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Most parents would like to create a fun, happy environment for their child that is a lot more than just a room for sleeping. In order to accomplish this, it is important to engage in a little careful planning before making decorating decisions.
The first thing to consider is your child’s child and what stage, or category, he or she falls into. There are about four main groups: Baby Nursery, Toddler-Preschool, Elementary and the Preteen-Teenager. When your child progresses to the next group, you will probably want to consider redecorating, or at least making a few age-appropriate changes. Choosing neutral tones, in terms of paint colors, will make change easier, and should be considered if you have a limited budget.
Nursery necessities:
Most expectant parents have the nursery designed and planned, and the
majority of items selected well in advance. By the time this little
bundle of joy arrives, the room is a perfect little world waiting for
him or her, especially if parents learn the baby’s sex before
decorating.
The basic, necessary items for the nursery include: the crib, changing
table, rocker and plenty of storage. Consider convertible cribs that
can accommodate the growth of your child to toddler and beyond. By
exchanging pieces, they can be converted to a youth bed that is perfect
for a toddler. Also, look at the changing table to see if it will work
well as a chest for storage later. The rocker can be used for many
years for reading to your child and, eventually, they will grow into it
themselves.
Additional storage, such as a bookcase or armoire, would also be
convenient. There are some great new bookcases designed with pullout
storage containers for toys and small objects.
Selecting A Style:
It is always helpful to select a style and a theme for a child’s room. If your home is mostly decorated with traditional furnishings you will probably want that look for the nursery. A typical nursery is often designed with soft variations of greens, blues and yellows. If a girl is on the way, many choose to use pinks and lavenders.
You will also notice the more traditional furniture is being shown in dark cherry, light maple and white. Some of the more popular cribs are the sleigh bed style, the cottage look and the ever-popular Jenny Lind style. The newer introductions seen this year are wrought iron antique replicas, Victorian ornate designs and even a clever round crib manufactured by All Things Creative. There are also some simpler more modern cribs available for those with a contemporary preference.
Theme Decorating:
The use of themes when decorating kids’ rooms is a very easy way to begin your project. If you find a set of bedding that is especially appealing, that would be an excellent place to start. Many manufacturers have pillows, window coverings and various accessories for walls and decorating the room. Some of the most popular themes for girls’ nurseries are garden themes, butterflies, dragonflies and flowers. Boys themes include boats, planes, trains, frogs, teddy bears, and sports.
 As you progress into decorating for the next age group, you will want to ask for their input so that the room is one they can be proud of. It is helpful to the elementary age children to show them pictures in catalogues or by going to the Internet and getting options to select from.
Find out their favorite colors and try to incorporate their interests into the theme of the room. If you have a soccer player, he or she might want something in the room about that sport, such as rug designed with a sports theme. If you have a ballerina, consider artwork such as a poster of a recent ballet performance along with dreamy shear fabrics decorating her windows.
Murals and hand-painted accents on the walls have become very popular. Maybe your young lady would like a castle and beautiful fantasy painted on the wall. Perhaps your young man would prefer a nautical theme with boats sailing into the sunset. The options are endless and, with the help of a professional artist, your room will be unique and special to your child.
If the bright bold colors and more contemporary furnishings appeal to your child, there will be lots to choose from. With the furniture manufacturers showing more sleek modern lines during the last few years it has affected children’s’ furnishings also. Some of the more brilliant colors could be used as an accent color to add a little pizzazz to the room. The brighter colors are appealing to most ages and it is thought that the infant shows more interest in these colors.
If you are decorating for a preteen or teenager, you should go shopping together so the products can be selected together. The budget will have to be kept in mind and lots of compromising will be in order. The themes for this age group usually have more of a grown up look and often incorporate favorite colors and the current trends. If your teen wants posters, think about having them custom framed and color coordinated to the room.
One of the more popular styles for teenagers’ rooms is the retro 70’s theme with colorful bold geometric fabrics. This works well with simple furniture. Consider skipping the headboard and hanging fabric behind the bed, or paint a bold design to accent the bed. Shopping at thrift stores, or second hand furniture stores usually appeals to this age group and they can even do the repainting needed. Let them be a little creative and express themselves, as long as it works with the theme.
Fun Products and Accessories:
Selecting a few accessories that emphasize a chosen theme can be a budget conscious way to satisfy the unusual requests that might come up during this project. There are an abundance of fun and funky lamps available at discount stores along with inexpensive pillows and unusual area rugs. There is a new collection produced by Shaw Carpet, which should appeal to kids. Young Attitudes area rugs have colorful abstract designs and youthful themes.
There are also many interesting designs by companies that produce hooked rugs, such as the ones designed by Kelly Rightsell and available through Peking Handicraft, Inc. She has many whimsical designs to include a frog dressed as a cowboy or various bunnies, monkeys and puppies that appeal to younger children.
There are some adorable furniture items for the young toddler or elementary age kids that resemble adult furniture. Classic wingback or club chairs with custom fabrics and monograms of the child’s initials or name are available from American Kids Furniture.
Another item for the princess in your home is the HABA Dream Gondola. It is a small curved sofa with shear curtains attached to the canopy top. Another inventive company has created a bed that is easily changed from a simple twin-size bed into numerous styles of bunk beds. Flexa Company has various other configurations to resemble a castle or another that incorporates a computer desk and storage. Each of these additions can be ordered separately and added, as you need them.
No matter what age your child is, you can create a great room that reflects their personality and interests. There are fantastic bed linens available and very functional furniture items to select from. You may even discover your kids are pleased if told, “go to your room!” M
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