Like a kid in a candy shop
Children's bedrooms aren't what they used to be
Image courtesy iStockphoto
When most adults today think of their childhood bedrooms, it's rare that the words "coordinated," "designed" or "eco-friendly" come to mind. But for kids these days, a matching color scheme and the use of trendy materials is a given.
"In children's rooms today, practically anything goes, and fortunately the designers in the children's industry are providing a rainbow of options," says Sherri Blum, a professional interior decorator, children's artist and owner of Jack and Jill Interiors in Maryland. "In the past, options for decorating a child's room were very limited to whatever character bedding might be available in the department stores. And honestly, children's rooms were often an afterthought when it came to home decoration.
Today, parents are giving their children the very special place they deserve and we have bedding and décor full of fun geometrics and a variety of themes." According to Blum, anyone who thinks blue and pink are still the gold standard can toss that old-fashioned idea out the window right now. "Bright citrus colors such as pumpkin orange, salmon pink, lime green and aqua blue are often paired with secondary colors such as chocolate brown, which help to tone down the brighter primary color and provide a more soothing and sophisticated look," she says. "Nearly every designer has a bedding set that showcases these color combinations. Brown with anything is hot!"
It might be surprising to some that often Paris couture fashion inspires the color of little Susie's comforter. In addition to hues taken from the runways, many are inspired by shades and styles they see while traveling. "Favorite vacation spots definitely influence children's décor," says Blum. "I�m currently decorating a nursery in a Moroccan theme for a popular NFL football star and his wife. We've seen very strong French and Italian influences in current children's design – and beach themes are always popular."
But no matter which color scheme you go with in the nursery or the 5th grader's playroom, using some form of "green" is definitely in. Gail Dunlop is the owner of Fun Décor For Kids, a full-service children's interiors shop in Grantiteville, S.C. "We have seen a series of new products/technology that are eco-friendly in the industry of children's wall décor – many manufacturers are seriously addressing this issue," says Dunlop.
York Wallcovering's SureStrip Prepasted, Chesapeake's Easy-Walls and Paperpro by Brewster are all materials that are more kind to the environment (and your kids) than materials used in the past by using natural and synthetic fibers without the use of PVC or harsh ink printing. Plus, many of these types of materials help cut back on mildew and aren't as prone to air bubbles.
Wicker furniture, toys made from recycled goods, and well-placed, non-toxic plants are all other green options that are catching style-savvy parents' eyes. But even if your vision for a great kid's room doesn't involve hemp carpeting, the point is to make it a place where your child can feel comfortable, safe, and inspired.
"A great kid's room incorporates many aspects," says Dunlop. "The space must reflect the child's interests or personality; create their sanctuary, a place that the child would want to go and be, [one that] allows for their creative and visual development – a fun place. If possible, add something that is personalized with them in mind, like artwork, a personalized mural, or something they love from a trip or an accomplishment."
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