Choose flexible décor for child’s room
Achild’s room is a place to play, study and dream. It can also fire imagination and serve as a private hideaway.
The right décor is important.
But since children grow and change in what seems like the blink of an eye, it can be a good idea to choose furnishings and accessories that are easily and inexpensively replaced.
“Think about the future,” said interior designer Eloise Kubli of Collective Construction & Design in Plantation. “Choose a design that can grow with your child.”
FLEXIBILITY
A theme that perfectly matches a child’s interests today may seem boring in the not-so-distant future. “When you do a bedroom with a theme, the child might outgrow it sooner than anticipated,” said interior designer Alena Capra of Alena Capra Designs in Fort Lauderdale.
A design with a neutral base — such as using the same flooring as the rest of the house — can be easy to change, said interior designer Jaime Blomquist of Jaime Blomquist Interiors in Fort Lauderdale. “You can redo some things without changing everything.”
MEASURE FIRST
Furniture will be more of an investment than other aspects of the décor, so choose pieces that will last.
“Look for durable finishes,” Kubli said.
Measure the space. “Figure out the floor plan first,” Capra said.
“Start with the bed, and then decide what else will work in the space you have.”
In a small room, a bed can be tucked into a corner, Capra said.
An L-shaped headboard that wraps around can be a stylish touch.
A bed that’s low to the ground can be fun for kids and teens.
“It looks loungey, like a sofa,” Capra said.
If the room will be shared by more than one child or will be the location for numerous sleepovers, twin beds or bunk beds can be the answer. Kubli once designed a room with a queen bed on the bottom, and two extralong twins on top — perfect for siblings, family visits and group slumber parties.
Another consideration for a room shared by two children:
Furnishings may be the same for both, but add touches that create a sense of individual ownership.
“Include something special for each child,” Blomquist said.
A desk provides a private study area, away from the home’s main living areas.
“Learning spaces are a trend,” Blomquist said. “You know when you enter it that it’s time to do homework.”
Bookshelves can be another good addition, Kubli noted. They can be used not only for reading material, but also to display toys or collections.
FLOORS
Yes, you may want to continue the home’s hardsurface floor into the bedroom. But it’s easy to turn that floor into a soft play space.
“Add a massive area rug,” Blomquist said.
“Carpet tiles are a favorite,” Capra said. “You can do different patterns with them.”
If a tile gets torn or soiled? “Remove it and pop in another,” Capra said.
Create a private play space on the floor with an easy-to-set-up teepee tent. “It becomes a fun escape place, or a modern fort,” Blomquist said.
COLOR
Don’t be afraid to use color.
“Color,” Blomquist said, “sparks the brain.”
Paint is easily changeable, so if your child wants a purple bedroom or a red ceiling, why not?
It will be much more fun than beige or gray, and can be changed in a couple of hours.
Not ready for that? “Choose a neutral wall color and bring in your child’s favorite colors with bedding, area rugs and lamps,” Capra said.
WALLS WITH WOW
One way to create childpleasing wall décor that is easily altered is with wallpaper murals and decals. Some decals are even three-dimensional, adding depth to the design. Best of all, today’s products are easy both to put up and remove.
“Use your walls as canvases,” Capra said. “You can do something really bold and cool, but easy to get rid of.
Mix one accent mural wall with decals on the others.”
“Wallpaper can create a ‘wow’ effect that takes your child to the moon, or to the dinosaur age,” Blomquist said.
“You can do a scene that lets imaginations go wild.”
Don’t forget the ceiling: “Use glow-in-the-dark paint, so there’s a surprise when the lights go out,” Blomquist said.
LIGHTING
“Use a whimsical chandelier or a fun ceiling fan,” Kubli said.
“Both teens and kids will love color-changing lights,” Capra said. “It can be rope lighting, or you can just change the color of the bulb.” Even more fun: Some can be programmed to be controlled by a phone or laptop.