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Designer Chic Upholstered Wall Panels
March 2009 Design Newsletter
Welcome to our March 2009 Newsletter from Wall Huggers
In this issue we will discuss, Tips On Decorating Children's Rooms
Decorating Children's Bedrooms
Tips for creating an inspiring, comfortable and safe space for your child.
One of the challenges faced by parents is the planning and decorating of their little one's bedroom. Children's rooms are unlike
adult bedrooms in that they are not only a place to sleep, but also a place to explore, play and grow.
Children's rooms must be able to keep up with the developmental changes of a child — adult-size furniture and decorating
schemes just won't cut it. To help you create the perfect retreat to stimulate your child's growth, here are some ideas that cover
all the stages of childhood:
Planning for All Ages
• Consider safety first when planning and decorating a child’s room
• A child's age will determine many of the decisions surrounding furniture purchases and finish choices
• Be flexible as children grow and change quickly
• Think ahead to your child’s future needs
• If your child is past the toddler stage, involve him or her in the space planning and the selection of furnishings and finishes
so that the space reflects your child’s tastes and interests
• Make sure that all materials and finishes are practical and easy to maintain
Sleeping, storage and seating areas are well-planned out in this nursery
The Infant and Toddler Bedroom
Planning
• Providing a space for sleeping, changing diapers and nursing is the main concern.
• Use simple patterns: an infant's sight is not developed enough to distinguish busy visuals and will be more at ease in an
environment with minimal visual stimulation. A baby’s touch and hearing are more developed than sight: infants enjoy texture
and sounds.
• Keep room warm, secure and free from drafts.
Furniture
• Basic requirements are a crib, change table, some storage and seating.
• Before bringing a crib home, make sure it meets safety standards.
• Seating should be comfortable for nursing.
• Storage should be accessible and able to accommodate diapers and clothes.
• If floor space is limited, purchase a combination change table and dresser unit.
• Select furniture that will meet future needs and be able to grow with the child.
Finishes
• Floors should be durable, washable, non-slip and warm to provide a comfortable surface for a child who is learning to crawl
and walk.
• Look for window coverings that adequately block sunlight as your baby will spend much time sleeping during the day.
Built-in desks and shelving are practical additions to a growing child's bedroom.
The Pre-schooler Bedroom
Planning
• Be certain that the room has a safe play area as children of this age will be active exploring, climbing and jumping.
• Use bold colours sparingly.
• All furniture should be appropriate for a young child's height to encourage discovery and play.
• Many children enjoy images of cartoon or storybook characters integrated into their bedrooms.
Furniture and Finishes
• Select strong, sturdy pieces with rounded edges.
• Dresser and desk drawers should be easy for a child to reach, open and shut without risk of injury.
• If floor space won’t allow, place a dresser or have drawers built into the bedroom’s closet as your child’s clothes will need to
be mostly folded rather than hung.
Finishes
• Choose flooring should be durable, washable and non-slip.
• Paint walls in a washable finish for easy clean.
• Incorporate colour and pattern in the room through window coverings; blinds in combination with drapery panels are a good
choice.
The School-Aged Child's Bedroom
Planning
• Update juvenile themes with décor that incorporates your child’s personal tastes.
• Your child will now have a greater need for a space to do homework rather than for play.
Furniture
• If space allows, place a comfortable desk and chair in your child’s bedroom to encourage good study habits. This homework
area should be well-lit and in a corner with little distraction.
• Provide storage space for your child’s increasing amount of possessions such as colourful plastic or woven bins on a
bookcase.
• Choose sturdy adult-sized furniture that can grow with your child into his or her teen years.
Finishes
• As your child matures, the range of safe finishes will expand. Area rugs are a good way to add style and pattern to the space,
while providing warmth and comfort.
• Walls are best painted to allow for display of personal items.
• Any type of wall coverings can now be considered as daytime naps will be less frequent.
• Choose colours with more subdued tones.
A teenager's room requires space for serious homework.
The Pre-teen and Teenager Bedroom
Planning
• This is a time when your child will request more privacy and independence.
• A teen’s bedroom is their personal space likely have strong opinions and great ideas — request your child’s input when
making any decorating decisions for their room.
Furniture
• A large desk, good task lighting, and book storage are essential for tackling school projects, studying, or working on a
computer.
• A DIY or custom built closet system is practical for handling a teen’s increased amount of clothing.
Finishes
• Choose floor, wall and furniture finishes that appear mature to reflect your child’s transition into adulthood.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this information on planning your child's bedroom no matter what stage in life they are.
Remember too that your little person has a personality of their own and if you can use their input in their room it will become a
special place for them in your home.
Our children are a very important part of our lives and please cherish every moment!
I hope that you have enjoyed your Newsletter and have benefited from the information provided.
Please feel free to pass this information along to your friends and family members to also help them with their interior décor projects.
We also invite you to browse our website. We have a great selection of upholstered wall panels that can work in any decor.
We welcome your comments and suggestions and hope that you enjoy this great summer season.
Regards,
Connie Beland / Owner
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