When it comes to making a home feel truly cohesive, every room—from the kitchen and living room to the bathrooms and kids' rooms—should flow together effortlessly. Although it may seem impossible to align the style of your home with the space where your kids spend the majority of their time, there are plenty of chic brands and clever design tricks that make even this tall order achievable.

The key to designing a space that finds this kind of balance, according to Nix, is allowing your children to be part of the process. Choose kids' furniture that will last, find chic ways to store inevitable clutter, and create a neutral canvas to work with—all while shopping brands that don't sacrifice style for utility.

Keep reading to discover 13 of the best kids' room ideas to create a space that you and your little one will love for years to come.

01 Plan Ahead

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After doing a bit of research, Nix says the next step is to assess the pieces you already have that you might be able to repurpose. Determine what types of furniture and décor you'll need to source, and what kind of floorplan might work best for the space you're working with. Nix also suggests playing around with the floorplan before committing to anything. "Make sure you have a good flow with plenty of floor space remaining for the kids to stretch out," she adds.

02 Create Cozy Corners

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Since you'll likely be spending plenty of time in your children's rooms—playing, reading, or even resting while they nap—it's important to make an area that's functional for adults as well. Create a comfortable nook with a window seat, or opt for a cozy armchair in the corner of the room. Multi-functionality allows the space to serve as anything you need in the current moment, so you won't be pulling chairs from the dining room or sitting on the floor when you spend time there.

03 Find a Theme

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Especially fun for kids with specific interests, finding a theme can both excite your child and keep the space looking cohesive. Choose a color scheme that suits the rest of your home to make the room blend with your overall design. Even if the theme didn't originally match your décor, incorporating its subject in the right colors will keep things feeling clean and intentional.

04 Play With Proportions

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Alabaster Rustic Chandelier - A Modern Living Room Chandelier with Rustic Refinement and Iron Frame Featuring Alabaster Tiles - Perfect Hanging Light Fixture for Your Living Room

Just because you're decorating a kids' room doesn't mean you can't bring a little flair of interior designer style to the space. Choose a focal point for your room (whether it be the bed frame, light fixture, or wall art) and opt for a large size that draws attention. An oversized headboard or pendant light, for example, can make a major design statement while still keeping the room's playful personality intact.

05 Start With Shelving

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Nix is a fan of using strategically placed shelving in a kids' room, rather than styling a traditional bookcase. She notes that book ledges can be hung low enough for kids to reach their belongings without taking up a lot of space. Plus, you can easily place a floor pillow near the shelving to create an instant reading nook.

06 Be Thoughtful With Seating

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If space allows, add a small table set with vibrant chairs to bring a pop of color to the design while allowing your kids a surface that's all their own. They can use it to socialize with siblings and friends, play, color, paint, or even sit down for snacks. Bonus: Since it's a dedicated space for your child, it's also a helpful place to keep the toys and clutter off of your dining table.

07 Build Off of Neutrals

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"A kid's room can fill up quickly with items like art, books, and toys," Nix points out. That's why she likes to keep the wall colors neutral and classic in a kid-friendly space. She also notes that light colors are easier for the paint touchups that can inevitably come with a kids' room.

08 Make the Bed in Whites and Creams

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Another element of kids' rooms that Nix prefers to keep neutral is the bedding. "I like to keep bedding like sheets and blankets all-white for easy laundering, then add layers of brightly colored pillows and throws for visual texture," the designer says. Opt for a few different types of fabric to keep the white hues from blending together, and dress up the bedding with patterns for visual interest.

09 Curate a Study Area

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Elegant Articulating Mid-Century Modern Metal Sconce - Stylish and Functional Wall Lights for Living Room

Older kids need a space to do their homework, and a dedicated study area can make it easier to sit down and focus. Bright colors are a great way to dress up the design and make the space feel fun, while soft neutrals set a calming background for a clear mind. Don't forget the lighting: Even a simple task lamp will brighten the corner to help your children feel alert when it's time to study.

10 Choose Timeless Over Trendy

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Antique Bronze Finish Crystal Sconce - Prismatic Display with Faceted Glass, Perfect for Lounge Room Wall Lights and Outdoor Wall Lamps

Nix suggests starting with a base layer of timeless pieces that don't necessarily have to be changed as your child grows up—think ceiling fixtures, window treatments, and certain pieces of furniture. "Replacing items like these is expensive—and impractical—once you’re a parent, so choose pieces you will appreciate seeing throughout the years," the designer recommends.

11 Incorporate Stylish Storage

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Kids' rooms inherently come with clutter. Toys, clothes, and games will eventually take up space, and that's why it's important to prioritize stylish storage ideas. Style a bookshelf that can be color-coded for a playful finish, or use acrylic bins or trunks placed at the foot of the bed for toys. "They make exciting visuals when filled with stuffed animals or colorful blocks," Nix says. "The toys can easily become part of the décor with their bright colors and funky shapes, and can make cleanup fun for the kids, too."

12 Choose Furniture Wisely

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Any kids' room needs a great bed that's comfortable and appropriate for the size of the space. Nix suggests buying a twin-sized bed instead of going to a toddler bed when transitioning from a crib. "This will save you the extra in-between step, and there are so many great looking low beds that little ones won’t be intimidated by," she points out. With these two major furniture pieces out of the way, the rest of the décor is up to your personal taste and your kids' individual needs.

13 Play With Wallpaper

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If you're already excited to incorporate new wallpaper in your kids' room, why not take it a step further and make a bold statement? Continue the pattern from the walls onto the bedroom's headboard and window dressings for a playful, eclectic character. Geometric prints are especially great to incorporate a modern style.