Low-cost way to spruce up a kid’s room
Building on a Theme
To pull off a good decorating scheme in your child’s room, limit the number of patterned fabrics to three or four. Use white or other neutral colors to cool down bright tones. Let your child pick a favorite fabric, painting, or print as the beginning feature and then add coordinating basics. Add the motif to a variety of surfaces, from walls and windows to bedspreads and lampshades.
For an elementary-age child, choose furniture that’s classic enough to suit future needs and decorating schemes. Add color by painting bedposts or installing new hardware on dressers and side tables. Consider the following ideas and then let your imagination take over.
*If you have a budding ballerina in your family, keep a collection of outgrown ballet slippers or tap shoes. Hang the slippers from pretty ribbons on decorative hooks along the wall or use them as tiebacks for curtains. Or display used tap shoes in a shadow box.
*Outgrown tutus or leotards can dress a favorite stuffed bear or two, arranged on the bed. Display black and white photographs from dance recitals on the wall or on a dresser to recall pleasant memories.
*Purchase a durable plastic playground slide or teeter-totter at a garage sale ($20-$30). They will fit into a child’s room quite easily and will give kids hours of fun.
* Stencil a hopscotch pattern on an inexpensive solid-color throw rug and tack the rug to the floor. Purchase or sew small beanbags in fun fabrics to toss on each number as the game is played.
*If your child likes maps or travel, plan an expedition to the thrift shop and hunt for old globes ($2-$15). Displayed as a group and they’ll have extra impact.
July 26th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Well researched site – love the kitchen gadgets! – Will look to incorporate some of your ideas into my site. Thanks!