Decorating for children

Anything goes in children’s rooms. This is where the rules of decorating get broken – or at least a little bent. Let your imagination soar.

Children feel more comfortable in rooms that reflect their interests and personality. Get them involved in the decorating process and help them create a world of their very own. Avoid “theme” rooms that will need to be updated every 2-3 years. As they grow, you can easily update the look of the room by simply changing colors and accessories. Children pack a whole lot of living in their rooms – it’s more than just a place to sleep – it’s where they play, study and create, so adequate storage is a must.

For rooms with staying power, adaptable furnishings will serve you well. Cribs that convert to a toddlers bed or daybed, a changing table that serves as additional shelving for books or stuffed animals and armoires that make the switch from storing clothes and games to housing a TV, stereo and video games, will take them from babyhood through their teen years.

Window treatments should let in lots of light. If choosing shades or blinds, select styles with safety cords. Keep rooms tidy by using a comforter that can be easily make up by little ones and teens alike, instead of layers of blankets. Let teenagers express their creativity by re-finishing (with decoupage or paint) inexpensive tag sale finds.

Give your child lots of display space for toys, books, trophies and stuffed animals. Accessorizing the room with your child’s favorite treasures will naturally infuse the space with color and texture. Adorn walls with a rotation of framed children’s art, nursery rhyme illustrations or shadow boxes filled with collectibles. Give ordinary plain-jane lamps a face-lift by embellishing shades with bits of ribbon or trim.

Decorating a child’s room is fun – become a child again yourself and see where your imagination takes you.

All paints – Benjamin Moore – www.BenjaminMoore.com