Getting your child to sign off on bedroom decor boils down to one rule: Treat them like a collaborator. “Ask them questions about their favorite colors and toys,” says Andrea Mills, an interior design magazine editor who curates an Instagram feed of kids’ rooms. “Let their interests do the heavy lifting.”

If your kid …

… loves art: Forget the fridge. The online store Wallsauce can turn a child’s drawing into peel-and-stick wallpaper. Or use high-gloss white of chalkboard paint on a dedicated surface as a built-in whiteboard. “One contained zone lets creativity run wild without taking over the room,” says Mills.

… is always on the move: Take inspiration from the playground. Mills once saw a bedroom that had a corner climbing wall, the floor padded with soft mats and beanbags. Indoor swings, mounted to ceiling joists, are another favorite. Add wobble boards or small slides that tuck against a wall when not in use.

… loves books: Build a reading nook. Start with a tepee or fabric canopy to mark the space, then add floor cushions and a low shelf so books stay within reach. For kids who like to disappear into a story, bubble chairs or cocoon-style hanging chairs create a hideout feel. For cozy vibes, incorporate soft lighting, like a wall sconce or clip lamp.

… is a collector: Don’t think of their knickknacks as clutter. “If you had a collection of china or spoons, you’d think about how to display it,” says Mills. “It’s the same with kids.” Shallow, wall-mounted shelves can give favorite items their due. Trucks lined up by size or color can read like a graphic installation. Dolls grouped in grids can provide visual rhythm.