Back to School, Back to Calm: A Designer’s Perspective on September BTS!
Seven weeks. (I Know!) That’s how long the summer holidays stretch when you’re balancing work, family, and the never-ending snacks. For many London parents, myself included, September feels like crossing the finish line of a marathon. The first day back at school comes with mixed emotions: relief, nostalgia, pride, and, let’s be honest .. a quiet moment of peace when the house finally falls silent.
This time of year is always a natural reset. Our children return to classrooms, routines fall back into place, and we as parents can begin to reclaim a little headspace. For me, that usually starts with a strong (hot) coffee and a proper tidy-up of the house that’s been well lived-in all summer.
In my work as an interior designer, I often notice that September sparks fresh thinking for families. After weeks of children taking over every corner of the home, parents begin to imagine how their spaces could work harder. Bedrooms that feel chaotic, makeshift study corners, and toy storage spilling into the living room suddenly feel unsustainable for another year.
That’s why children’s interiors have become such an important part of our practice at Born & Bred Studio. A well-designed kid’s room is more than paint colours and playful wallpaper, it’s about creating an environment where a child feels secure, inspired, and proud to invite friends. Done right, it also gives parents back the order and calm they crave.
Some of my favourite projects have been bedrooms that evolve with a child: rooms that balance fun with a quiet corner for homework, storage that actually works, and beds they won’t outgrow within a year. In London especially, where space is at a premium, the challenge is often making one room do it all without feeling cluttered.
So today, as you send your children back with new shoes and sharpened pencils, take a quiet moment to celebrate yourself too. You’ve navigated the long days of summer, and September offers a fresh page. Perhaps even the chance to think about how your home can support your family in this next chapter.
For now, enjoy your tea while it’s still hot. You’ve earned it. Some Kids Inspiration here and here.