Decorating



New Trends in
Kid’s Rooms


Whether you go with familiar
kid-friendly themes, such as
princess or sports star, to decorate
your child’s room, the decision is
usually up to your child.  But if
your child is more open to new
ideas, try decorating your child’s
room with an out-of-the-box
design that follows some of the
new trends.  This will allow you to
make slight changes to the room
that will take your child into the
teen years -- or allow you to move
another child into the room without
a complete design re-do.  Best of
all, the new trends eliminate the
off the shelf look and makes the
room design look high-end.

Rearrange
A wonderful design trend that’s become very popular for children’s room is the living area design.  To encourage children to spend time in their rooms listening to music, playing and studying, try arranging the room like a living area.  By placing the long end of a bed along a wall, you can create a faux sofa that doubles as seating and sleeping.  The benefit of a living-style bedroom is that kids can entertain in their bedrooms.  Many furniture manufacturers also make daybeds specifically for this kind of placement.  The living area style bedroom is also a different look that appeals to many children and makes them feel like their room is much more grown-up.

Adult touch
And just because a bedroom is designed for a child, it doesn’t mean the look has to be childish.  Kids rooms are now steering away from the kiddy look, too.  For fun, try antiques in the room instead of kid-style furniture.  Or, place artwork on the walls that would look appropriate in the living room.  Mature themes that work well in the rest of the home shouldn’t be kept out of a child’s room.  In fact, a grown-up reproduction painting in a child’s room would offer a touch of the unexpected.  Other grown-up embellishments include using wall sconces, chandeliers, and accessories.  To give the adult items some kid appeal, choose accessories that have a bit more whimsy.  A garden figurine of a frog with a crown would look adorable in a child’s room.

Color correction
When it comes to choosing paint colors most children’s rooms tend to go with the traditional standbys of pastels and primary colors.  Break with tradition and select colors that are out of the ordinary.  Neutrals are a good starting point.  These colors look terrific in a kid’s room, give it a timeless appeal, and are becoming very popular.  When a neutral color is used, the child could be anywhere from two to fifteen. That means if a child of two or ten could be occupying the room, you won’t need to repaint as often.  Plus, neutrals are smart, chic looking colors for both boys and girls. 

Suite space
The suite concept is another trend perfect for teens and for kids who need to share a room.  Suites allow you to separate activities, such as sleeping and entertaining.  And, if your child is a teen, a suite, especially if it includes a divider, is a wonderful way to introduce that all-important privacy.  A suite can be made with a curtain divider, a room divider or with a free-standing wall.  Make sure any standing screens or dividers are adequately anchored to keep them from falling. Separating the fun, seating, and entertaining area helps to give the room a grown-up feel, too.  A bedroom is extra appealing when it has an area for hanging out.

There are a slew of websites that offer wonderful photos and ideas for kid’s rooms.  Here are just a few of those online where you can get ideas for your child’s bedroom makeover:

Better Homes & Garden kid’s rooms slide show:  http://tinyurl.com/2jewxn

Better Homes & Garden teen & tween rooms slide show:  http://tinyurl.com/32ccef

Getdecorating.com. This website has gorgeous photographs of homes and decorating and has a wonderful selection of children’s rooms.  Shows select photos without membership. 

HGTV Designer’s Portfolio of children’s rooms:  http://tinyurl.com/3czrl9

Kids love a great-looking room.  Spruce up your child’s room with a design as that’s as fun and trendy as they are.  They’ll love their new space – and you, too.


 
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Kathryn Weber is a home and decorating columnist who publishes the Real Home E-Zine.  She welcomes your comments and questions.  For more information, go to www.kathryn-weber.com or email questions to Kathryn@kathryn-weber.com or write to her at P.O. Box 531, Cuero, Texas  77954.  For a personal reply, please include your email address or a self-addressed stamped envelope.


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Photo by www.getdecorating.com

Bright pink accent colors keep this child’s room fun and suitable for a younger girl, but different accent colors could be easily switched to make this room suitable for a boy or older child.  The bedroom highlights a new trend in children’s rooms of the living area style versus standard bedroom and of using mature accessories like the landscape artwork.