The power of a child’s space: how design nurtures emotional wellbeing and growth

We hear from Reem Shakarchi, Founder & Creative Director of The Wallpaper Kids in Dubai, on designing rooms that nurture emotional wellbeing and growth, and how thoughtful design can shape a child’s confidence, sleep, and sense of self.

After seeing the transformative effect of a personalised bedroom on her own son, Reem set out to rethink how we design for children.

What inspired you to create The Wallpaper Kids, and was there a moment when you realised children’s spaces needed more thoughtful design?

The inspiration for The Wallpaper Kids began at home, when my husband painted a mural in our son’s bedroom. He took our son’s interests and passions at the time and transformed them into a story on the walls, something entirely personal and made just for him.

What struck me most wasn’t just the mural itself, but the impact it had on our son. He felt seen and heard, as though his opinions mattered and who he was as a person truly mattered. That sense of recognition had a noticeable effect on his confidence and self-esteem, and it made me realise just how powerful a child’s environment can be.

That moment led me to explore this idea more deeply. Through research into child development, emotional wellbeing, and sensory design, I began to understand how crucial it is to consider the imagery, colours, and materials we place in children’s spaces. From there, The Wallpaper Kids was born – with the aim of creating rooms that don’t just look beautiful, but actively support a child’s sense of identity, imagination, and emotional growth.

You place children’s development and wellbeing at the heart of your designs. Why do you think the environments children grow up in matter so much?

Children today are growing up in a very different world to the one we knew, one filled with constant stimulation, digital noise, and social pressures. Because of that, the spaces they return to at the end of the day matter more than ever. A child’s room should feel like a safe haven – a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and connected to themselves, their family, and their values.

Children’s perceptions are also continually evolving, particularly in the early years. Imagery that feels playful and comforting during the day can take on a very different meaning at night, and certain colours, patterns, or overly complex visuals can feel overstimulating or even disorienting. Thoughtful design helps avoid this, creating environments that feel reassuring rather than overwhelming.

Just as adults need spaces where they feel comfortable and at ease, children need environments that support emotional safety, happiness, and a sense of belonging. When a child feels settled in their surroundings, they’re better able to rest, play, imagine, and ultimately thrive.

How do children respond differently to spaces designed with their developmental needs in mind?

Children often respond with greater calm, confidence, and engagement when a space is designed specifically for their developmental stage. They tend to play more independently, focus for longer, and form a stronger emotional connection to their surroundings. When a room reflects a child’s sensory needs, interests, and sense of self, it helps them feel safe, seen, and supported – which in turn supports emotional regulation, creativity, and self-esteem.

What design elements do you consciously avoid when creating wallpapers for bedrooms?

We consciously avoid design elements that could feel unsettling or overstimulating, particularly at night. This includes heavy shadows, overly dark or intense contrasts, and, where possible, open or staring eyes in characters or animals. When we include realistic animals, we keep them smaller in scale, so they feel friendly rather than overwhelming once the lights go down. We’re also very intentional about spacing – our patterns are designed with enough breathing room between elements, allowing children to comfortably absorb each detail without feeling visually overloaded. The goal is always to create a space that feels calm, reassuring, and emotionally safe for rest.

For parents struggling with bedtime routines, how can a thoughtfully designed space help?

A thoughtfully designed bedroom can play a powerful supporting role in bedtime routines by helping a child’s nervous system naturally slow down. Calm colour palettes, gentle imagery, and uncluttered visuals create a sense of safety and predictability, which helps children feel more settled as the day winds down. When a space feels comforting rather than stimulating, children are more able to relax, regulate their emotions, and transition into sleep. Over time, this consistency can make bedtime feel less like a battle and more like a reassuring ritual – a familiar environment that gently signals it’s time to rest.

How do you design wallpapers that grow with a child, rather than feeling quickly outgrown?

We focus on creating timeless, story-driven designs rather than following age-specific trends. By embedding layers of meaning into the artwork – through narrative, gentle details, and thoughtful colour palettes – the wallpaper grows with the child. Younger children can engage with the characters and storytelling, while older children begin to notice finer details or connect more deeply with the themes. We carefully balance playfulness with sophistication, so the space evolves naturally as a child grows instead of feeling outgrown. At the same time, we celebrate childhood fully – embracing whimsy, magic, and imagination – because children should be free to explore, dream, and play. They’ll have plenty of time for “grown-up” spaces later.

What common design mistakes do you see in children’s bedrooms that can actually disrupt sleep?

A common mistake is prioritizing aesthetics over function. Overly bright or stimulating colours, busy patterns, or excessive décor can make a room feel chaotic. Large, realistic animals with open eyes or sharp teeth can unintentionally frighten children at night, especially when shadows from nightlights fall across the walls. Too much screen exposure or fluorescent lighting can also disrupt natural sleep rhythms. A child’s bedroom should feel calm, cozy, and safe – a space to unwind, dream, and recharge. Thoughtful use of colour, texture, and soft lighting can make a huge difference in supporting healthy sleep habits.

What advice would you give parents who feel overwhelmed by choice when designing their child’s room?

My advice is to keep it simple and start by listening to your child – their interests, favourite colours, and what sparks their imagination. You don’t need to fill the whole room with décor; sometimes one feature wall – whether it’s wallpaper, a painted wall, or a collection of framed art prints – is all it takes to bring magic, personality, and playfulness into their space while keeping it calm and functional.