Designing for the Littles with Austin Design House
- Austin Portfolio Real Estate
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
We put so much effort into designing our little one's nurseries, but once the baby years are over, the space often has the potential to turn into a chaotic mess. Your kids’ rooms deserve just as much thoughtful consideration as any other area in your home. We asked Aimee Laughlin, cofounder of Austin Design House, about her unique perspective on how to design spaces for the littles.
"Austin Design House was founded by three ladies in 2014. We have built a thriving business and love designing and decorating spaces for our clients. Aimee Laughlin, one of the co-founders, began her career by decorating children’s rooms. As the former owner of Picket Fences in Austin, she specialized in nurseries and children’s rooms. Over the years, the selection of products has grown tremendously, making the options for a dream nursery endless. Co-founders Jess Pearce and Kat Reyes have recently designed modern nurseries, creative bedrooms, and innovative playrooms for their combined six children and clients."
"In the past, parents had very limited choices. Now, the options are both stylish and functional and are up to date offering past and present trends.
Fluted wood is a major trend in home design, and it’s making its way into nurseries and bedrooms.
Curved-ended cribs and headboards create a soft, elegant impression.
Cribs and beds with rattan accents add warmth and texture.
Upholstered beds can be modern and simple or elegant and formal.
Cribs with acrylic slats create a unique “window” in and out of the crib.
Mini Cribs for small spaces. Larger than a bassinet and smaller than a crib.
Classic wood styles now come in more colors and finishes than ever before.
Functional features like added storage, trundles, and convertible beds give parents more flexibility (and decisions to make!)"
"Choosing the right paint color sets the foundation for the space. Here are some of our favorites: Keep in mind that eggshell paint finish cleans better than flat, where as flat is more forgiving with paint touchups."
"Don't forget the fifth wall. Ceiling treatments are trending. Accent colors painted on the ceiling to add color without dominating every wall or wallpaper on the ceiling in a transitional pattern that can add interest. It's nice using wallpaper where little hands can't reach."
"Decorating with a child’s input can be tricky! My grandson has gone from loving Spider-Man to Batman to Legos and now Minecraft. If we had decorated based on every phase, his room would have changed four times!
The key is planning for flexibility—bring in their interests through toys and accessories rather than permanent decor.
We recommend:
Furniture that grows with the child – Choose beds, dressers, and window coverings that will last years. A quality upholstered chair can start in the nursery and transition to a reading chair in a big kid’s room.
**Performance fabrics and rugs are cleanable are good choices for items that will get heavy traffic or use.
Furniture with quality construction will last 10 years or more, making it a great investment. I will have clients send me links for furniture options. If the weight is obviously low, I tend to assume it is not going to last. Thinking particle board construction."
"Bedding is abundant and easy to replace!
Crib bedding has evolved—bumpers are out, but soft sheets, blankets, and skirts can create either a modern or traditional look.
Toddler themed – Sheets, pillows, and blankets are an easy way to incorporate favorite characters without overwhelming the space.
Overstuffed plush pillows (“stuffies”) – A fun mix of a stuffed animal and a pillow that kids love!
Bulletin boards – Great for displaying their latest art, pictures, and stickers. I like to hang them behind the door, so they’re not the first thing you see.
Functional & Stylish Storage
Small desks – A simple desk with drawers can be useful for homework, crafts, or even a vanity. Instead of replacing it as the child grows, I have updated it with new drawer hardware , decorative paper covering the desktop with glass for a fresh look. Add a slipcovered or acrylic swivel chair for extra style!
Bookcases – A great investment that can transition from children’s books to collectibles over time. Keep them tidy by organizing some items in baskets or stacking decorative boxes.
Toy storage – Toy boxes often become a messy dumping ground! Instead, I recommend cabinets with labeled bins for better organization. Amazon has great metal locker cabinets—perfect for a preteen in pink or a young boy in navy.
Wall Décor That Grows with Them
Etsy for the win! – Standard-size framed prints allow you to swap out images as their tastes change.
Favorite character posters – Hang them inside a closet for a fun but temporary touch!
Interesting mirrors with color or texture, Love a wicker or scalloped mirror.
Wall mounted Acrylic shelves for display
Dimensional items hung on the wall in a display or pattern can be modern and fun.
Shadow boxes with a creative collection or display that can evolve. Sports ribbon, camp pictures.
Modern clothing hooks for back packs and baby bags can be cute.
Adding Playful Elements
Depending on your budget, child-specific furniture can add a magical touch: Often, they are passed down in the family.
Kid-sized tables & chairs
Lego tables & dollhouses
Unique headboards (like a house or castle shape!)
Shaped rug for bath or bedroom
In the ‘90s, Picket Fences was known for cowboy-themed rooms, complete with a ride-on horse and a bed made of horseshoes!"
"Decorating a nursery or child’s room is so much fun! It’s a space for them to grow, relax, play, and feel loved. I’ve been designing kids’ spaces for over 25 years, and it never gets old."
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