Give your teen's room a makeover to make it cool and clean.
As your child grows into a teen, he'll probably insist that his kid room get a new image. Fortunately, you can create the room of his dreams without having to have a black, depressing motif. Choose a vibrant color, use key pieces of furniture and infuse his personality to complement his maturity. Hopefully, it will inspire him to keep it clean.
Theme
One way to develop an idea about how your teen's bedroom should look is to select a theme. She may be vampire-crazed and a Gothic room will suit her. He may idolize a rock star, so you can create a room centered around this star and his music. If she's interested in photography, leave space in the room for a feature wall that contains her best pictures. Choose from myriad options, such as a room based on French or African design, a favorite author, hobby or place in the world.
Paint
Paint is another way to change the appearance of a room. Teen rooms are open to experimentation, so don't feel you have to stay with a neutral color palette. Pick a color that corresponds with your child's personality. Pick a purple hue for a romantic look. Choose blue for a soothing color. Yellow highlights a room for an active person. Think about adding paint in a more dramatic way, such as painting a a different color, a mural or adding stripes or texture.
Furnishings
The furnishings you choose will help to define the space. A bed made out of steel rods works well with an art deco style. Large wooden pieces provide a masculine touch to the room. Antique furnishings anchor a Victorian room. A loft bed creates floor space and is reminiscent of college. Add a wingback chair or settee for comfortable seating. A cool desk can help inspire schoolwork. Include plenty of storage to keep him organized, such as a locker, armoire, bookshelf or storage ottomans. Ottomans can also be used for additional seating for friends. A mirror is a necessity for every teen.
Fabrics
Add vibrant bedding. Use long drapes to cover the windows or Roman or bamboo shades. Use matching pillows, as well as those that add an extra splash of color. Make a canopy around the bed if desired.
Accessories
Accessories complete a room. Match the accessories with the room's color, but don't be afraid to use contrasting colors. Add lamps with boa shades for a fashion room. Throw beanbags on the floor. Add floating shelves on the walls. Your teen can provide more inspiration. Add favorite posters, but first place them in poster frames. Leave space for sentimental items such as pictures with friends. Frame a bold piece of fabric, song lyrics or a scrapbook page.
Tags: create room, feature wall, your child