Are you about to turn your spare bedroom come junk room into a brand new space for a new member of the family? Not sure where to start when it comes to home décor? Don’t worry we’ve come to the rescue. Here is how to go about the design process.
Photo source (boy): Flickr
Babies and Toddlers
Children grow so quickly, you can blink and they will be a few inches taller. Due to this it is important to design a room that is adaptable. Buy furniture such as a cot with collapsible sides which will transform into a child’s bed and a changing table that also will double as a chest of drawers.
Decorate with neutral decorations that are calming and will soothe your child at bed time. Crazy patterns and colours may be distracting and a little garish. Add personal touches to this simple décor with fabric covered initials and monogrammed bedding.
It may be tempting to think that because babies and toddlers are small that they won’t need as big a wardrobe but in reality they need just as much space as adults. They may be little but they make a lot of mess! Add an extra rail to a regular wardrobe to optimise available space and even if they get through 3 outfits a day you’ll have plenty of space to keep all their outfits.
Young Children
When children get a little older they will start to develop their own tastes and personality. Perhaps your son loves Moshi Monsters or your little girl loves In the Night Garden? Decorate according to this theme but don’t be too specific as they may grow out of it. For example for In the Night Garden you could decorate with an outdoors theme. Fit green carpets, paint the ceiling blue and invest in the cuddly toy versions of the TV show’s characters. This decoration will grow with your child and is easily adaptable.
There is no rush to decorate however! If you would like to get to know your adoptive child more before you whip out a paint brush simply keep the room a neutral colour such as magnolia. You can take them shopping then and choose a duvet set together!
Older Children
If you are adopting older children then they may want to get involved with the decoration process. Have a flick through home décor magazines together and work as a team to get the room finished – it could be a real bonding experience.
If they aren’t that into decorating then take inspiration from their favourite books, sports or films. A basketball room with a hoop on the wall and a court marked out on wooden floor would look cool. Or if they loved the 2013 film Oz the Great and Powerful bring the magical land of Oz to life in their room. Use blue and white gingham fabric for soft furnishings, create a yellow brick road with laminate or a rug and paint on the wall ‘there is no place like home’.
Have these suggestions inspired you? Don’t worry if you’re not handy with decorating you can always call in the professionals!