Decorating Children's Rooms - Part 3 (final)

Keeping your child's room organized will be one of your greatest challenges. Shelving is a quick and easy way to store items. A window seat with either drawers or cabinet style doors underneath will provide an area for sitting (add a cushion on the top w/decorative pillows) and also add wonderful hidden storage. There are plenty of free-standing shelving options as well. Large decorative wicker baskets work well for toys, books, art supplies, socks, etc. Plastic (see through) storage containers are also handy for the closet. If your child loves games and puzzles you will need a place to store all of these items. Separate games from puzzles and store them in plastic containers and creatively label them. Use a pair of chests next to the bed instead of tiny nightstands. Chests are a great solution for storing games, toys, books and art supplies. Add an armoire instead of a dresser. This can accommodate both clothing and a television. Customize stock bookshelf units by installing them side by side along a wall or on each side of a desk. Apply stock crown molding along the top for a more finished, custom look.

Paint is the least expensive way to decorate and adds instant "splash". Be bold and creative with your paint selections. For even more punch consider painting a decorative mural. Does your child like the jungle or maybe airplanes? Murals can even be incorporated into the furniture and then carried onto the walls. Decorating your child's room will be a wonderful experience for the entire family. I hope this quick overview helps start you off on the right track. Get going and have FUN!

Decorating Children's Rooms - Part 2

Give your child a say! Their room should be fun. Purchase furniture that is excellent in quality. Children tend to really use their furniture and accessories. Whether it involves jumping on the bed (didn't you do that too?), opening and slamming shut the drawers or playing tag with pillows. If you are willing to make several changes as your child ages, the room may call for a fabulous "fantasy" bed. Fairytales, storybook princesses, and dragons live in the hearts and minds of nearly every child. Fantasy beds range from racecars to stagecoaches to Cinderella coaches to boats and more. When considering a fantasy bed purchase, make sure you have room for the bed of your choice. Also, ask yourself if you're comfortable with the fact that some of these beds may be outgrown by the teen years or before and will need to be replaced.

When decorating a child's room make it multi-functional. Play areas for younger children may include an arts and crafts center. Most children love to draw and color, so set aside an area for a child sized table and chair set and an easel. Hanging a chalkboard is a great idea for drawing or writing "to do" lists. There is paint available that works as a chalkboard - very durable - very cool! A reading area is essential. Provide a quiet and comfortable space that will entice them to do just that. Children love pictures. So dedicate a wall to display your child's favorite photographs and artwork. Pictures of family and friends will add to the comfort of the room. Use wide matching frames for continiuty.You should also dedicate space or shelving for displaying collectibles, trophies and other personal items. Computer desks with hutches are essential for homework, studying and staying "in touch".

Decorating Children's Rooms - What Fun!

As you might expect, decorating children's rooms is a bit different than decorating adult bedrooms. To children, a bedroom is a place to play games, read, listen to music, wrestle, have tea parties, display or hide prized possessions, fight dragons, or just be alone. Decorating children's rooms is a great opportunity for you to show off your playful side, do some family bonding and allow yourchild to be creative. Whether tackling this project by yourself or with the assistance of an interior designer there are many things to consider. First, talk to your child (if old enough) and find out what activities they enjoy. What brings them comfort? What are their favorite colors? What is unique about their personality that you can build a theme around?

Winter Guests

Winter Guests ~ Are you ready for your Winter guests? Make sure that extra blankets and pillows are in the closet. Remember to clear plenty of hanging space & purchase new heavy duty hangers. Buy two fluffy white terry cloth bathrobes for guests to use during their stay. That way they can lounge around and go to and from the bathroom easily.

Richer Colors ~ During the summer, I tend to lighten up on my bedding & pillows. Come fall/winter I go to the linen closet & pull out heavier comforters, decorative chenille throws & rich velvet pillows. Darker, richer colors (plum, brown, deep navy, red, green) add a cozy, elegant feel for the cooler months ahead. Perhaps you may want to move artwork, picture frames & accessories around to other areas throughout the house. Doing this instantly makes the "old" feel "new" again. Adding various sizes & shapes of candles placed on pewter trays (to reflect the light) creates a nice evening ambiance. Also consider placing an area rug under the cocktail table.

The Front Entry

The entry to your home is an important focal point. Plant multiple pots of perennial flowers. Pick flowers in colors that will complement those that you have in your interior. Autumn colors are also a good choice (i.e.) gold, cinnamon, rust and a splash of cream. Using varying sizes, shapes & heights of containers adds more interest. If space allows place a tall topiary in a vertical urn on each side of the front door. This creates grandeur and symmetry. If you are feeling adventurous consider painting the front door a bold color like lipstick red or cobalt blue (if you live in a MP community check with your homeowner's association before painting). Placing a large wreath on the door creates visual interest & adds dimension. Change the wreath seasonally to coordinate with your potted flowers. Always keep the entry tidy & free of cobwebs. Use the entry as an invitation for your guests, beckoning them to come inside with curiosity to explore the many other creative ideas you have designed!

Fall Is In The Air!

Ahhh...the weather is delightful! Now is the time to start preparing our homes for the upcoming Holiday seasons. Let us begin with the front of our homes. Look at your landscaping and take time to assess the general health of your existing plants and trees. How did they fare during the summer months? Do you need to invest in cleaning things up & perhaps adding new ground cover or perennial flowers? Do you need to add additional granite around your shrubs? Fall is a perfect time to plant, so take advantage of the great cool weather.