“Children’s rooms are not just about the present days, they are about the tomorrows,” says lifestyle and design author Susanna Salk in Dream Rooms for Children: Inspiring Spaces for Sleep, Study, and Play (Rizzoli, 2021). The point Salk makes with this book—newly updated from the original, which was published in 2010—is that children deserve rooms that don’t stagnate in the stage where they are at this very moment (think fairy tales and superheroes), but are as sophisticated and unique as the spaces we create for ourselves, with an added dose of whimsy. The snug sleeping quarters pictured here, designed by Singapore-based designer Elizabeth Hay, include bold patterns, textures, and wallpaper, as well as a rug the size of the floor, which all help to make the cozy space feel bigger. “I think people are sometimes tempted to put a small rug in a small room,” says Hay, “but this more often than not makes the room feel smaller.” Hay’s firm designed the hand-blocked pleated lampshade, made out of fabrics created by artisans in Rajasthan, India, as well as the shell chair, which has solid mango-wood turned legs and makes for a luxurious place to read. A couple of bedroom-specific tips from Salk’s book: Spend more on furniture, and let bedding and age-specific details that will wear with time come from more value-priced sources. Also, a child’s room—like any other room in the house—should function, be comfortable, and endure the test of time.

1. Sheep Side Table // houzz.com
2. Avery Dusty Mauve Velvet Swivel Chair // crateandbarrel.com/kids
3. Giraffe Shaped Wicker Basket // potterybarnkids.com
4. Hummingbirds 100% Cotton F62/1001 in Classic Multi & Old Olive on Cream // decoratorsbest.com
5. Herringbone Throw Blanket in Rose Quartz // fitzandbennetthome.com
6. Flamingos Art Print // foxhollowstudios.com
7. Embroidered Zig Zag Design Cotton Decorative Pillow in Salmon Pink & Cream // wellappointedhouse.com
8. Green Ticking Lampshade // elizabethhaydesign.com
9. Chester Eco Cotton Rug in Green/White // hookandloom.com