Grumpy Kids? 5 Steps To Make Their Room A Happy Place
Theme rooms are an easy decorating option that can quickly become very expensive and have a short lifespan, while quickly lending themselves to clutter and distraction. Kids need a space that allows them to relax and wind down just as much as parents do. Follow these guidelines to create a space with long term appeal, that will make them feel comfortable, organized and calm.
1.) Don’t paint the entire room their favorite color. Choose a clean, neutral palette for the walls, and consider painting or wallpapering just one wall a color that reflects your child’s personality. Even though accent walls have become a bit passe’, they are still a viable option to add color in a child’s room. When selecting the color, think about what you want the room to say. Soft and feminine? Opt for blush or a soft pastel. Fun and sassy? Maybe a tangerine or kelly green shade. Reserved and more cautious? Consider navy. If you choose wallpaper, don’t be afraid of more sophisticated pattern or prints. They actually play well off of the more juvenile touches bound to show up in pillows and accessories.
2.) Buy a solid color bedcovering and use accessories to add personality. White is actually a great option because it gives a clean base and can be bleached when mishaps occur. Pillows and art are an inexpensive way to add color, fun and one or two themed elements that can easily be rotated out as they move on to the next big thing. Start with large, square euros across the head of the bed in the color of the comforter. Kids love texture and pattern so add in at least two of these in your throw pillow selections- fur, velvet, courdoroy, crisp cotton or even a natural fiber. Geometric patterns, tassels, fringe and embroidery are also darling for kids. More than three will frustrate both of you on busy mornings so don’t go overboard! A coordinating colored throw across the end of the bed makes it cozy and brings balance. Add simple drapery panels and a rug that ties it all together for clean yet stylish finished space.
3.) Give them one area to make “their own.” I’m not a fan of posters taped to walls, but kids sure are! Especially teenagers. So make a safe zone that is their to do with as they wish. A great option is some framed bulletin boards grouped together where they can easily pin posters, photos, concert tickets, or whatever their latest obsession may be. If you have a little one who loves movie posters, play be sure to get a big one to accommodate their latest obsession. Another great “safe zone” is the back of the bedroom door. Sticky tack will hold without ruining the paint, and they get to “enjoy” their creative decorating without making it the center of attention.
4.) Add a chair or floor pillows where they can hang out and relax. A cozy corner to read, journal or surf the internet is always a hit. Incorporate some string lights or a lamp. Make it appealing enough to enforce a rule that beds get made in the morning and are for sleeping in rather than sitting on. This not only starts their day off with an immediate accomplishment, but it also keeps their bedding in better condition for a longer time.
5.) Include a large basket to gather items in that are not put away. Give them back on Saturday morning to re-organize before weekend fun begins. I wish I had implemented this when my kids were little! They WILL rise to your expectations and develop habits early that will keep you from avoiding their space for fear of anxiety attacks when they are teens!
*Bonus tip- Consider lighting. Be sure you have one ceiling light that can be bright enough for play or studying, but also a lamp or two to create a calming space. It’s never to early or too late to help kids learn to create a BEAUTIFUL LIFE!
If you have grumpy kids, I would love to have a conversation about our possible solutions. This will be a life changing event for the entire family!
Suzan
