Make room for the kids

But keep in mind their changing interests

Kids spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, playing as well as reading, getting ready, and ( hopefully) sleeping, which is why it’s so important to design these spaces in such a way that they are both functional as well as inviting.

Furniture selection is paramount in optimizing children’s rooms.

“Kids’ bedrooms are sometimes very small, so you need to use the space efficiently,” said Catherine Lorman, senior sales manager at EuroStyle, which specializes in a lot of custom- made furniture.

“Custom furniture is very useful because everyone has different ideas about what the child needs when they grow up.

“The ideal solution is furniture that grows with the child or can be used for other things. For example, baby rooms that can be transformed into teenage rooms with convertible crib/ beds.

“There are also furniture pieces with parts that, when placed differently, can be used as different shelving options or a tabletop.”

Lucy Fréchette, commercial public relations manager at Ikea, suggested that parents find ways to allow for an open- concept multipurpose room to inspire their child — one which can encourage kids to do more productive things, too, like reading and homework. Using custom furniture can allow for more free space in a bedroom, adding to its usefulness.

“Things like wireless charging LED floor lamps that also have a wireless unit allowing family members to charge their iPad or cellphones are a great addition to the room,” she said.

Besides furniture, there are other things to keep in mind when it comes to creating a great space for children. Fréchette cited two important considerations when designing a kid’s room: organization and personalized style.

Storage is key, she said. Incorporate smart storage, such as doubleduty storage solutions that can help organize everything from a child’s day- to- day school work to his/ her favourite stuff.

“To create private and cosy spaces, you can add storage wall units or a textile curtain to centre a child’s bedroom and create a separator for privacy,” she said.

“Shelves over the beds can be in- stalled for them to put their favourite things on. Toys can be stored under the bed in boxes in colours that match their personalities and their own themes.”

Allow your children’s personalities to shine through in their rooms, too.

“Don’t forget the child’s personality — everyone needs to feel his or her best in their space.

“Use textiles, rugs and colours to help personalize their very own space with their preferred theme,” Fréchette said.

And don’t overlook l i ghting needs, the final ingredient of a smart space.

Both task and ambient lighting

should be added to children’s bedrooms to make the tasks associated there all the easier.

“Smart, small- space living is a big need for families with children, perhaps more so than any other group,” Fréchette said.

“They need good, functional solutions that free up space, but also create less friction in their everyday lives.

“A home has endless functions: closets, drawers, shelves, hangers, beds, tables and lights. If all of those functions work well, separately and together, life at home will definitely run much smoother — for everyone in the family, even the kids.”

CO UR T ES Y OF EUR O STYLE Custom- made furniture that addresses specific needs, such as this contemporary bunk bed ensemble with built- in closet and storage space, is an integral part of a child’s room.

E U R O S T Y L E , MO N T R E A L G A Z E T T E F I L E S Furniture for a child’s room should be both functional and visually appealing. In this case, bright yellow storage cubbies do double duty as steps to reach the top bunk, while drawers in the trundle bed provide additional storage. Wheels on said bed...

VINCE NZ OD’ ALTO, MONTREAL GAZETTE FILES A loft bed like this one frees up the floor space beneath for such things as a desk and/ or dresser and is ideal for a pre- teen or teenager with varied interests and a need for self- expression.