When you’re a parent, it can often feel like you blink and your child becomes a few years older. They go through so many changes so quickly, it’s hard to keep up. The jeans that fit them two months ago might now come up to their ankles. Their appetite gets bigger. Their interests change. Their needs change.
So, it’s important to adapt to those needs when it comes to their room – or any room in the house that they frequently use, including playrooms, basement areas, and bathrooms. With a little creativity, you can design the coolest kid room that your little one will love. Their room should be more than a place for them to sleep. It needs to be a place where they can play, use their imagination, and grow.
But, it’s about more than just a fun design. Your child’s needs should be kept in mind throughout the entire experience, so the room can be both practical and functional. It should also be easy to update and enhance, as this will most certainly be necessary as they age.
So, how should you approach kid room renovations?
Meet Their Needs
Consider what stage of life your children are at when you begin to plan their room. Are they moving on from a crib? Is it necessary for them to have a “big kid” bed? What would make them feel the most at ease?
Transitioning their rooms can be made easier by:
- Investing in age-appropriate furniture
- As much as possible, do-it-yourself
- Planning for your own needs (budgeting, space, etc.)
- Using themes that will grow with them
If you’re planning on doing major renovations, consider longevity in the upgrades you choose. For example, if you plan on changing the flooring, consider hardwood over carpet. It’s easier to clean and will stand the test of time. You can always add area rugs to the room for a pop of color and personality. Storage space is another big factor to think about. Kids tend to have a lot of “stuff,” and that doesn’t really change with age.
Installing shelves or increasing closet space will help keep their room usable for years to come, even as they grow into teenagers.
Keep Them Safe
At any age, your child’s safety should be your top priority. But it’s one of the most crucial things to remember while they’re little and you’re redecorating their room.
The first major bedroom change you’ll probably make for your child will probably be when they’re around 3-6 years old. Depending on their developmental progress and needs, that could include changing from a crib to a twin bed and providing more space within the room to let them use their imagination, play, and thrive.
But, keep in mind that if they’re going to be spending more time in their room and aren’t confined to a crib, extra safety measures should be implemented. This includes:
- No electrical cords running beneath rugs
- No toys that could present choking hazards available when you’re not around
- Keeping the bed away from the window
- Securing dressers and heavy furniture to the walls
One of the easiest ways to know which safety renovations to make is to go into your child’s room and do a sweeping assessment. Get down on your hands and knees and think about any potential dangers they could run into. As your child grows, so will their curiosity. That’s a good thing, but it could also cause them to explore things that may not be safe, like windows and cords. As a parent, staying one step ahead of those potential hazards is crucial.
Get Them Involved
If your child is anywhere from 8-10, they’ll probably start having opinions on things they want in their room. They might even be the ones to suggest switching things up. So, don’t be afraid to get them involved in the process. Some easy ways to do that include:
- Asking them about themes and color schemes
- Letting them help to choose decorations and accessories
- Painting
- Small tasks like tightening screws or handing you tools
When your child knows their input is being taken seriously for their room, they are more likely to be excited about spending time there. Everyone needs their own space, including kids. While practicality is important, your child feeling comfortable and relaxed in their room is just as necessary for their mental well-being and their growth.
As your child gets older, their input can matter even more. Your teenager isn’t likely going to want the same color schemes they did as a ten-year-old.
While that doesn’t mean you need to give in to every request, let their input influence you to create the right changes. Let your child (at any age) experiment with different colors, patterns, accessories, and textures. Taking that approach will reduce stress for both of you, so you can put together a room that feels more like a sanctuary for your child at any age.
