With Charlotte Kewley, Journalist, mamma and kid's stylist at @thelittlestylist.
When children outgrow their toddler years, transitioning their room into a “big girl bedroom” can feel like a significant milestone. Charlotte Kewley recently undertook this project for her eldest daughter, who is now almost eight years old. This age comes with a new level of independence, making it the perfect time to reimagine her space—trading in the toddler play table for a grown-up desk and creating a room that reflects her developing interests and needs. Here, Charlotte shares seven thoughtful tips for creating a space that blends practicality, style, and a touch of childhood magic.
1. Create a lovely desk space.
A dedicated desk area is essential for a big girl’s room, offering a quiet place to complete homework and a spot for imaginative play, like “playing schools.” Charlotte opted for a desk and chair set in Boori’s beautiful Cherry colour, featuring a desk and an adjustable chair.
These pieces are designed to grow with her daughter, featuring adjustable height settings to ensure they remain comfortable and practical for years to come. The desk’s Cherry & Almond finish is a lovely contrast against the soft pink hue of Edward Bulmer’s Cuisse de Nymphe paint on the walls, adding a touch of sophistication to the room.
2. Add a Plant for Responsibility
Introducing a plant into a child's room is a small yet impactful way to instil a sense of responsibility. Charlotte chose a spider plant for her daughter’s desk, as it’s known for being easy to care for—perfect for a first-time plant owner. Taking charge of watering and tending to the plant gives her daughter a sense of ownership and pride. Plus, the lush greenery adds a fresh and natural element to the room’s decor.
3. A grown-up bookshelf of her own.
Bookshelves are a staple in any child’s room, but having a designated spot for school books and current reads can make a big difference. Our Natty Bookshelf Hutch pairs beautifully with the Natty Study Desk, providing ample space for books, prized possessions, and decorative items. Having her own space for these items encourages her to keep things organised and allows her to proudly display treasured mementos.
4. Re-Evaluate Storage Solutions
With growing children comes a need for smarter storage solutions. While Charlotte didn’t throw out any of her daughter’s favourite toys, she did focus on upgrading the organisation system.
Using stylish baskets, boxes, and crates, they managed to declutter the floor space and create a room that feels less like a playroom and more like a big girl bedroom. The Tidy Storage Bookcase offers versatility with shelves, drawers, and hanging rods. Well-organised storage helps keep the space tidy while still allowing easy access to favourite toys and hobbies.
5. Introduce a Cosy Reading Nook
Creating a dedicated reading space can encourage a love of books and provide a quiet retreat. Charlotte’s daughter uses the bottom bunk of her bed as a reading nook, complete with a book light, cushions, and throws. Sometimes she even turns it into a makeshift secret den with a blanket curtain.
For families without bunk beds, a simple arrangement of cushions, blankets, and a cosy lamp in a corner can create the same comforting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a book.
6. Add a Proper Wardrobe
As children grow, so does their clothing collection, making a spacious wardrobe a valuable addition to a big girl’s room. Charlotte was fortunate to inherit a beautiful vintage armoire wardrobe that fits seamlessly into her daughter’s space.
With its full-length mirror and ample room for clothes, shoes, and accessories, it offers both style and functionality. A wardrobe like this can serve as a timeless piece that grows alongside your child, making it a practical investment.
7. Upgrade the Artwork Together
Transforming a toddler’s space into a big girl room means reimagining the decor. Charlotte replaced nursery-style pictures with bold, fun prints that suit her daughter’s evolving tastes.
Together, they plan to create a gallery wall over time, adding artwork, photos, and framed memories that reflect her daughter’s unique personality. Involving children in choosing the artwork not only makes them feel connected to their room but also ensures that it becomes a space they truly love.
Pinterest can be a great starting point for gathering inspiration together—create a board to narrow down ideas before letting your child pick their favourites.
Create a Big Girl Bedroom That Grows with Her
Redesigning your child’s room as they move from toddler to “big girl” stage is all about blending function with personal style. Charlotte Kewley’s approach to updating her daughter’s room demonstrates how simple changes, like adding a desk or upgrading storage, can create a space that’s both practical and special. Whether you’re adding a reading nook or curating a gallery wall, the key is to involve your child in the process, helping them feel proud of their new space.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is always available to answer any questions.
