Ideas for a Tween & a Toddlers Room

Color

• Color is usually the first design option made for any room. It is an important aspect of toddler and tween decor because it will aid in setting the mood for the space. Paint is perhaps the most inexpensive, easiest way to add color and give a room a new look. For toddlers and tweens, color is key, and modern styles for each age group include shades of pink, green, purple and bold jewel tones. Combinations including black and pink, lime green and purple or pink and orange are widely used and are ideal for toddlers and tweens. For a more subdued look, wall color may be kept neutral with tones of beige, white or cream and spiced up with an accent wall or brightly colored wall art. A neutral backdrop is easier to change as each child grows and design ideas change.

Texture and Pattern

• Adding a bit of texture and pattern to a room creates visual interest and depth to a design. Texture is fairly easy to add, and is usually the final touch to the room. A few decorative pillows in bold, contrasting colors, a faux-fur throw rug and a combination of fabrics are ideal and often inexpensive. Instead of monotone walls, select a combination and add a few accents in contrasting colors. Adding a bit of pattern to a room, either on the wall, in the bedding or in accent pieces, is a creative way to add color and visual interest. Geometric shapes are widely used in teen decor, while stripes and polka dots will work for both children and pre-teens. These patterns may contrast a room's color, or be done to spice up a neutral background; either option can be used to create a focal point in the room.

Organization

• Storage pieces are going to be an essential element of appropriate child-friendly design. Selecting pieces to hold toys, books, clothes and shoes that fit with the decor and are unobtrusive is key. Brightly colored cloth bins will fit around the room and in the closet and are fairly inexpensive. For rooms where space may be limited, seek out storage items that close and roll under the bed, and select wall-mounted shelves for books. Hollow footstools and other furnishings are made to open and store anything from art supplies to extra bedding.

Window Coverings and Lighting

• Lighting is a necessity in children's bedrooms, since the space serves as a reading and study space as much as it does a space for rest. The most commonly used light source is a ceiling mounted fan and light combination. Additional options include a floor lamp or desk-top lamps. All of these designs are functional and come in a number of colors, shapes and sizes as required. Window coverings are another spot where color and visual interest may be added to the room. For child-friendly designs, avoid heavy materials and dark colors. Choose sheer materials usually made from cotton or rayon, which are budget-friendly, colorful and functional. For increased privacy, add a set of mini blinds or a shade to increase privacy and block out sun when needed.