 Decortaing
- Interior Design for Children's Rooms
By Mariesa Billy of Decorating SenseSations
Everyone should have one spot to call his or her own. The bedroom
is the first and last place we see everyday. Our children spend so much of their lives in
this one room. It is our responsibility to celebrate their uniqueness by making their
rooms as special as they are. Our natural desire to create a cozy and nurturing nest can
be a positive bonding experience to share with our children. This investment plants a seed
for incredible happiness, gratitude and an appreciation for beauty. Pretending is a
natural part of a child’s development, so help them play grown-up and cultivate their
imagination.
Personality. Decorating a space must meet the personal needs, interests
and emotions of the occupant. Give your child the opportunity to create their own
one-of-a-kind accessories. Work together on artwork using fabric paints, stencils and
crafts. If you need a decorator or a referee, hire one. They will get you started and
inspire new ways to coordinate this space. Observe colour preference patterns in your
child’s artwork and requests for crayon and paper colours.
Growth. As our kids are always growing and changing, so should their
rooms. Give your children access to their own stored belongings using drawers, shelves and
coat hooks. This will develop self-sufficiency. Make cleanup fun using storage on wheels,
wall mountings, and colour coding. To promote good study habits and neatness, a
well-designed study area plus a cozy reading area is invaluable. Incorporate learning
elements using words, numbers and pictures. Kids spend a lot of time on the floor, so
provide plenty of play space with floor cushions or beanbags for added comfort. Choose the
right mattress and pillow for your child’s size to ensure a good night’s rest.
Flexibility. Cool, inviting rooms will present quality, order and a
sense of respect for his/her personal environment. Bedding and accessories can simply
change themes. A closet system with crossbars, shelves, and baskets at different heights
will maximize space and ease access. To build flexibility into furniture, buy pieces that
can be converted for another purpose. Install a dimmer switch or three-way lamp to provide
soft lighting.
Colour. Colour has a beneficial affect on our mental and physical
development. We experience a sensation of temperature with colour, red-orange being the
warmest and blue-green being the coolest. Kids respond well to bright, pure colours.
Violets, soft greens and yellows, which aid clear thinking and memory, are among
favourites. There is an assortment of colours to stimulate a child’s inquiring mind
in murals and paint finishes. With guidance, offer him/her a selection of two to three
fabric and paint swatches to choose from.
Creativity. Give your children many opportunities to express themselves
as they grow. Dedicate one wall to display your child’s art and crafts. This will
give them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Use bulletin boards to protect walls from
tack or tape marks. Use open shelving to display collectibles, trophies and other personal
items. Chalkboard paint can be used to aid in teaching and self-expression.
Safety. Pay particular attention to safety in your child’s rooms.
Install a smoke detector, anchor heavy furniture to walls with ‘L’ brackets, and
place heavy items like books on bottom shelves. Choose lamps with stable weighted bases,
and cover all sharp edges and corners with bumpers. Avoid long draperies and loose cords
on blinds. Use water-based paint for easy cleanup and low odour. For children with
allergies, use wood or resilient flooring, and place skid pads under area rugs.
Reference: Paige Gilchrist, Rooms Your Kids Will Love.
Mariesa Billy, of Decorating SenseSations, specializes in
‘little people’ rooms. First ten customers receive FREE gift certificates!
403.685.1859 www.risingwomen.com/decoratingsensesations |
