From baby nursery to teen retreat, there’s now a bevy of decorating options when it comes to furnishing your child’s room to create the delight the little ones surely deserve writes Carole Wanjiru.
Keeping in mind that a child spends approximately 12-16 hours a day in their room, isn’t it time you brought out your inner child and have her help you decorate your children’s bedrooms? And surely there was a room you always wanted as a kid? This is going to be so much fun.
Decorating a room for a new-born is usually an exciting experience though an exerting task for parents. There are many choices for a baby’s room decor, and knowing what you want makes the whole exercise easier.
Of importance, while embarking on such course keep safety and comfort as your top priorities to create a safe and peaceful sanctuary for your new arrival. Usage of non-toxic paints is healthy. Never use lead-based paints for anything in a kid’s room as they are poisonous and babies tend to chew on everything they find.
Choose a theme
Wallpaper patterns usually make a significant difference in the toddler’s room. It is important to choose a theme in your decorations. For instance, the following themes are recommended for a baby girl’s room: flowers, butterflies, stars, angels, fairies or the name of the baby. Having a theme in mind before decorating a room for your newborn helps you to choose the appropriate accessories, paints and window treatments.
Colours
Choose colours that are calming and soothing, such as light green or baby blue. Understand that you can choose more than one colour for the room. Paint the wall well in advance of your baby’s arrival so the room has time to air out.
Flooring
Decide on flooring, keeping in mind that the room can feature carpet, hardwood or tile flooring. Hardwood floors are easiest to keep clean and free from allergens.
Decorate the ceiling
Choose something for the ceiling. Understand that babies spend most of the time lying on their backs, so decorating the ceiling is important. Once their vision develops so they can see far away, they may enjoy ceiling decor.
Pick a window treatment. You can choose different textiles and designs when decorating the window. If your treatment includes blinds, wrap up the cords tightly so they do not dangle down and create a danger for your child.
Furniture and Accessories
When choosing furniture, think about how long you are going to use the pieces and whether your newborn can still use the furniture when he or she gets older. Ensure that any furniture you choose meets current safety standards.
Furniture for a newborn should include a crib, changing table, bassinet, clothes drawer and (rocking) chair. Cot is the most important piece of furniture. Usually a convertible one might be the best choice. Once your baby has outgrown the crib, it converts into a toddler bed or a window seat. The mattress should fit the crib perfectly to keep the baby’s limbs from getting caught. Make sure that the crib you buy meets safety standards. Most international brands do. (It might not be a very good idea to design and have one made by the local carpenter.)
Light the room
Keep in mind that lighting will bring your baby’s room to life. Contrasting colours work best for your newborn.
For older children (3+ years), if you want them to enjoy staying indoors from time to time, you will have to make their living space interesting and playful. They are always attracted towards colorful objects inside and outside the home. A child’s main activities in the bedroom are sleeping coupled with grooming, studying and numerous moments of play time. A kid’s room design should consider the child’s personality, age, parent’s budget and the different purposes for the room.
Children’s room furniture and design should not be too ambitious. Parents need to remember that they do not buy the children’s furniture for themselves. Furniture for the kid’s rooms should be simple and safe.
Kid’s furniture has to take a lot of “beating” over the years; therefore, functionality and durability are the next things to consider during a child’s room design project. You will need to apply fascinating colour themes on kids’ room walls and add a lot of fun items to your kid’s room.
As mentioned, it is possible to carry out these décor tips and designs in Kenya and indeed across the East African region. Several establishments offer furniture, accessories, fabric and soft furnishings. One such establishment is Treehouse Children’s décor Company.
