Finding ways to make your kids rooms interesting and functional is not always easy. It is especially difficult when you have pre teens at home who would like nothing better than to paint everything black.
If you have a fan in your home (like I do, Madison you know who you are) here are some decorating ideas for you.
courtesy of freshhome.com
Could we have a harder group of people to decorate for than the teenaged male?
They are not exactly outspoken when it comes to the decor of their rooms. In fact most of the teenaged guys I know tend to shrug and mumble, “I don’t know…whatever…” Don’t be fooled. They really do care they just don’t want to talk about it.
They have long out grown their cutesy themed rooms. They may appear indifferent to the whole design thing but they really do want a comfortable space for hanging out or studying or they may want a space to reflect their various current interests. Over the years I have had requests from guys (reluctantly dragged into Seven’s with their parents) ranging from an all black room to a room with different colors on every wall to giant sports murals to snowboarding wallpaper.
Many of us as parents would draw the line at an all black room though. Sorry guys.
But I have come up with a few different ideas for you.
When many of us were growing up did we ever think we would be parents — let alone parents of pre – teens? Yikes! I know I never pictured it for myself that’s for sure.
My mother’s words have often come back to haunt me, “You just wait! Someday your kids will act the same way.”
Some days life is like a field full of land mines. You never know what you may say that will send off the fireworks. It is great for everyone if the pre-teen in the family has a neutral corner or bedroom to retreat to.
I remember enjoying the Chronicles of Narnia when I was younger and I think it is great how those books have stood the test of time. My own kids have read them and loved the cinematic interpretations too.
If your pre-teen is like mine, why not give them a room that reflects their interests (fleeting as they may be) ?
I promised I would take pictures of the piano painting. I stopped by West Michigan Piano to take a few photos and meet the creative people using our paint to create their masterpieces.
Various groups were in to work on several pianos including a group from Byron Center Christian Elementary, Steelcase, Lakeside and Dutton Elementary. Thornapple Kellog had been in a few days prior to paint a couple of brilliant works of music and art.
The creativity and the paint were flying as the students took over the warehouse area and loading dock to work on their art projects. A couple of kids were playing songs on them while everyone was working. I am still amazed by how great these kids are…
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Since most little boys probably aren’t huge Fancy Nancy fans, I had to come up with a plan for them too. I recently went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D and really enjoyed it. It’s not often we can find a movie to entertain us adults, a thirteen and eight year old! I thought it was as entertaining as the first one.
My favorite character is Buzz Lightyear (although Woody is a close second). What little boy wouldn’t want a room inspired by outer space and a charismatic intergalactic space ranger?
There is something about Jane O’Connor’s beautifully detailed illustrations that beckons you to pick up a Fancy Nancy book. My own children are a little too old for the stories but we have enjoyed them immensely in the past. Nancy is a little bit “fancy” and loves all things French. She loves fashion and glamour and inspired me to put together a collection of colors and things to create a “Fancy” room for any little Fashionista…
Wallpapering is not something we generally think about tackling over the summer although on those really steamy days it could be nice to hang out in the A/C or when it rains. Given the number of rain days lately I am sure we can find some time to hang a few rolls. Feature walls, small powder rooms, entryways all make great spaces to paper. Even the backs of the bookcases should not be excluded from a little wallpaper pick me up… (Plus with these fresh summery patterns I don’t know how anyone could resist!!)
I know you all have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for word on the lime green walls in my daughter’s room so here you go…
