By Erik J. Martin, CTW Features
Your young one is growing up before your eyes, far removed from diapers and bottles, no longer toddling around, and capable of tidying and organizing their own space (with a few reminders from mom and dad, of course). Now may be the perfect time to reimagine their most precious and occupied zone – their bedroom – while also reflecting their changing tastes and preferences.
“Redesigning a child’s bedroom can benefit his or her general well-being and development. A well-designed space can boost creativity, promote organization and create a sense of comfort and ownership,” says Artem Kropovinsky, founder and principal at Arsight. “It can also aid with stress management and relaxation as well as enhance sleep quality.”
A bedroom redo can be an incredibly beneficial process for parents and their offspring alike, agrees Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters Denver.
“Not only does it provide parents with the opportunity to introduce design elements they feel are important to create an attractive and enjoyable space,” he says, “but it also gives children the chance to express themselves in a creative way.”
That last point is particularly important to Morgan Kumpfmiller, owner of American Dreamers Renovations in Pittsburgh.
“This is your child’s opportunity to express their creativity and self-interests and shape the world around them,” she says. “It’s often true that kids don’t and shouldn’t make big household decisions. But this is their space, so when you’ve committed to a bedroom redesign, make it a place they will feel proud of and safe because they got to dictate the terms of it.”
The first step, Kumpfmiller recommends, is to determine a theme with your child. That means deciding on the right colors for paint/wallpaper, comforters/linens and various décor.
“Ask your kids: How do they want the room to feel? What are some activities they will really want to include in the room? What colors did they like? And can you draw me a picture of your new room? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the insights they share,” says Leigh Spicher, national director of Design Studios for Ashton Woods Homes in Longwood, Florida. “From there, work together to create these zones and include some of their specific desires. If they want a specific theme, borrow from colors inspired by said theme, and layer in accents of some things they shared with you.”
Spicher cautions against going overkill with specific characters or design elements throughout the entire space, such as an all-Barbie bedroom or Disney from floor to ceiling, as “these interests will change faster than their stage of development, and you don’t want the room to look like they are living in an advertisement.”
Instead, follow key design principles that you would likely apply in any other room of your home.
“Aim for balance in the room, harmony by combining different elements, and at least three layers of lighting – general, ambient, and task lighting,” adds Spicher. “Additionally, consider upgrading their bed, skipping the typical white or natural wood look, and opting for perhaps a favorite painted color that matches a nearby element or a metallic frame. Think about adding special lighting like decorative wall sconces. Paint the ceiling or a focal wall any favorite but different color that can be easy to change in the future. And include layered seating beyond just the bed; bean bags, gaming chairs, papasan chairs, and egg chairs are fun extra seating options.”
Don’t pressure yourself into making hasty decisions or finishing the job too quickly.
“A kid’s room remodel doesn’t have to happen overnight. Spend time selecting key items like the bed, bedspread, floor covering and wall art, and set a reasonable budget,” suggests Kumpfmiller.
If in doubt, seek expert assistance from an interior designer.
“You can also get ideas from design periodicals, home-improvement TV shows, online sources and social media,” Kropovinsky adds.