The keys to designing a youth room

When designing a youth room it is important to consider the functionality of the space. It should also reflect the personality of the young person in question and be a place of its own to study, sleep and spend time with friends.

All parents go through that moment when they have to assume that they no longer have a child at home, but a young person or a teenager. A new stage begins and the boy or girl demands a style of their own for their room or bedroom. They have reached that age when they need to assert themselves and the setting must accompany them. It is time to design a youthful room.

There are as many possibilities as there are young people, that is clear. However, there are a series of premises that tend to be fulfilled in almost all cases. They are no longer children, they have their own voice and all the right in the world to participate in the remodelling of the room.

Undoubtedly, there will be aspects that will require amicable “negotiation” with parents. Compromise will then be necessary on both sides to find a point of equilibrium. The youth room will be their independent republic but they will have excellent relations with the inhabitants on the other side of the wall.

At Molins Design we have developed many interior design projects that included designing a youth room. This trajectory has led us to identify the keys to the process. We explain them to you.

Designing a modern youth room as a team

Teamwork is the best way to carry out a project. In the case of tackling the design of a youth room, it is advisable to agree on criteria with the “tenant”. Our first piece of advice is to achieve a functional, versatile and customisable space.

Teenagers are beginning to enjoy a certain degree of autonomy in their lives and, for them, it is essential to reflect this in their immediate environment. It is important to listen to them, to take note of their tastes and concerns.

Their bedroom will be an area where they will spend a lot of time. In it they will sleep, study, play and receive their friends.

I’m sure the process involves removing childish details and decorating walls with pictures of their friends and posters of sports or their favourite music. They will need space for their things: books, stereo, computer, sports equipment and their own hobbies.

The best way to achieve a pleasant space for the young person and for the parents is to reach a consensual solution. Teamwork is therefore essential.

Keys to a youthful bedroom

When considering the layout and design of a teenage bedroom, there are a number of basic issues. These include furniture, study area, lighting, storage and colours.

These are the areas that need to be upgraded and fitted out in a good way. Then, depending on the dimensions of the room, more customised spaces can be added. Let’s take a closer look at these basic areas.

1. Youth furniture, bedding and storage

The choice of furniture is the first step in designing a youth room. Keep in mind that teenagers are not exactly the best friends of order. For this reason, it is important to “make it easy” for them.

The wardrobe should be of a good size and reach up to the ceiling. The choice of hinged or sliding doors will depend on the space available. It is also important to add chest of drawers and chests. The lower part of the bed is a good place to place more storage space.

Our recommendation is that the furniture should be functional, with straight lines or even modular so that changes can be made. They should be easy to clean and it is important not to overload the space. They should convey spaciousness and be very comfortable.

With regard to the bed, there are many possibilities. It can be unique, although the option of a folding bunk bed or trundle bed is always advisable. The reason is so that young people can invite friends to sleep in their room.

2. Study area

Designing a space where children can study, write or do crafts is essential. The table should be large enough to accommodate a laptop, books and notebooks. A good tip is, if space permits, to avoid placing the table next to the bed. In this way, the student will avoid temptation to leave the books and go to rest. It is also advisable to place the table close to natural light.

Molins Design’s choice for the chair is an ergonomic model with armrests. This way, it can be adjusted in height and depth. It is important to bear in mind that you will be spending more and more time studying and will spend a lot of time sitting on the chair.

Finally, you should have shelves, drawer units and trays close at hand. Everything should be close and accessible so that you don’t have to get up and can concentrate on your studies.

3. Lighting

The commandments of good lighting are general, ambient and spot lighting. Based on this mantra, it is advisable to personalise the points of light.

General light is usually located in ceiling lamps. This is the lighting that makes it easier to move around the room.

After that, you should opt for spot lighting in the study area. It is possible to incorporate flexos or directional lamps to ensure a good atmosphere for concentration. Avoid shadows that could disturb when reading or looking at notes.

Ambient light is more decorative and can be provided by lamps placed on bedside tables or over cupboards.

When choosing lamps, you can opt for bright touches of colour and organic shapes.

4. Colours

It is important that the decoration of the space, the walls and the colours chosen for the furniture form a pleasant whole. Keep in mind that we are looking for an open, spacious, functional and comfortable space.

When choosing the colour of the walls, the young person’s opinion is very important. At this age, bright and vibrant colours tend to be the most popular. However, it is also worth considering tones that facilitate study and concentration, such as blue, for example.

White will certainly enhance the brightness and tranquillity of the room. Neutral tones such as grey or beige are comfortable and serene and connect with nature. Orange is a very cheerful tone and red can be a sign of strength and dynamism. Violet has a feminist and creative touch.

You can choose to paint each wall in a different colour, as long as the result is harmonious and balanced. And think that wallpaper is also an interesting option and a small print goes very well with plain furniture.