Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Brighten boy’s room with colors, lighting

- CATHY HOBBS Cathy Hobbs, based in New York, is a television host and interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York, Boston and Washington.

These days nearly anything goes when it comes to making a children’s room fun and functional. Girls have their own desire for color and design, and boys do as well. When it comes to creating the ideal retreat and “fun spot” in a boy’s room, consider function, durability and, most of all, an ideal place to learn, grow and play.

When creating a boy’s bedroom, here are some top design tips.

■ Consider bright colors such as red or yellow. So often darker colors dominate a boy’s bedroom.

■ Look for interestin­g patterns such as plaid. Plaid can lend itself to numerous applicatio­ns such as bedding or accessorie­s such as pillows and throws.

■ Consider space restrictio­ns. Effective storage solutions may be one of the most important elements in creating the ideal bedroom solution.

■ Don’t overstuff. So often children’s rooms are overstuffe­d with too much furniture or toys.

■ Think function first. The ideal bedroom should be usable and functional. Choose furniture that will grow with your child’s needs.

■ Incorporat­e a proper workspace with adequate storage and elbow room. As your child grows scholastic­ally the need for a quiet and spacious place in which to work will be desired.

■ Incorporat­e adequate lighting. High wattage bulbs on dimmer switches are always a viable and welcomed solution.

■ Do an audit. Do an annual audit and purge items no longer needed.

■ Consider vertical design. Instead of creating a furniture arrangemen­t that may make a room feel too small, consider vertical solutions such as bunk beds or vertical storage.

■ Hide the little things. It is typically smaller items that “don’t have a home.” Consider placing smaller toys in jars or containers.

 ?? Design Recipes ?? A black and red color combinatio­n makes a bold statement in this boy’s bedroom.
Design Recipes A black and red color combinatio­n makes a bold statement in this boy’s bedroom.
 ?? Design Recipes ?? Maps can make an interestin­g statement in a boy’s bedroom.
Design Recipes Maps can make an interestin­g statement in a boy’s bedroom.

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