Refresh, Restyle - Dec/Jan 2026
How to design a kindergarten classroom for 3-4 year olds
How to design a kindergarten classroom for 3-4 year olds
I remember my nursery school teacher, Mrs Elize de Wet, as if it were yesterday. We had these wonderfully colourful classrooms – the purple table, the red table and the blue table. Each child received their own little plastic water cup to use throughout the year, and when you put it away, it had to be hung in your cubby. I have come full circle, because now I have the opportunity to design the interior of a nursery school!
THE PROJECT
Our client, the owner of the new pre-primary school Ebenezer under construction at Osona Village, requested a 3D rendering of one of the classrooms. Specifically, the classroom designed for children aged 3 to 4 years.
THE STYLE
I decided to go with a Scandinavian-inspired, biophilic classroom design. Therefore, I used light wood flooring and a soft pastel palette. I made use of natural, organic forms and soft textures. Biophilic design brings the outdoors inside, helping the young ones merge nature into their daily reality.
Before
REQUIREMENTS
Create the ideal pre-primary classroom for 3-4 year olds.
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Transform the whole space completely with new furniture & finishes.
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Add enough storage space for toys, arts & crafts and children’s belongings.
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Add a chalkboard for teaching.
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Create space for a teacher’s desk and a carpet for kids to sit on.
SOLUTION
I created a classroom that would be a place for young children to escape from the stresses of adult life – a space where they can lose themselves in their imagination.
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Finishes & colours: I made use of buttercream yellow, sage green, and warm beige tones accompanied by light wood finishes. The lighter colours create a calm atmosphere. I also used matte finishes to reduce the glare on surfaces, which also support a calm sensory experience.
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Furniture & layout: I incorporated child-sized tables and chairs with rounded edges, so that children wouldn’t bump into them and hurt themselves. I chose a tree-shaped bookshelf, which brings in the biophilic design again, but is also a good storage solution. This serves as both a playful focal point and an accessible storage solution. The cabinet has low-level storage units for the children to easily store their belongings.
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Décor accents: I chose bunnies as theme to design the little chairs – to give children a feeling of being in the wild amongst their animal friends. Animal motives were repeated in the curtains & wallpaper. I also decorated the ceiling with clouds & star cut-outs.
After
HOW TO CREATE
How to design a kindergarten classroom for 3-4 year olds.
Furniture - Child-centred proportions. Chair height: 260 mm (child’s feet should rest flat on the floor). Table height: 460 mm. Avoid sharp edges, use curved designs. Choose lightweight furniture.
Colour palette - Soft, natural colours with bright primary colours as accents. Tip: Natural colours and wood textures promote focus and reduce anxiety.
Materials & textures - Choose VOC-free paints, natural wood and non-toxic finishes. Floors should be slip-resistant & easy to clean (vinyl, wood or cork). Use textiles and rugs to absorb noise.
Learning zones & activities -
Creative zone: Arts and crafts tables with access to supplies.
Reading corner: A soft rug, cushions and bookshelves.
Exploration area: Space for building blocks or sensory play.
Group area: Circle-time layout with movable seating.
Biophilic & emotional design - Bring nature in: through plants, natural light and nature motifs. Prioritize texture variety (wood, fabric, soft plush) for different learning techniques. Make use of natural light where possible.
Safety & practicality: - Rounded edges, anti-slip flooring and child-safe door handles. Avoid small removable parts that can be swallowed. Electrical outlets must be covered and adequate ventilation must be provided for.
Aleza Mays
Interior Decorator
Seeking expert interior design advice or consultation? From colour consulting to project renderings, we’ve got you covered.
Contact aleza@housefindernam.com
