Guest Picks: Creating a Child's Room to Last
Solid wood and streamlined shapes make these 20 furnishings work from boyhood through teens
I love decorating girl's rooms — all of the pinks and florals have me at "hello." Still, there's no reason why a boy's room can't be colorful, stylish and personal as well. Inspiration or a jumping-off point for the design and color scheme can come from art, bedding or whatever your boys are interested in.
I made the mistake of buying my daughter a bed when she was 3 that I ended up selling when she was 8 because it felt too juvenile. The items I have chosen here are mature and will suit a toddler, teenager or young adult. — Vanessa from Decor Happy
I made the mistake of buying my daughter a bed when she was 3 that I ended up selling when she was 8 because it felt too juvenile. The items I have chosen here are mature and will suit a toddler, teenager or young adult. — Vanessa from Decor Happy
Album Cover Frames
I haven't tired of the idea of framing album covers, and I think they are well suited to a young music lover's room.
G1300 Queen Bed by Geovin Furniture
Investing in a solid wood bed in a double or queen size when your child is young will ensure it will last into his adult years. The simple shaker style of this Canadian-made bed is timeless.
Green Point Blanket
Hudson's Bay Company blankets have been around for over 200 years and are a part of Canadian history. This kelly green color was one of the first ones introduced in the 1700s, and it was brought back in 2009.
Bicycle Art Print - Green Lightning by Michele Maule
Adorning the walls with art that speaks to your child's interests makes his room personal. So whether he is into skateboarding, cycling or listening to music, there is sure to be art that reflects it.
Bryant Side Table
When looking for bedside tables, choose a stain or paint color that is different from the bed. It's all about an eclectic look and not about "buying the set." Also, don't be restricted to tables in the bedroom section of a retailer; those branded as living room tables will be fine too. The shelves on this side table will bring lightness to the side of the bed.
Destination by Matt LeBlanc Art
Why not have an original work of art in your young child's room? Art can be the jumping-off point for a color scheme. You can't go wrong with shades of blue and green — much fresher than, say, navy, red and tan. And that artwork just might inspire your child to become an artist!
Kenya Rug, Night/Cream
Area rugs that aren't too colorful and patterned have more longevity. You won't tire of it as quickly, and the rug can be a constant while you make other changes to the room. I love the tribal motif on this one made from eco-friendly hemp and jute.
Linen Cotton Grommet Window Panel
I'm not a huge fan of grommet drapes, but I think the look is well suited to a child's room. This finishing detail also makes it easier for the drapes to move across the rod.
Otis 2.25" Surface Mount
This ceiling fixture in an antique black finish says boy's room to me. If the room is quite large, I would install two in the ceiling.
Hoffman Bed
I think this upholstered bed could work in either a girl's or boy's room. The bedding is what would lend a girly or masculine air to the room.
Collection Drummond Blue Wallpaper
Wallpapering even one wall in this classic houndstooth will add a dash of preppiness and pattern to a space.
Zinc Message Board
Every child, whether age 7 or 17, needs a space to hang artwork, photos and reminders. These steel message boards are unique and functional.
The Kennedy Chair
Space permitting, a comfortable chair affords a spot for reading or extra seating when friends are over. I love the green velvet on this classic chair.
EIVOR CIRKEL Rug, Low Pile
This inexpensive rug made from synthetic fibers adds a graphic element to a room. I would place it in the center of the bedroom rather than have the motif partially hidden under a bed.
Stripe Edge Duvet
This crisp white duvet can be monogrammed, and who doesn't like seeing their initials in print?
Modular Dresser
I love the long, lean lines of this minimalist dresser. The steel base adds an interesting, modern detail. It comes in various finishes, but I like the idea of the light finish paired with other darker wood furniture in a room.
Rowan Pharmacy Task Table Lamp, Bronze
If there is space for a desk in the room, then this adjustable task lamp is what your scholar needs.
Great Lakes Pillow Cover in Tan by Nicole Tarasick
Nicole is a local Canadian artisan who crafts these graphic pillows. If you are outside of Canada or the US, you may not recognize that the print on this pillow is of the Great Lakes.
Steel Bookshelf
I love that this steel bookshelf is made in Canada by local craftspeople. The industrial finish counters the wood finishes in a room. It is available in different sizes and, therefore, can hold as much stuff as you need it to.
Next: See the most popular kids' rooms of 2011
Next: See the most popular kids' rooms of 2011