Designing dreamscapes: Top kids room interior design trends set to dominate 2023

Step into the world of interior design for kids' rooms. Discover the latest trends that will transform these spaces into imaginative havens for your little ones
The home environment significantly influences child development. In India, there has been a lifestyle shift towards nuclear families preferring apartment living, a reduction in child-friendly public spaces, as well as technology replacing the need for physical interaction for learning and entertainment. Consequently, the child’s room has become a multifunctional space for learning, play, rest, rejuvenation, and social engagement, taking centre stage within the home.
Understanding that children perceive objects differently from adults - viewing furniture not just as functional items but as objects to be interacted with and touched - is crucial when designing children's spaces. The following trends reflect a deeper understanding of child behaviour coupled with the harnessing of international trends in technology, interior design, societal change, and culture. (Also read: 9 best decor ideas to give your child's room a summer makeover )
Top Kids Room Interior Design Trends
Bikram Mittra, Head of Design, Smartsters, shares with HT Lifestyle three top trends that will dominate children’s room design in 2023.
1. Fitness within the home
The new mantra for happiness is fitness. With adults actively participating in physical activities like running, sports, or yoga, it's important to address the decreased physical activity in children due to increased use of technology and reduced outdoor play. The trend towards obesity in children further reinforces the need for physical intervention. Innovative furniture designs such as standing desks or play mats, or even beds that incorporate physical play elements like climbing walls or slides, bring the aspect of physical fitness right into the children's room.
2. Sustainability
Teaching children about the environment, sustainability, and the importance of preserving the planet is one of the big trends in children’s education. Furniture that is both durable and adaptable as the child grows ensures longevity, reducing the need for new furniture purchases and thereby reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, choosing sustainable materials for furnishings like bed linens made from bamboo instead of water-intensive cotton helps children make an impact on their carbon footprint.
3. Gender neutrality
Gender neutrality is a prominent trend in children’s room design, providing spaces for children that are free from gender stereotypes and encouraging them to think in an inclusive and neutral manner. This learning exercise will help children take a broader view of the world and develop empathy as they mature into adults. Furniture and decor that tell universally appealing stories and the use of neutral colours such as greens, and salmon, as well as earthy tones in whites or greys can greatly contribute to creating such spaces.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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