Slideshow: 8 tips for kid-friendly home decorating
Take a stand against clutter and drab design. Keep your home in style with kid-friendly decorating tips and trends from the experts.
Beyond Pink and Blue
It used to be, once people found out the gender of their bundle of joy, the nursery told all. A barrage of pink or powder blue blanketed the walls, bedding and accessories. “For today's expecting parents, there is a trend in nursery design to move beyond the pink and powder blue and to just accent the space with hints of gender,” said Lisa Kalaher, owner of Mod House Interiors in Sioux City.
Navy blue for boys has replaced powder blue of the past, but it can also be mixed with other colors in a gender neutral way. Likewise, coral is the new pink for girls. A touch of mint keeps the space fresh. “Many of today's nurseries are very neutral, sophisticated and don't have a huge overlying theme to them,” Kalaher said. “They are classic, peaceful spaces that allow children to grow and explore in their space.”
Chalk It Up
A kid's room, created by Catlin Stothers Design in Montreal, features a wood-framed, painted chalkboard wall. “Chalkboard walls offer a place for spontaneous creativity. These days, many paint companies will mix up chalkboard paint in any color you like,” said Sheila Schmitz, editor of Houzz.com, a website dedicated to home remodeling and design ideas. “In a recent Houzz study, we found that one in four kids' rooms will include a chalkboard wall.”
Rock Away
“Get a good quality rocker or glider,” Kalaher said. “These have gotten much more stylish than they were in the past, and any seasoned parent can tell you that you will spend a number of hours in that chair.” Buying a low-quality piece doesn’t pay. Comfort is key.
It's a Phase
For a 13-year-old girl’s room, Spaces Interior Design in North Sioux City chose neutral wall and ceiling paint, plus a pink vinyl wallcovering for an accent wall. A cozy white rug tops hardwood maple flooring, on left. Fabric samples, on right, are for lounge chairs and bedding. “When it comes to decorating for kids’ bedrooms, it can be difficult to find that perfect blend of personality, cleanliness and longevity,” said designer Melissa Flynn. “As any parent knows, their kids move through phases quickly so creating a neutral background color palette is an important first step.”
She suggests enhancing a kid’s room with one fun, bright accent wall while keeping the others neutral. One wall is much easier to repaint or swap wallpaper than an entire room. “This keeps home improvement costs down and is fun to revisit when the time comes,” she said. To add panache, Flynn and lead designer Marissa Merchant sometimes suggest a wallcovering or even tile. Artwork is another easy to change style solution.
Storage, Storage Everywhere
Creating a multi-functional living space is a must for many active families, and it’s something the designers at Spaces Interior Design keep in mind. “Ottomans with storage space that are an easy to clean are great pieces to have, as well as a lofted bed to maximize floor space,” Flynn said. “Utilizing identical or harmonious storage bins can also hide clutter while maintaining a uniform look. And quite often, it’s worth the added cost to request designer furniture that’s commercially rated—the warranty is better and the pieces are made to withstand constant wear and tear.”
Growing Room
Kids’ rooms are transitional spaces, but incorporating a few classics ensures a stylish ensemble, no matter the age. “Don't be afraid to accent with real art, bold pieces and colors. These will be pieces that you won’t ever have to replace and can be repurposed elsewhere in your home if your teen wants to decorate with more pieces that reflect their personality,” Kalaher said. “Let them grow into the space.”
Maps, photographs, artwork and elements from nature are versatile items for children and adults. “Invest in a few good pieces that transform as your child gets older,” Kalaher said.
Every Kid Needs a Nook
A Houzz decorating trends survey revealed that kids’ rooms are just as likely to have a TV as a reading nook, both 35 percent. “Create a cozy reading nook with an inexpensive beanbag chair; re-cover it in a nice indoor-outdoor fabric that matches your child’s décor,” Schmitz said.
Attack of the Plastics
Children’s toys needn’t be a chore to store. Sure, it’s a familiar sight in many families’ homes to have an assortment of plastic toys covering the floor and seemingly spilling out of every nook and cranny. Don’t give up. Storage can be stylish and functional. “Baskets and bins have gotten really cute and are perfect for storing children's toys or craft items in open shelves,” Kalaher said. “They can blend into your home decor or add a fun pop of color to your living space or your child's room.”
In other areas of the home, a credenza or armoire can hide toys behind closed doors. Kalaher’s tip to protect the grown-up furniture: place plastic totes inside the storage compartments.
First, the rains came. A steady pitter patter on the roof. Then, the Missouri River rose.
SUTHERLAND, Iowa | In the quiet halls of an old school, two residents rested in recliners near an unlit fireplace on a blustery October day. D…
