KIDS ROOMS
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
1
Kids’ Rooms
From rock-a-bye to rock ‘n’ roll —design spaces that children can call their very own.
2
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
O
f all the rooms in your home, a child’s room can be the most enjoyable to create. It allows a chance for you to have fun and to let your imagination and whimsy run free. It can also pose distinct challenges, though, because it’s usually a small space that can be home to more than one child, and it
must also meet the demands of sleep, play, study, and storage. Finally, it has to be in keeping with the age of your child. The trick, of course, is to create an ageappropriate atmosphere that is stimulating and playful enough for your child yet is not too sugary for you - after all, adults will be spending plenty of time here, as
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
well. Sound complicated? It doesn’t have to be. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a host of smart ideas, plus all the inspiration and tips you’ll need to create a safe, comfortable, favorite space for every age— one that’s a winning, stylish haven for everyone.
3
KIDS ROOMS
FROM TODDLERS TO TEENS This game is all about growing room. You should aim for a style that will keep up with your child’s birthdays and development, that is tasteful, and that’s flexible enough so that you can change just a few pieces or accessories to put a new accent on the big theme. In fact, interior designers recommend that the motifs of your child’s room be changed every five years; that primarily means paint, window treatments, and wallpaper. No matter how careful any child is, these rooms experience more dings and nicks than any other. Also, five years marks a huge change in a child’s maturity. At these key junctures for room changes, let your child in on the decision making, allowing him or her to take the lead on a color group, or perhaps selecting from sets of three carpet and wallpaper samples (preselected by you, of course). You’ll get two payoffs; the pleasure of watching your child swell with pride at having had a hand in making executive family decisions, and
This crafty design lends an air of organization and sophistication while keeping it’s kid-like feel.
the surprise of a child who takes greater care of the space. How should you start? The age of your child dictates all of your choices — different ages translate into different needs. A nursery, for instance, should suit the parents as much as the baby, with plenty of easily accessible storage for clothes, blankets, and other necessities. But there are some guidelines to follow when you’re planning a room for a child of any age.
This stylish Chalkboard Storage Bench from P’kolino is a great solution to store baby stuff, seating, and creativity.
soft pastels are a great pallet to choose in creating a soothing environment for your babies room
4
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
KIDS ROOMS
“Create soothing, stylish settings that please babies— and adults, too”
Who said your babies nursery couldn’t by sleek and stylish too? Little details make all the difference!
SAFE BEGINNING First, especially for younger children, plan with safety in mind. If purchasing antiques, select them carefully. Be sure furnishings are not coated with a lead paint and that slats on old cribs meet current federal safety standards. Cover all unused electrical outlets and encase lamp and computer wires in a track. Install a smoke detector. Shorten cords on shades or blinds. Consider bars on second-story windows. Look for furniture
with rounded edges and storage bins with safety hinges that can’t close on small fingers. Keep toys and games on low shelves so the kids need not climb to reach them. Bolt tall bookshelves to the wall. Avoid hanging hooks or pegs at your child’s eye level.
on a dimmer switch or movable track lights that slide and swivel provide the most easily adaptable lighting. Later, you can install a wall sconce, attach a flexible clamp lamp, or suspend a pendant fixture from the track to illuminate a desk or a night table.
Leave out the floor and table lamps until kids are older. Recessed high hats installed
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
5
KIDS ROOMS
A delightful 100% organic baby’s quilt makes the Twinkle Twinkle Crib Bedding one of our favorite ways to brighten up Baby’s room.
This plush douvet is great for snuggling with at any age. For more product information visit www. urbanbarn.com/bedrooms/covers.
Crafted in the style of a club chair, the Jr. Biarritz lends an air of sophistication—in the perfect scale for your youngster.
“Practical magic comes from clever eye-catching details that are surprisingly handy, too”
THINK
PERIODICALLY Choose finishes that can endure the rigorous treatment kids dish out. Semi or high-gloss paint stand up better to washing than does flat paint. Consider only scrubbable vinyl wall coverings. Durable, timeless wood is one good choice for floors because it can be refinished or painted when needed. Vinyl
6
and laminate are affordable and non-absorbent, and wipe clean. Carpet will absorb some sound and is warmer to the touch. Buy furniture that will grow with the child. A “caboose” bed might be cute, but a classic white metal frame or a sleigh bed will last into young adulthood. And, an eclectic mix is not is not only more interesting than a matching suite, but also provides the flexibility to add a desk, a bookcase, or other pieces as your child’s requirements change and your budget allows.
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
KIDS ROOMS
Ships ahoy! This nautical theme bedroom is set for sail for any little boy or girl. Take something that your child really loves and incorporate it in their personal room.
PERSONALIZE IT Involving an older child in the decorating process builds the child’s self-esteem while imparting a sense of ownership, so give your youngster a voice in the process. That doesn’t mean you must shop with your
7-year old in tow. It’s better to narrow the choices—even in furnishings—to two styles of sleigh beds, for instance, or a set of bunk beds that comes in two finishes. Then let your child make the final selection.
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
“Pick a peck of palettes and stripes — how many patterns should one room have?”
7
KIDS ROOMS
CONSIDER STORAGE “The newest Toy Story: be creative in designing your child’s play and study areas”
Calling all lego lovers! These storage boxes will keep the lego off the floor and be a big hit in any boys room!
Finally, help your children take care of their rooms by providing plenty of accessible storage. “If they have a place to put things, they might actually get them there,” says Susan Andrews, an interior designer and stylist at Interior Avenues in Overland Park, Kan. A narrow decorative ledge made from shelving and molding painted to match the woodwork provides the ideal spot to keep favorite toys, books, or a collection at hand but out of the way. Use every inch of available space. “And always opt for the flexibility of adjustable shelves,” recommends Andrews. Include both open and closed shelves at varied heights. In addition, double the function when possible. For example, consider a flip-top toy box that’s also a window seat. Trundle beds provide the option of either an extra mattress for sleep-overs or oversized drawers for storage. Use the back of the door for hooks or pockets. Invest in closet organizers that can be readjusted as the child, and her clothes, grow. For product information see page 23 Get creative with storage spaces like this “A, Z” bookshelf! For more product information visit www.ikea.com/kids/bookshelves
8
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
KIDS ROOMS
Square shelves are a great way to stay organized and make any room look modern. If you have empty space to fill, try adding a decorative piece to tie the whole room together.
SUMMER 2011 | Home Remodeling and Decorating
9