Dormitorio Fresco: DESIGNING YOUR TEENS BEDROOM

Thursday, January 12, 2012 Posted by Arfin at 4:29 AM

Just starting middle school is usually, a popular time togive your teen’s bedroom a new personality. Do your homework and you'll beready for this adventure whenever it arrives.

First, step back and think about the overall design you wantto achieve. Paint colors can determine the overall feel of the room andinfluence the moods of its occupants. Then you want to consider the lightingand exposure of the room and what the larger pieces of furniture you'll need.

Whileteens are painfully brand conscious, most have no desire for the high-end looksadults crave. Fun, funky, and free-spirited designs hold more appeal, and evenkids who appreciate the finer things are likely to want a more unrestrainedversion of a traditional look.

You and your teen need to come to someagreement about major items such as a desk, a bed, and window treatments, thenbuy the best furnishings your budget will allow.

Paintedwalls are a practical choice. Paint has a fresh contemporary feeling, and,better yet, it's the least expensive, fastest way to make a big change in aroom. You'll want to tell your teen that paint looks a lot darker and morevivid on four walls than in a tiny paint chip.

Thinkabout creating as much storage as possible. Include both open/display andhidden; and, above all, make storage easily accessible if you want them to useit.

If yourteen is older, you may want to consider how you'll use the room once he or sheis independent. If the room will become a home office, a daybed may be the bestchoice. If it will become a full-time guest room, you may want to invest in a fullor queen-size bed.