How to Extend the Life of a Kid's Room

By Rebecca Wardon

Your kids’ rooms can go through styles faster than your kid goes through shoes. When it comes to extending the life of a kid’s room, there are two rules you have to follow.

1. BE FLEXIBLE

We all know how quickly kids can change their minds. This week your kid loves dinosaurs, but what’s going to happen when she decides dinosaurs are out and astronauts are in? It’s going to take more than a couple coats to cover that T. Rex mural you painted in the bedroom. Permanence is the enemy, and any design choices you make should be easily updatable.
 
Instead of investing in themed furniture (here’s looking at you, race car beds), opt for accessories and decorations that can be changed out when your kid changes their interests. A new set of sheets is less expensive than a whole new bed, and hanging art is way easier to change than wall decals.
 
Being flexible isn’t just about the design either. Kids are messy, so it’s important to choose materials that are easily cleaned or replaced. That way, when that first stain shows up on the carpet, you won’t lose your cool.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE

For the things that are a little more permanent, it’s good to keep it simple. Choose “adult” furniture with clean lines and neutral colors, and you won’t have to buy a new set every two years.
 
The accessories and art can be wild and childlike, but the overall feel of the room should be calm and soothing, this is, after all, where your kid will be sleeping.
 
And use the room as a teaching opportunity! Include open shelves and simple storage systems that get your kids into good habits early.
 
If you follow these two rules, your kid’s room is going to last a lot longer than usual. For more style tips, read our past blogs. And for homes perfect for young kids, check out our floor plans.