Is there anything more difficult than trying to understand what a growing teenager really wants? Or is it simply the opposite of whatever you want?!
Logan Complete Storage Bed
Maybe so, but when it comes to teen bedroom furniture, keep in mind that it IS possible for you and your child to both love it. (Of course, that might mean that “go to your room” isn’t that much of a punishment anymore.)
Today’s teens and ‘tweens define “cool” in their own way, often by customizing their belongings to reflect their own personalities — think cell phone covers and accessories, stickers all over their laptops, clothing combinations and hairstyles. Their rooms are certainly no different.
More than ever, kids are inspired to turn their rooms into their own haven of self-expression and comfort. However, there’s no reason your children’s furniture has to look juvenile. In fact, pieces that are simple and classic stand a better chance of sticking around as your child grows and can often make the transition into adulthood, or can be easily transitioned into a guest room or hobby room as they leave the nest.
The key is to combine your desire for furnishings that are functional and durable with your child’s desire to make it his or her own style.
Overall, keep these tips in mind:
1. Make the furniture work in several ways. From video games and DVDs to school supplies, controlling the clutter is the number one challenge when furnishing kids’ rooms. Think beds that have built-in storage underneath or loft beds that combine a bed on top with a desk or play area below. Also consider storage beds with headboards containing shelves for displaying your child’s books and favorite things.
2. Let color and fabric personalize the space. Instead of buying that race car bed frame, use paint, fabric or bedding to achieve the look. They are inexpensive and easy to update as your child ages — and classic, well-made furniture pieces will last long after that Hannah Montana phase.
Flexible furniture options like headboards with fabric inserts or decorative drawer pulls also help infuse favorite colors or themes into your decorating scheme.
Hooker Furniture certainly has latched onto these ideas in its Opus Designs bedroom furniture collections for kids, and the latest pieces I saw at the April 2010 furniture market were a perfect example. Not only were the beds, bookshelves and desks beautifully designed, but they incorporated changeable color panels that allow your child to customize their rooms as often as they like! Now that’s cool… or whatever the word for “cool” is these days.
We’d like to hear your ideas, too.
How do you combine your style with your child’s desire for personalization?
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