When Jessica Chinyelu’s 3-year-old son Jedidiah was ready for his own room and a playroom, the influential Dallas-based lifestyle writer envisioned a bright, modern and multifunctional space that could grow with him. But with two busy careers, Chinyelu and her husband Hilary Anibowei simply didn’t have time to plan the details — or to bring their ideas to life.

“I desired a space that would be easy to change as he grows older and siblings come into the picture,” Chinyelu says. “We wanted a section for him to create music, a corner for him to make lovely art and a little reading nook. And more storage space—Jedi has so many toys.” On the other hand, she adds, “We didn’t want to crowd the rooms because movement is so important for toddlers.” And since the couple is considering homeschooling, they needed pieces that encourage curiosity and learning.

“I was hunting all over Pinterest to find the perfect inspiration, and I wasn’t getting anywhere,” Chinyelu recalls. “When we discovered that Pottery Barn Kids has a complimentary virtual design option, I got really excited.” Enter design expert Shawn Phaby, who turned out to be the perfect creative collaborator.

Phaby looked at the couple’s inspiration boards and their favorite Pottery Barn Kids pieces, and the trio met on Zoom. “We had a great conversation. She asked about colors and fabrics, and our must-haves and no-no’s. She really got a clear understanding of our vision and took it to the next level!”

The couple decided on a modern black-and-white palette, and Phaby helped them create focal points for each space — a geometric wall in the playroom and wallpaper in the bedroom. “The wallpaper took Jedi’s room from plain to luxe, and it worked perfectly on our textured walls. Artwork gives the room color and excitement.”

Phaby suggested furniture with the perfect balance of fun and functionality, like the Camden House Bed. “It’s a statement piece, and we wanted a bed that’s low to the ground because Jedi is such a wild sleeper.” Personalized details make the bed a cozy retreat that captures his personality. “He loves the construction trucks on his bedding, the neon sign and the cars in his lamp. And now he tells everyone he has a house bed!” Acrylic wall shelves keep Jedi’s favorite books at hand for bedtime reading, while a mirror — one of Chinyelu’s must-haves — brightens the space.

When it came to creating a playroom that could double as a classroom, Chinyelu says, “functionality in a small space was key.” Cameron Drawers and shelving provide plenty of storage and clutter-free organization. “It transformed the space, and Shawn selected the cutest baskets to help us keep things tidy. The art table is super, and we spend a great deal of time there as a family, creating art and singing songs.” At the toddler-size easel, Jedi creates art for an ever-evolving display on the magnetic strip.

Now that Jedi is thriving in his updated rooms, Chinyelu has time to reflect. “A child’s space should be a place they want to tell people about and invite their friends to,” she says. “Shawn made the design process easy and took away all of our stress. Jedi loves every detail, and he’s always excited to be in his own personal space.”