Long before you decide on your child’s name, you probably think about the nursery that you want to plan for her. That’s how important kids rooms are. While decorating children’s rooms, a problem that parents often face is that they grow up too fast. Just when you become comfortable with one stage, they mature and their tastes and requirements change.
Design principles vary depending on the age group. One can divide this into four slots. 0-2, 3-8, 9-14, 15 -18. Let’s find out what you can do to spruce up your kid’s rooms according to their age group.
Just Born (0-2 years)
A newborn needs very little furniture in its room. The only thing indispensable is a cot. However, it is really tough to avoid the urge to make a baby’s room something out of fairy land, giving complete freedom to the child within us. The one thing that I think is a must in a newborn’s room is a comfortable space for the mother; she is the one who will spend the longest time there. The mother should have a comfortable chair, space for reading and some music to help her relax. The room should have a nappy station at a height that is comfortable for the mother (table height 30” from floor level. Or higher upto 36”.) An open shelf for diapers, nappy cream, lotions is a must because these are needed all the time. As also a laundry bag for dirty clothes and nappies. Among all these requirements, don’t forget to accessorise. Try making the room attractive and colourful. I suggest pastels as they are soothing for the newborn.
Toddlers (3-8 years)
By the age of three, most children develop a personality that we can perceive. I suggest giving little angels a dresser at this age, they simply love it. Give them a table and chair that’s meant for their height, not a height that they may attain 5 years later. Do it by making their table in such a way that its height can later be adjusted. A black board, a soft board to encourage them, (post their art work), a mirror, a basketball ring, a rug or a play mat, storage for all their toys should all be accessible to them. Same goes for their wardrobe.
Adolescents (9-14 years)
By now they know what they want, very clearly and often adamantly. Now it’s no longer you are making a room for him, but with him. They want rooms that give them privacy; that they don’t have to share with their younger siblings. They’ll insist on colours that you will disagree with. At this point, go back in time and remember when you were there, and let them have their room their way. They’ll crave music, a telephone line, wallpapers, posters of icons, pictures et al. Help them express themselves. Let them live their time.
Young adults (15-19 years)
They believe they know it all; they want total privacy and no interference. Yet they stand on the threshold of maturity. Let them have that bed on the floor, blacks and purples and reds on their walls. Blow ups of themselves, a TV just for them, a cordless telephone line, space for loads of perfumes, books and technology. Give space for an extra bed because they’ll love to have sleepovers. Add lamps whether floor or table. Blinds the way they’ll love them. Give them the pleasure of ownership; they want a room to call “mine”.
Whatever the age group, accessories are vital; they can make or break the design. I insist that you make three sets of coordinated bed linen so at least the room looks done for a year. I would also suggest wooden flooring in kids’ rooms with subtle veneers on the furniture and the highlight being accessories and soft furnishings.
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