August 2007
I hadn’t planned to write today since I already posted my thoughts last night, but ideas kept popping into my head and I couldn’t resist. I could probably post hourly with all the inspiration I have, but I’ve learned to balance that impulse with other responsibilities—especially caring for my greatest earthly treasure, my son. So I’ll try to pace myself and spare you hourly updates.
After having 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 around a bit longer. Our girls were 8 and 11, and we knew time was moving quickly, so we chose to add another child. Seven years ago we were blessed with our son—the most adorable brown-eyed, curly-haired boy (at least we think so!).
Coming from a home with daughters, I wasn’t prepared for the noise, the energy, and the different kinds of mess boys can make. He wasn’t a quiet, studious little guy—he arrived with a big personality, a dramatic flair, and a quick wit. There’s a mischievous twinkle in his eye that gives away when he’s up to something. I know he’ll grow into a wonderful man, but for now he still has a tender side he reserves mostly for me, and I melt when he slows down long enough for a hug.
One of the things I looked forward to before he was born was decorating his room. My husband even painted a Lord of the Rings mural on his wall—he put hours into it. I wish I had a digital photo to share of that mural.
After we moved, he needed a new room, and of course I loved the chance to design it. While browsing blogs, I discovered a charming site for boys’ decor through Design Mom and found a quote on Simply A Boy that perfectly captures my approach to decorating children’s spaces:
The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things. – Plato
I believe we should introduce children to taste and beauty, while honoring their natural imagination and fantasy. Children’s rooms can handle thematic elements in ways adult rooms can’t, so I often make exceptions for playful themes. When choosing a theme, pick one with longevity—kids change interests often, so a room centered on a fleeting cartoon or current fad can feel dated quickly.
To avoid decorating an entire room around a temporary obsession like a cartoon character or movie, consider these simple compromises:
- Frame a picture of the character and place it on the nightstand—your child will see it every morning without the room being dominated by garish themed bedding.
- Provide a bulletin board where he can display comics, posters, and other current favorites.
- Designate the back of the door or the inside of a closet as a space where he can freely express changing tastes.
- Install shelving to store and display action figures and collectibles so they become part of the room’s decor and are easy to update.
After honoring his immediate interests in a few focused places, let the rest of the room breathe with more enduring style. Whimsical or vintage-inspired touches work beautifully in children’s rooms, and a tasteful approach lets creativity shine without overwhelming the space. A child’s room is an opportunity to reflect their personality and to help them develop an appreciation for beauty.
If your child loves sports, for example, consider vintage photos, a mural, or a mobile to accent the room. Choose a cohesive color palette for walls and bedding, and add accessories that nod to the theme without overwhelming the core furnishings. Vintage-inspired pieces can feel playful and timeless, while contemporary rooms benefit from whimsical accents that keep the space youthful.
Decor can also serve an educational purpose. When decorations have function, a room naturally evolves into a place of learning and discovery. Consider these ideas:
- Add a world map or an educational poster to spark curiosity about the wider world.
- Place a jumbo ruler in a corner to track height and teach measurement concepts.
- Install chalkboards or painted chalk surfaces to encourage drawing and creative play.
- Use memory boards to display achievements and happy moments.
- Keep many books accessible to foster reading and exploration.
- Frame family photos to remind your child how loved they are.
As children begin school, their bedrooms grow in importance. A well-organized room, clear routines, and thoughtful systems make mornings smoother and help children become more independent. Designing a space that supports dressing, finding backpacks and shoes, and keeping belongings organized will help your child succeed in daily routines and at school.
August is a great month to refresh your child’s room and get everything ready—September will arrive before you know it.
Photos: Top, Street of Dreams Portland 2008
Pottery Barn Kids