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GET SMART WITH KIDS’ FURNITURE DESIGNS

August 16, 2019 | By Julie Constantine


As a professional designer, my clients often rely on me to be in touch with the latest trends and I’m always looking for innovation. With the kids heading back to school soon, there’s no better time to talk about the importance of their rooms.

Science continues to tell us how important a good night’s sleep is and having a welcoming place to study is critical for a student’s success. There are many factors to take into account when designing children’s rooms. While form gets a lot of the attention (and it should), organization, storage, ergonomics, safety and material selection are all elements I take into consideration.

Smartstuff Features

Cord Storage - Reading Light

Color really will set the tone for a room. And no room in the home is more likely to incorporate bolder, richer colors than the kids’ rooms. I strive to provide an opportunity for kids to add personal touches to their room. Overall, I want to create a balanced, well-designed room that is capable of growing along with the child over the years by simply changing out items (bedding, rugs, lamps, artwork, etc.…) as they mature.

I appreciate that modern engineers are creating furniture with functionality and practicality for today’s kids, while also achieving an aesthetically pleasing design. That really is the definition of Good Design! The new smartstuff collection incorporates built-in lighting, charging ports and concealed storage that appeals to today’s youth. If you hate jumbled piles of cords for charging phones, audio devices, etc., then smartstuff has the answer.

Scrimmage Desk - Summer Hill Desk

Scrimmage Desk - Summer Hill Desk

Non-Gender Specific
I like the use of contrasting finishes like wood and metals throughout the smartstuff Scrimmage collection. These combinations can help children as they go through changes in their lives and their potential style preferences. The other great part of smartstuff is the safety aspect. Parents need to know their child’s safety is not compromised by having cool features or the independence to be in their own space.

Scrimmage Collection

Scrimmage Collection

Bunk Beds Kids love bunk beds, like these from the Guys smartstuff collection, because they offer a playful side to their imaginations. I love bunk beds from the design standpoint because they are real space savers. Bunk beds scream ‘FUN!’ and kids can find great versatility with combinations that allow twin and double-bed sizes.

Guys Collection

Guys Collection

Timeless Finishes
The Summer Hill collection by smartstuff offers a beautiful, timeless smooth-white finish that can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces of furniture. The molding details add dimension and character that give it a very rich look. I really appreciate a line that can provide such versatility for storage and ways to organize.

Summer Hill Collection

Summer Hill Collection

Serendipity = Variety
I love the option of mixing and matching finishes from the upholstered fabric on a bed to the wood utilized in the frame. Varying headboard shapes that deviate from the standard rectangles create a feeling of fun and a real chance to be different. In this Serendipity collection by smartstuff, every piece is not repetitive in material/color/finish – a wonderful way to express yourself while also providing plenty of opportunity to seamlessly coordinate and flow additional pieces in.

Today’s kids have more options than ever to stylishly express their personalities in their rooms, while enjoying the convenience of modern technology and the safety that also brings their parents peace of mind.

Serendipity Collection

Serendipity Collection

Julie Constantine - 1st Design Inc

Julie Constantine

Julie Constantine is the principal and lead designer of 1st Design, Inc. in Oak Lawn, IL.
Julie has been operating 1st DESIGN, INC. since 2014. A 2010 graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art,
Julie has more than nine years’ experience in creating distinct interior designs throughout the Chicagoland market.