Crafting a Sensory-Friendly Bedroom: An Interview with Carolyn Feder Gold

Designing bedrooms for highly sensitive children requires a deep understanding of interior design and sensory issues. This is why one of our first consultations at The Wallpaper Kids was with the founder of the renowned firm Sensory Interior Design, now The Gold Touch. Since then, we have been so fortunate to have sought Carolyn Feder Gold for her guidance and expertise throughout our journey. We sat down to learn more about her career, unique gifts and how she helps parents in creating healthy environments for their little ones.

​“Designing lovely spaces is a gift, creating surroundings that enhance lives, a privilege.” – Carolyn Feder Gold

Q: Carolyn, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Let's start with the beginning of your journey. What inspired you to pursue interior design and develop the concept of Sensory Interior Design?

My pleasure. Let me begin by saying that when I was in the first grade, my insightful, loving mom concluded that conventional school was definitely not my happy place. Fortunately, that happened just as her best friend had decided to open an art school for children. I loved it. Every Thursday afternoon, I couldn’t wait to enter the turquoise-tiled building, reach the fourth floor and spend a couple of hours in her sunlit studio. That sensory paradise opened the gates to my imagination and creativity, where ideas could turn into something tangible. Our teacher, a well-known artist, arranged for yearly exhibits in fine galleries, showcasing our works. A journalist and photographer always attended so that a few days later we could appear in an article in the top newspaper.

Looking back, how incredibly validating. She gave each of us the confidence to express ourselves and to do it through art. Fast forward, I flourished in design school, surrounded by classmates from all over the world. As a professional, I’ve had the fortune of participating in every facet of my industry: new construction, remodelling, full design, furnishing and accessorizing homes and staging properties for sale. Throughout the years, what kept showing up was how upset my clients got at the prospect of change and fearing the unknown. Their indecisions caused numerous delays although I found one aspect particularly intriguing, their apprehension of colour. That discomfort and anxiety inspired me create a unique specialty where all senses would be considered in the decision making, all concerns would be discussed and dealt with, before any work was to begin. This process proved to be reassuring and the results exceeded their expectations.

This approach happened to resonate with families of children on the autism spectrum, due to their many aversions and sensitivities. The best way to explain the concept of sensory interior design is that it’s a practice containing a perfect blend of classic interior design, space planning, empathy and brain science. With a sensory gift known as synaesthesia, which helps me pick up on certain nuances that are problematic in a room, issues are brought to the surface and ways to correct them. After that, the fun begins. My practice is very hands-on so when that isn’t possible, I’m grateful for videoconferencing, since it allows me to brainstorm and assist clients in real-time, regardless of the country they live in.

Q. What does sensory friendly mean and how does it reflect when it comes to designing a child’s bedroom?

Spaces devoted to children are meant to be places of refuge, catering to their sensory wellbeing. Days begin and end in bedrooms and how they are set up greatly influences our life, from how easily we fall asleep to how well rested and focused we awake. One can recognize a sensory friendly room if upon entering, you smile and then exhale. That’s because the harmony and balance it emanates makes us feel good. Whereas an unfriendly room might put out an uncomfortable or unsettling vibe. If you can’t relate to either of these examples, perhaps you recognize what it's like when a child avoids or flat out refuses to be in their own room. Or when one moment they’re fine and the next they go into a full meltdown as bedtime is mentioned. If this passes at the mention of sleeping on the sofa, with a sibling or with the parents, then there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. This routine is highly disruptive and exhausting for the entire family. So barring any other issues including those that are behavioural, it may be a good idea to have the child’s bedroom assessed by an expert. This is how sensory irritants are identified, most of which are hiding in plain sight.

Our process relies on educating parents by discussing reactions (negative) and responses (positive) to lighting, colours, shapes, textures, scents and sounds. This is essential when it comes to creating a sensory friendly room given that each of these elements, on their own and together, are directly correlated to a child’s mood, sense of safety, focus, etc. Since everyone’s needs and their rooms are different, you will never hear us suggest a quick fix or a one-size-fits- all solution. Our recommendations are always well thought out and personalized, leading to lovely surroundings that are taken care of without any remodelling. What is required of parents is an open mind and cooperation because applying our tried-and-true principles aren’t enough unless they are maintained. Consistency is what solidifies the transformation. Our methodology is life-altering and motivating, which is why it tends to spread throughout the home.

