The Mercury News

How to decorate a boys room

- By Cathy Hobbs Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Awardwinni­ng television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or vi

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 boys room, consider function, durability and most of all an ideal place to learn, grow and play.

When creating a boys bedroom, here are some top Design Recipes tips. 1. Consider bright colors such as red or yellow. So often darker colors dominate a boys bedroom. 2. Look for interestin­g patterns such as plaid. Plaid can lend itself to numerous applicatio­ns such as bedding or accessorie­s such as pillows and throws. 3. Consider space restrictio­ns. Effective storage solutions may be one of the most important elements in creating the ideal bedroom solution.

4. Don’t overstuff. So often children’s rooms are overstuffe­d with too much furniture or toys. 5. Think function first. The ideal bedroom should be usable and functional. Purchase furniture that will grow with your child’s needs. 6. Incorporat­e a proper work space with adequate

storage and work space. As your child grows scholastic­ally the need for a quiet and spacious place in which to work will be desired. 7. Incorporat­e adequate

lighting. High wattage bulbs on dimmer switches is always a viable and welcomed solution.

8. Do an audit. Do an annual audit and purge those items no longer needed. 9. Consider vertical design. Instead of creating a furniture arrangemen­t that may make a room feel too small, consider vertical solutions like bunk beds or vertical storage. 10. 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.

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