All Grown Up: Add Some Pizzazz To Your Teen’s Room

by Scarlett
(Australia)

They grow up fast don’t they? One minute they are sleeping in a canopy bed underneath a pink ceiling, the next they are talking on their cell phone and the room you spent so many hours on looks out of place for your growing child. It’s daunting trying to redo your child’s room, but if you stick to a few basic principles, you’ll have the room of their dreams in no time.

With a small child’s room, the general focus is often on color. Once a color is selected, everything else falls into place. With a teen room, the focus changes to the idea of a theme. Does your child like music? Are they into dance or horses? Once you find a theme for the room, you can choose colors, furniture, and accessories accordingly.

Once you have your theme, assess what type of furniture you will need to be. As kids grow, they spend more time in their rooms. They will need a quiet corner to do homework or work on the computer, so a desk is a great investment. If you don’t have space for a full desk, a wide shelf can be drilled into the wall and attached with brackets. Paired with a small stool, it’s a mini-desk that is wide enough to do homework but not so wide that it takes up too much room. Another necessity is a good-sized dresser, because as they grow older kids tend to acquire more clothing. A shelving system in the closet is a great idea for a girly girl who likes a lot of sweaters, belts, and scarves.

It’s the little things, or more precisely put, the expensive things that really make a teen room a place where your child will love to be. TV’s are a great addition to their room, because they can hang out and watch movies on their own with friends. The downside to a TV is that they may never come out of their room, so use your own judgment. Stereos are another nice feature of a teen room, but be sure to provide them with headphones as well.

Once you have your theme chosen, it’s time to think accessories. What type of duvet or comforter will you have? You can find a wide variety of unique sheets and blankets online. Involve your child in the process, and you’ll be sure to pick out one they love. Candles, lamps, cuddly throw blankets, and extra pillows are all must haves for a cozy room. If you have hardwood flooring, think about adding fluffy shag area rugs – an ideal spot is in front of the bed, ensuring they have a warm spot to step onto in the morning (most teen girls seem to love the pink shag rugs).

Be sure to have a lot of wall space for posters, artwork, and pictures. Teens love to display their own personal taste in their room. The key to redecorating a teen room is that you create a space that will stand the test of passing time. They grow so quickly. Giving them a room they can be proud of is a nice way to recognize that.