Design by Anderson Wier Studio | Photo by Robert Radifera

Children's spaces can be extra-fun to design, but when making a commitment to a permanent fixture like tile, it's hard to know just how fun to go. We've rounded up kids' spaces from some of our favorite designers who know how to strike the perfect balance between playful for now and still appropriate for later down the road.

Play Up Pattern

The mosaic tile floor and subway-style wainscot feel at once classic and fresh in this sweet bath by designer Lori Anderson Wier, but it's the acid-green vanity that really takes the room up a notch. Even still, we can imagine everyone from a teen boy to a sophisticated guest appreciating the historical nod and of-the-moment balance in this space.

Shop our Similar Style: RT Penny, Big Subway Grey

Design by Studio McGee | Photo by Lucy Call

Add a Touch of Color

If your kids' bath does double duty as a guest space, choosing a childish theme may be out of the question. Instead, break up a serious space with just a touch of color, as design team Studio McGee illustrated in this young girl's bath. The marble herringbone on the floor and classic white subway keep the room feeling timeless and sophisticated enough to grow along with its occupant.

Shop our Similar Styles: Classic White Gloss Ceramic, Handcraft Square, Herringbone Carrara Mosaic 

Design by Studio Shamshiri | Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson

Commit to Color

One way to keep the design straight-forward and the maintenance simple (hello, 100% wipeable space) is to go all-in on one material. It recalls the 1950's bathrooms clad in yellow, green, or pink, but the color variation in the tile keeps it textural and interesting and the simple stack is decidedly modern.

Shop our Similar Style: Makoto Arashi Blue

Design by Katie Monkhouse Interiors

Create Pattern

The options for laying rectangular tile are nearly endless, and can make a strong decorative statement. In this bath, designer Katie Monkhouse specified sets of four tiles laid in a cross-hatch pattern, which brings an unexpected twist to the classic tile shape.

Shop our Similar Style: Makoto Kumo Gray, 2" Hexagon Calacatta Gold

Design by Lexi Westergard | Photo by John Woodcock 

Keep it Simple

A simple combination of subway tile (here in a warm griege with a complimentary grout) and a penny tile on the floor means there is room to make fun choices like blue cabinetry and colorful vintage runner. 

Shop our Similar Style: Chelsea Sabbia, RT Penny White Matte

Need help choosing a grout color? Check out our how-to for inspiration.