Kids' rooms have to fulfill some unique requirements. Besides being a place to sleep, they must provide space to play, study and store a mountain of clothes, toys and all other kinds of kid stuff. All this in what often is the smallest room in the house. Kids' rooms also get a lot of rough treatment. And if you choose the wrong furnishings, the kids could outgrow their rooms long before you are ready for the next remodel.
In addition to gathering a variety of inspired products that make creating the ultimate kid's room child's play, we spoke with veteran designers Dianne Carchesio and Kris Kaczynski, of Julian Katera in Freehold, New Jersey. Here are their tips for designing a kid's room that fits your child for years to come.
Tip #1: Look Down the Road
You can't decorate a room for a 2-year-old and expect not to update it for the next 20 years. But you can choose basic furnishings such as beds and dressers your child can use into young adulthood. So forget the red car bed or the bunnies painted on the dresser. Instead, select neutral colors and stains. And choose at least a twin if not a full bed.
For wallcoverings, stick with classic patterns that stay current longer, such as geometrics, stars and checks. Or choose a timeless theme like ecology, space travel or celestial motifs. You can also change looks instantly with Easy Ups wall appliques from Village, a wallcoverings manufacturer. These stick-ups are available in several themes and come off easily.
Tip #2: Start Thinking Like a Kid
Sheets and curtains are a great way to indulge your child's current interest in boats, ballerinas or dinosaurs, because you can change these soft goods when they wear out or your child's interests change. Then use your child's favorite items to decorate the room. For example, tack kites, model planes or stars to the ceiling. Build a decorative ledge or shelf from moldings to neatly display favorite toys, books and collections. And paint the room, or at least one wall, your child's favorite color.
Also provide a spot where your son or daughter can display an art project, an "A" paper and posters. One classic way to do this is to glue corkboard on an entire wall or a portion of it. Or buy a chalkboard at a school-supply store. You can turn all or part of a wall into a chalkboard with Benjamin Moore's Crayola Chalkboard paint.
The best way to think like a kid is to involve your son or daughter in the process—within reason, that is. While a child should have a voice in the final selection, protect your veto power by shopping on your own. Bring home samples of three or four colors, fabrics and furniture choices you find appealing and affordable. Tack them up. Then let your child choose. When shopping for furniture, bring a camera and let your child pick from photos.
