5 Top Tips...for DECORATING A CHILD'S BEDROOM

This article was printed in the Winter09 edition of the 'Raring2Go' publication (http://www.raring2go.co.uk/). To receive your own copy contact stalbans@raring2go.co.uk.

5 TOP TIPS…WHEN DECORATING A CHILD’S BEDROOM

Children’s rooms are always demanding to design.

Not only because of the amount of additional toys and accessories that have to be incorporated into the room but also because the shape and size of the room is often challenging, eg: a box room or an attic.

It’s often a multi-task room, ie: work, rest and play, where you want your child to be happy and feel nurtured.

It’s a space you want them to enjoy as well as relax in. You also want them to tidy up occasionally!

With this in mind, I’ve put together my top 5 interior design tips to help you create that dream space – a place for you to love and your loved ones to feel excited about:

1) STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE

At any age, but particularly in the early years, storage is vital to a successful children’s bedroom.

Make a list of items to be stored, or homed, in the room and then assess what piece of furniture or accessory is needed to keep the room tidy and maximise the space.

Boxes are always great for children – they throw their toys in at the end of the day and then enjoy rummaging for that special find the very next day. You can label boxes with pictures for children that can’t read and use words for children learning to read – educational as well as useful.

In smaller rooms any furniture should be dual purpose, eg: a desk with drawer space or a bed with underbed storage.


2) AGE SUITABILITY

Any design should be age appropriate, but not just for the now and present! You should think about a design that’s suitable for the next 3 years.

In the early years themed rooms, eg: Winnie-The-Pooh, Racing Cars or Princess, are great but as the child gets a little older you should move away from the strong theme and focus more on a great colour scheme.

As your children become teenagers the room design is matured with a strong sense of style, eg: Parisian Chic or 80’s Retro, that’s incorporated into the accessories and decor.

A room should evolve as your child grows and their needs and tastes mature.

With this in mind, I love the FLEXA furniture range as it allows you to alter the bed in so many ways so that it grows with the child (http://www.totstoteensfurniture.co.uk/).


3) INCORPORATE THEIR INTERESTS & PERSONALITY

As a child matures it’s important to incorporate their interests and personality into the room, ie: if a child likes reading then why not incorporate a bookshelf with a chair and a reading lamp as THEIR LIBRARY.

The more you involve a child in the design of their room, the more ownership they take for it.

If they see it as an exciting place to be, THEIR space, then they’ll love to sleep and wake up in it. Also, the more pleasure and enjoyment they take from their own room, the more likely they are to keep it tidy!


4) DEFINE THE SPACE

As children’s rooms are often multi-function it’s important to separate, or zone, the room into distinct areas for work, rest and play.

You can separate the room visually using furniture, décor or accessories.

A small room is often challenging for space definition and many have to become dual-purpose, eg: desk for work and as a vanity unit. As furniture becomes dual-purpose you may consider glamorising it a little more, eg: a glass or mirrored desk.

It’s important when two or more children share a room to give provide them with their own space within the room. You may incorporate their own shelf of toys and books, their own rail in the wardrobe or their own half of the room.


5) FUN, FUN, FUN

A child’s bedroom is not just for sleeping as they spend many hours playing and relaxing in it.

It should be a place for them to nurture their skills and unwind their minds.

The whole décor, furniture and design of the room should be focused on what they find exciting and what stimulates them!

Now you have my top 5 tips to design a dream bedroom, but if you need a little help then just contact us today:

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER
GA INTERIORS

Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
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