Inspiring “No-Theme” Children’s Rooms

My favorite rooms for children are unique – created to match the personality of, for example, a four-year-old who’s a girly type of girl. I don’t like anything with a trademark on it. Why? Because Barney (gag me) is “in” today and “out” tomorrow. And the poor kid has to live with Barney smiling that strangely evil smile for several years!

Here are some ideas I came across that I like. Some of them solve particular design problems, too.

I think this is a good solution if you’ve got a lot of children. Or, if you own a vacation home with lots of family and friends visiting. Turn the attic into a bedroom. Each child has a space that’s their own. This image is a bit adult. I’d lively it up with more colors, like this next one…

No need to draw a line down the middle of the room when it’s tricked out like this. Each child has their own defined sleeping area. By the time they really need to express their individuality, it will be time for a change anyway. This look was created with inexpensive fabrics and sheeting.

This is my favorite. It’s simply beautiful and doesn’t go overboard with decoration that says, “this is a girl’s room.” It’s just pretty.

A room for a tween? I think not. I don’t know any 11-year-old wearing those sized shoes who would still be into pink. Age it down for a younger child and it works really well. I like the $40 chandelier.

Here’s another attic solution for a child’s room. Too froo froo? Just change the fabrics and it’s solution for any child. Children like cozy nooks. I think it makes them feel protected. This could be repeated on the other side of the room to fit two children in one room.

This look could easily be switched out to an older look when your little boy gets a bit older. Or, it could become a guest room when your teen grows and prefers a queen-sized bed.

Last, I couldn’t resist this. Having just come from North Carolina, where it’s really hot, I though it would be really fun for the kids to sleep outside. With a tent this cool, I’m afraid the kids would have to fight the adults for a bed! You could easily recreate this look indoors. It just takes time and lots of fabric. You can find bolts of discontinued fabrics at local fabric shops. Don’t forget to bargain.

Jennifer’s Tips

• Need lots of fabric for a dime to create a tent or canopy? Check out theatrical supply shops. It’s not high quality, but it¬† sure is cheap.
• Children like nooks. It makes them feel safe and protected in a larger room. Create one with sheets, a canopy, a tent.
• Stay away from licensed themes. Your child is unique! Her room should be, too.