Room to Grow

She’s a princess one year, a tomboy the next. He worships astronauts at age six, then marine biologists when he turns seven. Kids evolve quickly. Since a child’s bedroom is his or her refuge, it’s important that it reflects their individuality and evolves with them as they grow. Interior designers and furniture specialists chime in to give parents tips on decorating a room that will age gracefully as a child transitions into adolescence.

Cat Hackman, owner, Room4Refinement

“Stick to classic designs for elements that are costly to change later, such as built-ins, beds, bookshelves and dressers. You can change the appearance of a chest of drawers by simply changing the knobs. Keep your window treatments neutral, and use cordless blinds for safety. If using drapery, purchase curtain rods that can be used for an older child and then simply change out the drapery as they grow. Opt for neutral durable floors that can be cleaned, rather than carpet. Dress up the floor with fun area rugs. Lastly, you can never have enough storage in a kid’s room. Easy-access storage, such as bins, baskets and drawers, will help your child keep his or her room tidy and the baskets can be used later for other purposes in the home.”

Lisa Morris, owner, Baby Boutique, by McArthur Furniture

“Children’s rooms are not what they used to be. Gone are the days of matching theme rooms and small furniture that won’t last past the toddler years. Parents are spending as much money and time on their little ones’ rooms as they are in their own. Furniture is bought to coordinate with the rest of the home, and to transition into pieces that will last until the little birds leave the nest. An overstuffed swivel glider has replaced the traditional rocker and can be moved to any other room in the house after [it’s] no longer needed in the nursery. There is also a huge movement to go organic for everything from bedding to baby lotion.”

Jeff Stoner, general manager, Revolve Furnishings

“The priority in making a child’s bedroom last for years is to pick pieces that can be reworked by changing a few simple accessories in the room. For example, we carry a pink leather bedroom set that can be very girly and princessy when dressed up, but it can also be very sophisticated and mature if paired with  black tones and clean-looking accessories. I also think a great place to start when making a child’s bedroom timeless is with clean lines in the furniture. By playing with the bedding, and adding more mature elements of style relevant to the child’s age, a child’s room can grow up with her.”

Rhonda Fairhurst-Arevalo, interior designer, Country Living Furnishings

“You can never go wrong with a modern take on classic designs, such as the new ‘reading bed’ by True North, which takes up less room than its late ancestor, the ‘sleigh bed.’ A natural stained pine dresser will age gracefully while receiving even further distressing from your child, adding to its charm. You can coordinate this with a solid-wood student desk or beautiful writing table. A classic solid-wood blanket box doubles as a toy box and makes very smart storage for your teenager. We believe in being green by buying locally, from companies who use natural, biodegradable products. Invest in pieces that last forever and don’t fill up the landfills with disposable furniture.”

Fev Hunter, owner, Cherry Four Junior Home

“You don’t need to completely redo a child’s room every few years if you make considered decisions to begin with. Think quality first. Kids are hard on things, so think longevity when creating the bones of the room. Invest in well-crafted furniture, bedding and window coverings in a style that will grow with your child. Choose stylish details and finishes that will stand the test of time. Choosing items such as a crib that ultimately converts into a double bed, or change tables that become dressers to which hutches for additional storage can be added, lay the foundation for longevity in a child’s room. Transitional accessories such as artwork, cushions and beloved toys can also be worked into the room."

Darren Boomhower, interior designer, Johnson & Associates Interior Design

“A key part to kids’ rooms aging well is adaptability. What some kids like one week, they may not like a week later. To have a child’s room that ages well, try putting the colour and impact into the easily changed elements like bedding and paint. You can always make a room feel completely different with a fresh wall colour or by changing the accents on the bed. Consider investing more in pieces they will be able to take with them, like a desk or chest of drawers. Make sure there is some display space for photos, mementos and awards that can change as their interests change. Also, don’t forget who you are designing that room for — make sure you have fun with it!”