August 2007
I didn’t plan to write today—I had already scheduled a post last night—but inspiration struck and I couldn’t resist sharing more. My head is full of ideas; I could write all day if I didn’t have other responsibilities. Chief among them is caring for my greatest treasure: my son. So I’ll pace myself for his sake and spare you a post every hour.
After raising two lovely daughters and enjoying life as a family of four, my husband and I decided we wanted to keep the pitter-patter of little feet in our home a little longer. The girls were 8 and 11 and we felt time moving quickly, so we welcomed one more child. Seven years ago we were blessed with a son—the cutest brown-eyed, curly-haired boy, at least to our eyes.
Having raised daughters first, I wasn’t prepared for all the noise, energy, and exuberance that comes with a little boy. He wasn’t a quiet, studious child; he was spirited, witty, and dramatic, with a mischievous twinkle that hints at whatever adventure he’s planning. I know he will grow into a wonderful man, but he also has a tender side he reserves for me, and I melt when he slows down enough to give me a hug.
One of the things I looked forward to most before he was born was decorating his room. My husband even painted a mural inspired by The Lord of the Rings on his wall. After our move, he got a new room, and of course we had to design it all over again—an opportunity I happily embraced. While exploring design blogs, I discovered a charming site for boy-themed decor and a quote that perfectly captures how I feel about decorating children’s spaces:
The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things. – Plato
As parents, we can introduce our children to taste and beauty through the lens of childhood imagination. Children’s rooms tolerate themes in ways other rooms don’t—they’re where whimsy can thrive. When choosing a theme, aim for one that can last several years. Kids’ interests change quickly, like shoe sizes; today’s obsession with a cartoon or movie character may be gone next week.
I find it helpful to avoid decorating strictly around current cartoons or movie tie-ins. Those themes can look tacky and become outdated fast. If your child insists on a trendy character, here are tasteful ways to incorporate it without committing the whole room:
- Frame a picture of the character and place it on the nightstand so it’s visible but contained.
- Give your child a bulletin board to pin comics or posters they love.
- Allow the back of the door or the inside of a closet to be designated spaces for changeable displays.
- Install shelving to display action figures, giving them a place to showcase current favorites.
Once you acknowledge your child’s current interests, let the rest of the room breathe with enduring style. Vintage or whimsical reinterpretations often work well and can age gracefully. Keep base furnishings and bedding neutral or simple, and add playful accessories that can be changed as tastes evolve. A child’s room should be imaginative and memorable—an environment that encourages creativity and trains their eye to appreciate beauty.
If your child loves sports, for example, consider vintage photographs, a sporty mobile, or a subtle mural to set the tone. Select a palette of appealing colors for walls and bedding, and have fun with accessories. Vintage-inspired pieces add charm, while contemporary rooms benefit from whimsical accents that keep things youthful without overwhelming the space.
Consider adding educational or functional elements to the room so décor has purpose and the space grows with the child:
- Hang a world map or educational poster to spark curiosity.
- Place a large ruler on a wall to track growth and introduce measurement concepts.
- Install a chalkboard to encourage drawing and imaginative play.
- Create memory boards to celebrate milestones and happy moments.
- Fill the room with books to foster a love of reading and learning.
- Display family photos to remind him how loved he is.
As children start school, their rooms become even more important. A well-organized room with simple systems to support daily routines helps children succeed. Design the space so it’s easy for him to find his clothes, backpack, and shoes, and to keep his belongings in order. Supporting independence now builds good habits for the future.
August is the ideal month to refresh your child’s room and prepare for the new school year—September will be here before you know it!
Photos: Top, Street of Dreams Portland 2008
Pottery Barn Kids