June 2017
“We must offer the child an environment that he can use independently: a small washbench, a chest of drawers with drawers he can open, everyday objects he can handle, a small bed where he can sleep at night under a nice blanket he can fold and spread without help. We must provide him with an environment where he can live and play; thus, we will see him work all day with his hands and eagerly wait to undress himself and lie down on his little bed.”
These are the basic principles of Maria Montessori, an Italian educator and pedagogue who lived at the turn of the 20th century. One of her main topics was the organization and design of environments intended for children, seen as formative spaces. Montessori believed that the home should not be for children, but of children. Today, this is often impossible, but one can start with their room and then proceed with small changes in the rest of the house, depending on the child’s age. The home environment should naturally and playfully promote the independence of the little ones, while also preventing them from getting hurt. This means rethinking furniture and objects according to their needs: miniature, possibly repositionable, furnishings; tables, small chairs, but also shelves and containers that are easily accessible. The space should still be kept spacious to allow for play and movement, with the right furniture, sturdy yet light, without forgetting to choose natural materials: wood for furniture and bed structure, cotton for curtains, sheets, and pillows.
Children love to walk barefoot, so the use of a soft rug is essential, especially for the little ones, and if the house floor is not covered with a particularly warm material – where they can roll around and unleash their desire for freedom, especially.
As for colors, you can get creative, also considering the child’s tastes, and colorful walls and perhaps themed wallpaper are welcome.
Even in the bathroom, autonomy is important; a small step to allow the child access to the toothbrush and soap will grant him greater freedom.
Choosing how to furnish the children’s room is important, but many factors must be considered: the budget, age, and available space. The difference is made by the small details that will make the room welcoming and functional.
