Jim Caulfield EVP, General Counsel | realtors.com
When Abby and Ross Tennenbaum purchased a vacation home in Suncadia, Washington, they decided to involve their daughters, Ella and Edie, in the interior design process. Working with designer Emily LaMarque, the young girls contributed ideas such as indoor swings and a bunk room. The family's approach reflects a growing trend where children influence home design decisions.
Lynn Stone of Hunter Carson Design notes this shift: “We’ve always talked with our clients’ children... Now we expect the kids to get involved.” This involvement is evident as children share their preferences through digital platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
Stone recounts various requests from young clients, including Goop-designed chairs and Gucci wallpaper. However, budget constraints often require setting limits on extravagant desires.
In Manhattan Beach, Neeraj Rotondo hired Stone and Mandy Gregory to update her son's bedroom. Her daughters also participated by redesigning the media room inspired by Khloé Kardashian's theater room. The project cost $42,000.
Khoi Vo of the American Society of Interior Designers supports children's involvement in design for family communication but advises recognizing practical constraints. Houston designer David Euscher attributes increased awareness of living spaces to the pandemic's impact.
Wendy Becktold from Berkeley engaged Nureed Saeed for her son Simon's bedroom makeover. Simon expressed his style preferences during the project which cost around $10,000. Saeed observes that society increasingly values children's opinions in design matters.
Emily LaMarque describes how she integrates children's interests into designs without compromising practicality or parental oversight. One client requested specific furniture arrangements for her music-themed room.
The trend highlights how families are navigating design projects with input from younger members while balancing creativity with feasibility.
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