FROM TODDLER TO TWEEN
It was important that my daughter’s room felt like a place that she wanted to spend time in and have friends over
Not long ago, my daughter told me that her bedroom felt a bit “babyish”. While she loved some of the elements of her room, there were some parts that, well, felt a bit young for her. She wanted to put more of a stamp on her room so that it felt like her room.
When her room was first decorated, it was done by me. As we eagerly awaited the ‘spare’ room was decorated the room in neutral and bright colours that a young child, no matter what gender, would like. And the thought of having the room painted while I was pregnant was not appealing! The room had all the essentials for a baby; change table, cot, curtains, feeding chair, nappies etc.
As my daughter moved from baby to toddler, changes were made. The cot was replaced with a bed and more storage was brought in. But there had not been a substantial change that had involved Sophie’s input. So how did we change Sophie’s room to be suitable for a tween? Putting my design process into action, here’s how it evolved:
FEEL – How did my daughter want her room to feel? She wanted her room to feel more grown up. And she wanted it to feel like her room – a tween girl who loves stuffed toys, Lego, dolls and books and has collected trinkets along the way. It was important that my daughter’s room felt like a place that she wanted to spend time in and have friends over.
FUNCTION – How is she going to use the room? Sophie needed space to play in her room as well as an area to do homework. And she needed more space for clothes. She needed a desk and more storage for books and nick knacks.
FORM – How did she want the room to look? The bright colours made way for more subtle colours. Pink was a favourite but not a bright pink, but rather a lighter colour that would hopefully stand the test of time.
TIPS:
Buy furniture that is not too “baby”. Items that are timeless or that can be used again as your child grows up is perfect. Keep big things neutral such as curtains and walls. That way they don’t need to be changed as your child grows. Artwork can be reused and incorporated with new pieces.
Need help designing your child’s bedroom? Not sure where to start? Then schedule a commentary phone call or contact me. To receive helpful tips and inspiration direct to your email inbox, please sign-up to receive my “All Things Interiors” newsletter.
