Furnishing and decorating a teenager’s room can be a fun experience but it can also be a frustrating one. You may think you are the trendiest parent on the street but it’s a sure bet that your teenage son or daughter will not share the same view?
As the fine line from teenager to young adult becomes increasingly blurred they will have strong views on how the room should look. But, tempting as it may be to let them have a free-reign, there are a few points you’ll need to consider:
Colours
As kids mature into young adults then their colour choices tend to become extreme with strong colours such as purple, shocking pink, orange and black being favourites. Colour stimulates the mind and this should be encouraged – within reason.
The real problem here is that they will tend to favour everything being a strong colour and this can become somewhat overwhelming. Strong colours are fine so long as they are used in moderation, – so instead of all the walls being purple why not opt for a coloured feature wall with the rest of the walls being a complimentary, lighter shade? You can also add splashes of colour by using borders, cushions and bright coloured accessories in complimentary or contrasting shades.
Skulls Cerise & Pink Duvet – a modern design reversible charcoal grey/pink duvet set with a skulls and graffiti design. £9.95 from amazon for the single or £12.95 for the double and £19.95 for the matching curtains
Countdown Duvet – a multi- coloured reversible duvet set £9.95 for the single or £12.95 for the double and £17.95 for the matching curtains
Even a strong coloured duvet cover and matching curtains can have a dramatic effect upon a room so consider this first as a compromise option. Bold prints, also, can be an effective way to add drama to a room and work well when combined with a neutral background colour.
These pink and black animal print bedding sets are all that’s needed to create an impact and would work best against a plain background. Team with matching curtains, pick out the colours with a few accessories and you’re done! From the teenage bedding range at The Home Decorating Company
Space
One thing a teenager’s bedroom is always short of is space. Obviously they’ll need space to study and a space where they can just chill-out so it’s a good idea to demark each space accordingly. A study desk in the corner of the room is ideal for creating a school work area – particularly when used in conjunction with a bookcase and drawers which are only used for school and study materials.
If they have outgrown their child’s size desk then this could be a good time to upgrade to something more modern and professional. These ultra stylish computer workstations are ideal where space is limited and the modern designs will get a vote of appreciation from a trendy teenager. Part of a collection of great desks and workstations at Staples On-Line
Storage
There is a great choice of storage containers available to buy on-line these days so there is no excuse for not being organised. Stackable storage is ideal for space saving and you might also consider some under-bed storage containers for items which are not used so frequently. Shelving is also useful for books and magazines and is more versatile and expandable than standard form bookcases.
The simplest ideas can often be the best and these clear plastic containers have plenty of space for storing all those odds and ends. The wheels make it easy to to move them around quickly and easily so no more lazy excuses for teenage chaos and disorder! From a selection of simple and stylish bedroom storage ideas at John Lewis
Beds
There will come a time when their existing bed is either too small or just getting a bit dated so the onset of the teenage years can be a good opportunity to get it replaced. Teenagers will, ideally want a double size bed which is fine if you have the space and budget, although you could look upon it as an investment. Sooner or later their room could well become a future guest room and having a double bed in there could be useful in the future?
This double size Cerise and Pink Chill-Out Bed (also in charcoal-black) would be ideal for a modern minded teenager. Available also as a single size bed with a pull-out sleep over mattress from Sleeping Solutions
Lighting
With all the focus on colours and new furniture it can be easy to forget the importance of good lighting. A desk lamp will be essential for their study area and some other form of task lighting would be useful. They’ll also need some form of bed-side lighting for reading or watching TV.
Choose from a wide selection of modern and traditional desk lamps at amazon
This can also be a good opportunity to get the electrics re-organised. TV’s, Music Systems, Games Consoles and Computers all need a power supply so this is the time to get all this done at the same time if you can.
Keeping Order
Once completed you’ll want to keep their room looking great and staying tidy. This could be your biggest challenge so far but often you’ll find that the more input they have had in the process then the more they will share your desire to keep it looking good. Above all, try not to get stressed about it – they may be young adults but we know that deep down they are still kids after all!
Useful Links
- Dulux – Latest Trends – ideas and inspiration from the Dulux colour experts
- ICI Paints – Colour Futures – the latest colour trend and theme predictions from ICI Paints
- Crown Trends - the latest colour advice from Crown Paints
- Teenage Bedroom Colours – colour advice specifically for teenage bedrooms from Sico, the colour experts
- Bad Attitude Stencils – bold attitude themed stencils for boys from the Stencil Library