Homes can be stylish, kid-friendly
By Terri Sapienza
The Washington Post
Design pros say it is possible to have family-friendly style. Here is their advice about creating kids’ personal spaces:
• Don’t go too far with theme rooms, because children outgrow them quickly. Instead, use smaller accessories — such as Diego bookends or Dora sheets — which can be easily and inexpensively changed.
• Let children make design choices in small doses. So she adores purple? Steer her toward a subtle shade of that color for the walls, then bring in a brighter hue on a bedspread or pillow.
• Invest in furnishings that will move from childhood into teen years: a twin bed, for example, rather than a child-size version.
• Wool carpeting with pattern and color will hide stains and is highly cleanable.
• Include comfortable adult seating for reading and playtime together.
• Open storage such as cubbyholes or shelving will help keep the room tidy and teach kids to stay organized.
• In rooms for smaller children, a ceiling light or sconces are best. Table and floor lamps can be easily knocked around by toddlers.
• If all else fails, remember: You can always close the door.
SOURCES: Sara Costello, Sandra Meyer, Shanon Munn, Raji Radhakrishnan, Megan Samuels, Claire Schwab.
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