Designing Classic Rooms with Beloved Characters
You’ve probably never thought of Mickey Mouse or Batman as design muses, but done right, beloved characters can bring a sense of magic and joy to a child’s room. That said, I’ll admit this upfront: I will most likely cringe when a client requests a character-themed room. However, as a parent to a toddler, I get it. It’s their favorite, they’ve been asking for it, and let’s face it—it’ll make them happy. If you fall into this category, rest assured, I’ll guide you toward some ideas that’ll avoid the dreaded overly themed, overly colorful look and instead create something stylish and intentional.
Incorporating these icons isn’t just about creating whimsy—it’s about capturing your little one’s personality in a way that feels timeless and sophisticated. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—some prefer subtle touches, while others lean into bold, show-stopping design elements. The truth is, with the right vision and execution, even the most playful character can feel modern and elevated. With nostalgia making a strong comeback, decorating with characters from your own childhood offers a sense of familiarity and comfort to both parents and kids. Whether you’re going subtle or going bold, here’s how to embrace classic characters in a way that celebrates your child’s favorites while creating a stylish and enduring space.
1. CHOOSE Your Focus Character(s)
Choose one or two characters to highlight and let them guide your design theme. Avoid incorporating too many different ones, which can make the space feel scattered. For example, a room inspired by Alice in Wonderland could feature subtle nods like a rabbit-ears table lamp, a teacup display, or whimsical wallpaper with keyhole patterns.
In this example below, designed by Centered By Design- principal designer Claire Staszak demonstrates the power of a single bold element by creating a focal wall with Peter Pan-themed wallpaper. The wallpaper, featuring an illustrative depiction of Neverland, sets the tone for the entire room without the need for additional themed decor. By keeping the furniture and other decorative elements minimal and neutral, the wallpaper takes center stage and lets the magical theme speak for itself.
Design: Centered by Design
2. BALANCE BOLD WITH NEUTRAL
Decide how much of a statement you want to make. Do you want a room that’s understated with elegant nods to your child’s favorite character, or are you ready to go all-in with bold, oversized elements that capture their love for the theme? Your choice will set the tone for the rest of the design. Once you’ve chosen your focus, balance is key. If you opt for something dramatic, like a floor-to-ceiling themed mural or wallpaper—let that be the star of the room. Alternatively, for those who love going bold, consider the striking design technique of color drenching. This involves committing to one color across multiple surfaces, such as pairing red striped wallpaper with red carpet and red upholstery. Add a single bold feature, like a framed Mickey Mouse print, to tie the design together. Whether bold or subtle, ensure the surrounding elements complement the statement pieces—neutral furniture and decor can help the room feel intentional and avoid visual clutter or overstimulation.
Let Bold Elements Shine
If you love making a statement, choose a bold design technique to anchor the room and create a striking focal point.
One dramatic option is color drenching—select a single color and apply it across multiple elements, such as red striped wallpaper, a coordinating red carpet, and red upholstery. Add a bold feature, like a framed Mickey Mouse print, to tie the look together and make the design feel intentional and cohesive.
Alternatively, a large-scale mural featuring a character’s world, like Peter Pan’s Neverland or Winnie the Pooh’s enchanted forest, can be another stunning centerpiece.
For a playful yet stylish touch, consider a life-size plush or sculptural piece of a beloved character as a show-stopping decor element.
Whatever bold choice you make, balance is key. Surround the statement features with understated and neutral accents to prevent the space from feeling overstimulating. For instance, pairing colorful, character-themed elements with clean-lined furniture and simple bedding ensures the room feels vibrant yet harmonious.
Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard // Photography: Douglas Friedman
INCORPORATE SUBTLE CHARACTER ELEMENTS
For those who prefer understated charm, look to subtle ways to honor beloved characters:
Use original or vintage-inspired sketches or prints. A single comic book style print as shown below left, is enough to showcase the theme.
Add decor pieces that nod to the theme without being overly literal, such as honeycomb patterns for a Pooh-inspired room or a starry ceiling for a Peter Pan theme. As shown below right, Emily Del Bello framed a hand-embellished, mixed-media print by Sean Sullivan.
These small, thoughtful touches are perfect for maintaining a subtle sophistication.
3. Blend Character Details with Timeless Patterns
Patterns and textures can bring character themes to life in an elevated way. Pair character elements with timeless design staples like stripes, polka dots, or florals. For example, if your child loves Winnie the Pooh, try pairing a subtle honeycomb-patterned rug with Pooh-themed throw pillows. This layered look feels cohesive and sophisticated while still giving a nod to their favorite storybook friend.
4. OPT FOR QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
A few thoughtfully chosen character pieces often have a greater impact than an overload of themed décor. High-quality items like a beautifully illustrated storybook mural or handcrafted character figurines can make the space feel curated rather than chaotic. Plus, these special pieces can become cherished keepsakes down the road.
5. Add Modern, Artistic Touches
For an elevated and editorial feel, incorporate modern decor inspired by the character. For instance, you could opt for abstract or minimalist character art, like a minimalist sketch of Minnie Mouse, framed in black and gold, hung above a modern dresser. Or imagine a striking watercolor mural of The Hundred Acre Wood from Winnie the Pooh, rendered in soft, dreamy tones, acting as a breathtaking focal point for the room. These pieces don’t just pay homage to the character—they become art in their own right, drawing the eye and sparking conversation. This keeps the design chic and polished.
6. TIE IT TOGETHER WITH Thematic Colors
Choose a cohesive color scheme that reflects your character's palette and weave those tones throughout the space. For instance, a bold mix of deep reds, navy blues, and crisp whites to capture Spider-Man’s energy. Use striped navy wallpaper for an urban feel, layer in red bedding, and add accents like white shelving or metallic decor to nod to the web-slinging superhero without overwhelming the space. While jewel-toned accents, such as sapphire drapes or emerald-green throws, subtly nod to a Disney princess theme. By drawing inspiration from the character’s world without being overly literal, this approach ensures the room feels balanced, cohesive, and effortlessly stylish.
7. MAKE IT FUN, BUT KEEP IT CHIC
Balance playfulness with sophistication by grounding the space in timeless, well-crafted furniture. A neutral crib, sleek dresser, or classic canopy bed acts as a refined backdrop, allowing whimsical character details to enhance the design without overwhelming it. This thoughtful approach keeps the space stylish while embracing a touch of childhood magic.
Design: Ash Wilson Design // Photography: Donal Murphy
Creating Spaces Full of Joy
A classic room with beloved character details can strike the perfect balance between playful and timeless. By layering in character accents thoughtfully and prioritizing quality and versatility, you’ll create a space that both you and your child will love for years to come. From nursery days to big-kid milestones, these rooms will continue to be a space where magical memories are made!