By Jade Glen
Summer holidays are the perfect time to update your child’s room.
It’s something you can do together, and if you get your child to choose their new decor or paint colour they might even be inspired to clean their room while they are at it.
Trends change, and children’s tastes change even quicker – the Thomas the Tank Engine doona cover or Red Wiggles Big Red Car bed that were the height of fashion for your toddler are probably embarrassing relics by the time your child is a pre-schooler.
Cath Stocks, creative director at Framing to a T in Berwick, Hallam and Brighton, says tweens and teens need a room refresh as the way they use their room changes.
“A toddler needs more floor space for toys and playing, and they may have a favourite colour like pink or blue at the time. A teenager tends to need a study space within the room or perhaps they will need a space to entertain their friends.
“To be able to introduce a chair or two within their room can be the difference of a simple change to bring your child’s room in to their teenage years,” Cath said.
For longevity, Cath recommends a neutral palette.
“A soft white wall is the perfect backdrop for displaying colourful framed prints, needle works and art.”
Cath recommends investing in good quality flooring, in a neutral colour, and window coverings.
“Good quality window furnishings are a great investment to see through the changing years. Try to choose a blind or curtain with a block out and ensure the window covering covers the entire window and architrave. This will reduce the light that enters the room allowing toddlers and teenagers to enjoy a good night sleep and sleep in!
“A simple light oak timber, white bed frame or an upholstered bedhead is a statement piece in the room but this simplicity will allow you to change doona cover colours and textures along with changing up of scatter cushions for your growing child.
“Now it’s time to accessorize. This will give your child the opportunity
to personalise their room and bring colour and fun into their space. Bedside lamps, scatter cushions, books, keepsakes and favourite pieces on display will guarantee a happy, fun, peaceful room for your child to call their own for years to come.”
Rianna Groenmeyer, colour consultant at PaintRight Berwick, said you shouldn’t be afraid of colour.
“Colour is a great way to express individual personalities and bring creativity to life. We have many different ways to assist with creating these looks with the latest wall murals, wallpaper, special effects paints and much more.
“The latest trends also encourage experimenting with creating your own wall murals using our wonderful range of paints, such as metallics, pearl effects, chalk wall paints along with chalk finish paints for furniture. Stencilling can also give you that signature look.”
“We have special effects paint that create wonderful DIY transformations of existing furniture to pieces of art that every child can be proud of.
“If you’re wanting to give your child a room that is uniquely theirs, yet still ties in with the overall house aesthetic, neutral tones paired with accent colours in the form of accessories can be an effective way to personalise their space.”
Rianna said striking colours were often most successful in a teenager’s room where they are able to help with the decision making process and create their own sanctuary, reflecting their individual personality and style.
Visit PaintRight Berwick to discuss your colour options and ideas and Framing to a T in Berwick, Hallam or Brighton, for styling advice.
