design
When designing a children’s room, there are some definite things that need to be considered. It’s a funny thing. When my daughters were around six years old, it seemed the game changed in regards to the design. No more nursery theme; big-girl beds were in place but now needed to be followed with big-girl decor. The most important aspect for a children’s room is to keep the needs of the child in mind. This pertains to a boy or, in my case, two girls. A very important factor to consider is the sleepover effect. If your child is social and loves to have sleepovers, it will be a lot easier to think this through now. You may want to equip the room with a trundle bed that pulls out from under the bed, and make sure the room design includes plenty of open floor space. Kids love sleeping on the floor and they will want to sleep all in the same room. Fabrics need to be washable and durable. When decorating a child’s room, as long as 68 | At Home Tennessee • October 2011
they are past the stage of writing on the walls, you are safe to consider wall coverings. A great idea if you want to take this project on yourself is to cover part of a wall with chalkboard paint and frame out the blackboards with stock molding. I find that this is a useful design addition for homework assignments, creativity or notes from Mom to keep the room clean. I love to make window treatments in girls’ rooms the decor starting point. Then if budget allows you can add a great comforter on the bed. Think of carpeting when considering the flooring as kids love to do their homework, read and play games on the floor. Quick tips
• Ask your child their favorite three colors, and have a paint color deck ready. As long as you give them three choices, the shocking orange can be a discard! • Be more concerned with a comfortable chair than a desk: I have found with my own
children and with my clients’ children that desks are not as important in a child’s room. It is better to give them a comfortable chair and an ottoman which actually works out to be a desk of some sort. • Lighting is very, very important. In a bright, well-lit room a child’s attention span and interest will remain more constant. You can get great reading lamps with halogen bulbs at IKEA and Pottery Barn. These two stores also sell wonderful children’s furniture and you can order on line! • Save your breath! You won’t have to scream at your kids to clean up their room all the time if you provide them with plenty of storage. IKEA, Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel all carry great storage systems that come in fun colors, are child friendly and are sold as components, so adding more pieces will be a breeze if the need arises as children grow.