Designer Spotlight - Samantha from Hey Montgomery on Kids' Interiors Tips

When it comes to creating beautiful and functional spaces for kids, Samantha from Hey Montgomery knows exactly how to strike the perfect balance. Specialising in kids' interiors, she brings creativity, practicality, and a touch of magic to every room she designs. Read on as she shares her top insights on designing inspiring spaces that grow with your child.

For homes with limited space, what are your top design tips for effectively combining a functional bedroom with a playful area in one room?

In a small space, it’s all about zoning and utilising certain areas effectively. Before taking any design steps, we take into consideration the quantity of various items the space needs to hold. For example, toy and book quantity and size, as well clothing storage. I like to think forward about how the space and child needs will change over the years. From there, I will integrate vertical, collapsable, foldable, and convertible storage in the spaces accordingly. Topics for thought in small spaces:

1. Opt for Multi-functional Furniture: Choose furniture that serves several purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage or a desk that doubles as a play surface.
2. Use Rugs or Shelving for Zoning: Separate the sleeping area from the play zone by using rugs, shelving units, or curtains. This creates clearly defined spaces without the need for walls.
3. Maximise Vertical Space: Make the most of vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves for books, toys, or decorative items, keeping the floor space open for play.
4. Foldable or Stackable Furniture: Choose foldable or stackable furniture that can be easily stored when not in use. For example, a foldable table can be used for arts and crafts but tucked away against a wall to create more room for play.
5. Under-bed Storage and Play Area: Make use of under-bed storage to keep toys tidy or design a pull-out drawer beneath the bed that can double as a hidden play area or toy box.
6. Light Colours and Mirrors: Light, neutral colours and mirrors can help make a small room feel larger, giving the impression of more space for both rest and play.

By first focusing on functionality and then layering in creativity and organisation, you can seamlessly transform a small kid's room into a playful and practical space.

You often use wallpaper in your designs—how do you choose one that grows with a child over time?

I have always loved wallpaper, and as a child, I enjoyed selecting it for my own bedrooms, so it’s something that has stayed with me over the years. I believe wallpaper adds an extra layer of depth to a room. When designing children’s spaces, I prefer to choose classic patterns that can last for many years. I advise against picking wallpaper based on a child’s current favourite theme, as their interests often change quickly. It’s better to opt for something simple and timeless.

What are your top 3 favourite brands for kids' furniture and decor, and why do you love them?

Nobodinoz (Nobody Knows): I’m absolutely obsessed with their soft furnishings for children’s spaces. Their products are modern yet timeless, making them versatile enough to work in various rooms, not just children’s areas. They’ve recently introduced a repurposing and recycling option for used goods, which I love—it’s great to see them thinking ahead and helping parents recycle children’s homeware.