As kids grow, their interests change. Maybe Lizzy loved powder puff pink when she was 8, but she’s so over it! Now she’s all about orange and purple. Little Ricky, now Rick, prefers sports over puppies and race cars, and he needs a place to work on his model cars. There are easy ways to redecorate without breaking the budget, and a home improvement project can be fun for the whole family.
Step One: Talk with your child about colors and themes he will like for at least 3 years. Look through magazines, browse online, watch some HGTV together. Don’t be scared of color! Kids love it, and paint is cheap. If you’re stumped on colors, first pick out fabric or curtains for the window treatment, or a bedspread. Wall colors can be chosen from the colors in the fabric. Is there a blanket in the hall closet your son likes? Can you find a really cool comforter at your local resale shop? Kids are pretty rough on bedding, so I’d suggest not spending a lot of money on the curtains and bedding set. Mix and match! Find a sale! Use fabric paints or tie dye to dress up an old comforter. Then take the fabric to the paint store and find a match. For washable walls, purchase satin paint.
Step Two: After the walls are painted and the bedding chosen, look around for customizable ideas. How about the headboard? You can pick up a used headboard cheap at a garage sale or used furniture store, then paint it or upholster it for a brand new look. Use paint that coordinates with the wall or trim to refurbish old shelves, desks, and chairs. For the window treatment, come up with fun alternatives to sheers or store-bought curtains. A row of colorful boas or raffia is spunky and affordable. If you use traditional curtains, consider quirky tie backs, like neckties, belts, scarves, or dog collars. Hot glue a Hot Wheels collection up the side of a bookshelf; make paint stamps by cutting a debossed shape into a potato, then stamp a border on the wall or stamp the shapes in a wavy line that swirls around the whole room. Paint words from a favorite book or song as a border near the ceiling or mid-way down the wall. Buy used frames, then paint them all the same color and insert favorite photos from magazines, vacation, post cards, calendars, or greeting cards. Tack a poster on the wall and paint a border around it. Most importantly, have fun and use your child’s ideas to come up with creative expressions of their personality. The room is, after all, their own personal space!
Step Three: Almost finished. You’ve painted, accessorized, and chosen linens. Now all you need is a little organization. Get out those paints again, and prepare for major creative output. Paint coffee cans to store trinkets like hair bows, markers, or Legos. Glue rhinestones or ribbons onto the containers, or paint the name of the contents on the lid. Use spray adhesive to adhere glitter to the lids, or cut out characters from wrapping paper to Modge Podge to the front. Cereal boxes can be cut diagonally to become magazine organizers; use painted shoe boxes or baskets as drawers that rest on bookshelves. Over-the-door shoe holders make great storage for art supplies, Barbies, video games, or…shoes! Under-the-bed storage boxes can be cut from appliance or electronic boxes, reinforced with tape, and spray painted. Store off-season clothing, art projects, or games in these big boxes. Use the top of the closet for keepsakes that have to be kept safe, books that aren’t used everyday, or off-season clothing in storage boxes. Stuffed animals can be clipped with clothespins to a plastic chain suspended from the ceiling or arranged on a high shelf, with pegs below for hanging hats and jackets. A sturdy peg near the door makes a great place for the school backpack, so it’s easily accessible each morning.
Step Four: Final touches are the best part. You have created a colorful, customized, organized space oozing with personality and creativity. Now make sure that there’s a nice light to read by, an alarm clock by the bedside, and an area to study or play (depending on the child’s age). All of the electronics need an outlet, so extension cords may be in order. Some colorful throw pillows for the bed and an afghan for naps add a comfy look and practical element.
Step Five: Enjoy!
Your children will cherish the time and energy you put into making their personal space special, and you will never forget their smiles.