Into the Wild: A Safari-Themed Kids’ Room That’s as Playful as It Is Polished
Into the Wild: A Safari-Themed Kids’ Room That’s as Playful as It Is Polished
Image created by Paige Hayes
I should preface this by saying that designing kids rooms is my absolute favorite thing to do. Before I started Hayes & Co., I actually even strongly considered specializing in kids room and nursery design only. But even though that’s not the ultimate journey that was in store for me at the time, I still love to do it! We get to do some really cool kids spaces in Airbnb design, but sometimes I see one furniture or art piece and my imagination runs away, so I have to sit down and build a design around it. When I saw these safari jeep beds, I knew we had the perfect opportunity to go big on storytelling. And what better theme to inspire adventure, curiosity, and creativity than… a safari-themed kids’ room?
From the jungle-inspired wallpaper to the canopy “jeep” beds, every inch of this space was designed to feel like a journey. But don’t worry—it’s not all wild animals and pretend play. We were intentional about balancing whimsy with functionality, creating a space that looks amazing, works hard, and gives kids a sense of magic the moment they walk in. I’ll give you all of the details, including the links to shop this room at the end of the post!
Image created by Paige Hayes
Let’s Talk Design Details
We started with the bold, nature-inspired safari wallpaper as our anchor—it sets the tone without overwhelming the room. Soft greens, warm tans, and playful illustrations of giraffes, monkeys, and elephants give the space depth, movement, and a whole lot of personality.
The twin canopy beds mimic the look of safari jeeps, complete with rope accents and headboard cut-outs that feel rugged but refined. We styled them with rust-colored linens, animal-shaped pillows, and plenty of layered textures for that cozy, collected look.
Between the beds, a sage green nightstand adds a soft pop of color, grounded by a framed photo of sweeping sand dunes (a nod to the African landscape without going full theme park). Overhead, we added woven rattan pendant lights that bring in warmth and natural texture—plus, they look so good against that wallpaper.
Image created by Paige Hayes
Play Meets Purpose
On the opposite wall, we brought in a custom indoor play structure with monkey bars, climbing elements, and a slide—because let’s face it, kids need a space to burn energy just as much as they need a spot to rest. The slide is a favorite feature already, and the whole thing was designed to blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of the room.
There’s also a mint green foldable play sofa (you know the one!) for lounging, building, reading, or diving into an epic pillow fort session. And that lion rug? Total showstopper. It ties the whole room together while adding a pop of color and a sense of fun right at their feet.
Image created by Paige Hayes
Functional + Fabulous
Even though this room is a total adventure zone, we made sure it still works really well for daily life. The walnut dresser offers plenty of closed storage, and the rattan giraffe hamper is as cute as it is practical. Everything has its place, and that makes it so much easier to maintain the magic without the mess.
See this room come to life!
Design That Tells a Story
One of the things I love most about interior design is that every room can tell a story, and this one is all about curiosity, connection, and wonder. It invites kids to explore, play, rest, and dream- without ever leaving the house.
If you’re dreaming of a themed kids bedroom that feels elevated and imaginative (without being too over-the-top), we’d love to help you bring it to life. Whether you’re after a safari theme like this one or want to explore a different destination entirely, we’ll craft a space that’s just as unique as the little ones who live there.
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