreamy and practical spaces for their little ones!