Designing Inspiring Spaces

Medina King: I’m an interior designer of kids’ spaces and the creative director of MK Kids Interiors, a London-based interior design company. I specialize in kids’ bedrooms, playrooms, and more.

MK: When I was a kid, I really enjoyed art and fashion. I drew figures dressed up in different attires and still lifes. I remember going to the school library and opening a large book listing occupations. I went to the “creative” section, and the requirements for a job in fashion said you needed an eye for detail. Because at the time I wore glasses—and still do—I thought I needed to see without glasses to have a career in fashion! So I chose interior design, the next career on the list. I studied interior design at the University of the Arts in London.  

MK: I ask clients what’s important in their daily lives. Some say family time. Some say music or play. With this information, I create spaces to accommodate their lifestyles. How kids play and interact informs my designs. For a playroom that we designed, I went into the room and thought, What would I really like as a child in this room? I zoned the space according to learning styles. There was an art-making table, a secret hideout, a sensory ball pit, music and dancing games, a blackboard, and a stage. 

MK: I’m based in the United Kingdom. The weather’s not great. It’s always looking like it’s about to rain, it’s always cold, and you can’t really predict that you’re going to go outside and play next week. We design rooms so that kids can be entertained indoors. For example, we once created an indoor grassy area. We laid artificial turf and built an indoor slide. It was like bringing the outside in. 

MK: Color is really important because it adds visual interest to a space. Kids need color, and they respond to it. If they are drawn to a particular color, then I think that it should be in their space. When some families don’t like too much color, we try to keep the room a neutral canvas and add pops of color in the accessories, art, and furnishings. I’m inspired by colors in nature, and I’m drawn to vibrant colors.

MK: We meet with clients for a creative consultation. We find out what they like and take measurements of the space. Then we put together the concept design—a document of ideas and layouts. We draw up a floor plan with the finishes, create a mood board, develop 3-D visuals of the space, and make a shopping list of items. Once we order everything, we arrange for installation. We install furnishings and flooring and style the space. We leave the kids happy and giggling. 

MK: I love seeing kids enjoy the spaces and how it changes their lives and well-beings. For a room that we designed recently for a young girl, we put in this large, soft, fluffy rug. I try to incorporate tactile elements as much as possible. The mom later said that the whole family uses that room, and that it’s the favorite room in the house. I think that’s the highlight of my career because it shows that we’re improving lives and quality time.