Sabrina Soto levels up her daughter’s room with big-kid style, just in time for kindergarten
The designer and host of Secret Celebrity Renovation shares how to style a kid’s space with room to grow.
About the project:
Celebrity designer Sabrina Soto teamed up with John Longo and Blair Cloughen from West Elm Design Crew to create a bedroom that would foster her daughter Olivia’s imagination from elementary school well into junior high. “Olivia challenged us to get in touch with our inner child for a bit of magic,” says Blair.
On age-neutral kids’ spaces:
“When you look around this space, you can’t really tell how old she is and I like that,” says Sabrina. Before her new big-kid digs, Olivia’s room was full of primary colors and toddler furniture. Olivia—who Sabrina jokes is “five going on 45”—craved a more kindergarten-ready vibe with room to grow. Sabrina wanted something sophisticated that would still spark her imagination.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for their opinion. You want them to have ownership of their room.”
—Sabrina Soto, designer
On building off inspiration:
“Look to textiles,” Sabrina says. “Figure out what the biggest pattern is going to be.” Her daughter chose our Willa Woodland Duvet, which informed the palette for the rest of the room. Sabrina recommends including your kids in the decision-making. “They’re spending so much time there.”
On thinking double-duty:
“When you’re putting together a kid’s space, you have to think well in advance,” says Sabrina. With the help of our Design Crew, she sourced versatile pieces that work double-time and plan for the future:
■ Sleepover HQ: Our Urban Daybed & Trundle serves as a comfy sofa for playtime, plus an obvious spot for sleepovers.
■ Extra seating: With pillows and blankets on top, the Mid-Century Toy Chest makes a welcoming seat for friends or solo reading time.
■ Play space, work space: A coloring corner now, our small-but-mighty Zane Mini Desk will be a homework zone later.
“The right furniture pieces will last forever, and textiles and accessories transform any space when you let your imagination run free.”
—John Longo, West Elm Design Crew
On art that grows with them:
“It’s nice to have elevated pieces in a kid’s space because they can grow into them,” Sabrina says. She blended sculptural art, like the whimsical paper flowers above the toy chest, with framed designs to give the room layers. The beaded print above one of the modern dressers is so age-defying, even Olivia’s aunt wanted one for herself!
Take it from Design Crew: “The nice part about these elements is that they can easily be replaced down the road as Olivia matures,” says John.
On the pros of a visual library:
Sabrina and team installed acrylic bookshelves to house Olivia’s ever-changing collection and also incorporate more color into the room. Previously, her books were stacked in a traditional bookcase, making titles not as easy to find. “She loves being able to see the books that we pick out at the end of the night,” says Sabrina.