It’s easy to go overboard when decorating kids’ rooms. It’s so tempting to go all-in with a theme of trucks or unicorns or a much-loved superhero. But what happens when the child moves on to a new favorite? Here’s how to indulge your child’s intense, but changing, interests without breaking the budget.
Color Schemes
Start with a neutral color scheme with one or two accent colors that you and your child agree on. Neutral colors also work best when selling, meaning one less room to repaint for staging purposes.
Form a Base
With your color scheme settled and walls painted, shop with your child to choose a comforter and window treatments. This will form a solid foundation for your kid’s room. If chosen in a neutral palette, these items can work with many different accent colors or themes. Investing in the larger, more costly items – instead of changing them every time – will save you money in the long run.
How to Personalize a Kids’ Rooms
Use sheets, bed skirt, throw blankets, and pillows in bright, contrasting colors — or favorite characters — to coordinate with the comforter and curtains. Bedside tables and desks can be painted to match the accent colors.
Artwork
Framing and hanging your child’s artwork is a great way to show off his or her personality and achieve a customized look. For the frames, choose one style or finish for consistency, allowing the artwork to take center stage.
Splurges
For larger ticket items, such as lighting and rugs, shop around to get the best prices, and try to balance style with practicality. Choose a lighting fixture that will coordinate with different décor styles. For rugs, keep to your neutral theme but perhaps add a pattern for interest.
Helping with Organization
Children need systems to keep their toys, games, books, and other belongings neat and organized. Bookcases with colorful baskets or bins help with easy clean-up and provide another place for your child to have a say in color, pattern, and style. Replacing baskets with a different look is inexpensive.