Q. Can a child design their own space? If so, can you explain how the process works?

If the child is old enough to offer input, the answer is yes and no. I say this because children and adults will always go for whatever is being marketed to them. When a parent gives in to doing what others want their child to like, it prevents them from developing their own tastes and personality. This is particularly relevant in today’s climate where everything is over the top. The louder the sounds, the brighter the colours and the bolder the patterns, the better. You’ll see this with toys, games, clothing, bedding, school supplies, food packaging and so on. Unfortunately, just like eating candies, cookies and cakes all day long, full of toxic chemicals, void of nutrition, the latest and greatest ‘look’ is equally overstimulating and damaging. Exposure for even a short amount of time can cause a child to feel drained or agitated or even achey, some of the many symptoms brought on by sensory overload. So yes, we should encourage our children to express themselves, but only once they’re equipped with information we have shared with their parents. Partnering with families is to empower them to make sound decisions and reach compromises, as they do with everything else.

Q. Should a bedroom have more than one function? And if so, how can parents accomplish this in a single space?

Absolutely! In fact, we strongly encourage that concept. It’s vital for children to use every inch of their room during the day, so they know what and where everything is. We want them to relate to their space positively, especially when they’re in their room, at night. A child’s room should always be a source of comfort and enjoyment. That being said, infants’ bedrooms are much simpler to conceptualize since their needs are basic. But sooner than later the room will need to be adapted as they develop, and efficient space planning is essential to the process. Selections should definitely be pleasing to the eye but also comfortable and pleasurable to touch.

We created a fun acronym to remind parents of the functions a child’s bedroom should provide. SPELL stands for: Sleep, Play, Explore, Live, Love. In addition to a comfortable bed, there should be open floor space to spread out and play. There should be accessible storage so the child can participate in tidying up. Setting up a cosy, little corner in which to curl up, decompress, rest, enjoy music and read is always a welcomed addition. If there isn’t sufficient space for this, the bed should come with a solid headboard as opposed to none, or ones with rails which are not very comfortable. Also avoid too many of those irresistibly cute, decorative pillows, they always end up on the floor. A small table and chairs is great for younger children for learning, playing, dry art projects, etc. For someone older, substitute this with a desk and comfortable chair to sit in for doing homework. This area, in particular, needs to be kept organized and clutter-free to avoid distractions and promote greater focus.

Q. What should parents be mindful of when choosing a wallpaper for their children’s bedroom and/or playroom?

One must avoid what is being promoted as cool and trendy and opt for what is practical, sensory healthy and age appropriate. It is heart-breaking to have to inform parents that though they had the best of intentions decorating their child’s room, their selections are what has been causing the distress and affecting their wellbeing. To avoid such situations, colour schemes and wallpaper themes are important considerations. One should avoid anything with primaries, as in pure red, yellow and blue nor highlighter, acid colours and crowded patterns. Interestingly, our brain has a built-in system which signals that gentle, rounded shapes and soft colours are soothing, therefore safe. This is why we should favour them when decorating for younger children. Though an older neuro-typical child can be exposed to somewhat stronger colours, straight lines and angles, it’s best to use them in moderation, so as not to cause them too much agitation.

Q. What are the benefits of using wallpaper in children’s spaces?

There are many. Now that we’ve covered how patterns and colours affect us emotionally and physiologically, we must be mindful that a child’s surroundings need to send a message of companionship and reassurance. As a big fan of wallpaper and paint on walls and ceilings, which we like referring to as the fifth wall, the idea of having a child surrounded by evocative designs and delicious colours, is delightful. The final results might convey that they’re living their fondest dream or spending time in their favourite picture book. Developmentally, wallpaper can serve as an educational tool used for learning colours and shapes, counting, learning about features and facial expressions in people and animals, identifying objects, modes of transportation, nature, developing a sense of humour and whimsicality, etc. We discourage adding anything over the paper itself, in a child’s room. Meaning, no drawings, pictures, posters, and so forth. Designate another area in a hallway and treat it like a rotating collection in a museum. Cluttering walls in child’s bedroom is disruptive and defeats the purpose of using carefully thought out designs whose sole purpose is to spark a child’s imagination, create ambiance, tell a story and inspire your child to come up with their own.

Our conversation with Carolyn offers insight into the importance of her work, including designing spaces tailored to the sensory sensitive. Over the years she has been highly effective in creating colourful, pleasing, calming spaces for clients ranging from infancy to adulthood, who are neuro-typical and neuro-diverse. Combining her areas of expertise along with synaesthesia, where one sense produces a sensation in another, she’s known for transforming ‘hostile’ spaces into healthy environments. For further expert advice and to delve deeper into Carolyn's practice, feel free to reach out to her via email: sensoryinteriordesigner@yahoo.com and visit her website: thegoldtouch.net.