How to Create a Themed Room

Creating a tastefully themed room can be tricky in interior design. We want the room to reflect the concept, but don’t want to go overboard. We’ve compiled our top tips to help you create your next themed room! 

 

Some of our favorite places to incorporate themes are in Airbnb’s, children’s bedrooms, playrooms and nurseries. Here’s a look at a ski-themed Airbnb we decorated in Salt Lake City.

1. Choose your theme wisely

When you’re choosing a theme, select something that really resonates with your personality and interests. Consider something that is inspired by your favorite destination, hobby, or era in history. Having a themed room will be a great excuse to display souvenirs or memorabilia. 

2. Create a color palette

The color palette is often a great place to make the theme your own. Play around with the key colors of your theme and experiment with different shades and tones to add depth to your theme. 

 

For example, if you’re thinking about a Micky Mouse theme, instead of bright red and a high-contrast white, consider doing a maroon, mustard, and cream. 

This first Elsa room falls a little flat because only one shade of blue is being used. By building out the color palette into multiple shades of blue and silver, with some pink accents, the second room feels better. 

One of my favorite tips for creating a full color palette is Pinterest! Search, for example, “green and yellow color palette” and you’ll get hundreds of ideas with different shades of green and yellow, as well as accent colors to add in. 

3. Think about textures

Texture is so important in creating a theme. They help to create the feeling of the theme without going over the top. I like to imagine that textures are “showing” the theme, instead of “telling” the theme. Instead of outright having pictures of what you’re going for, bringing in textures that represent the theme will help create that depth and make it feel more designed.

 

 

Think about the feeling the theme you’re working with invokes. For this ski cabin, we thought about cozy textures that make you want to curl up at the end of a long snowy day. Plaids, flannels, wool, and warm toned woods can bring in those vibes. 

 

 

In this princess room, the ruffles on the rug, the flowy, draped fabric, and the scallop trim are all very reminiscent of dresses worthy of a ball! These types of textures fit perfectly here. 

I love how this equestrian themed room used leather (a common saddle material), simple metals, and vintage woods (reminiscent of an old stable) to bring in those horse themes. 

This safari themed room used a canvas tent bed. It reminds me of the canvas Jeeps used for safaris! 

3. Maintain Functionality

It’s fun to get swept up in a theme, but be sure not to sacrifice the functional aspects of the room. Think about how you want to live in the space and what will make your life easier. More storage? More light? Open space for playing on the floor? 

This stack of suitcases functions as a great piece of storage and also plays into the aviation/travel theme.

I love that this circus play room used a tent to surround the ball pit. A super great way to include a fun toy, keep the balls more contained, and bring in elements of the theme. 

4. Accessorize Thoughtfully

Time to add those finishing touches! Adding in themed accessories like artwork, hardware, and accents that give subtle call backs to the theme will give depth and interest to the room. Be creative when thinking about hooks, art, door knobs, lighting, and shelving. 

This horse bit used as a curtain tie-back is a neat accessory in an equestrian themed room.

Instead of artwork, I love how this beach themed house used vintage life jackets as wall art. 

The shell pillow on the floor is truly the perfect touch in this ocean oasis nursery!

5. Embrace your creativity

Whether you just want a subtle theme, or you plan on jumping in with two feet, don’t forget to have fun with it! Themed spaces are representations of what you love most, so put your heart into the design. 

 

Don’t be afraid to commit, experiment with new technique, and be adventurous! 

If you’re looking for help for your next themed room, feel free to drop us a line and we can chat!

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