Creating the Perfect Bedroom for Your Child

From toddlers to teens, children use their bedrooms for more than just sleeping -- it is a haven for safe play, a canvas for their creative outlets and a sanctuary for their most prized possessions.  So how does a parent create the perfect bedroom for their children? By following a few of these basic steps, you can create the perfect space for your little (or big) ones.  First, ask your child to help select colors and themes -- turning their ideas into a reality is part of the fun!  Second, choose colors and surfaces that are easy to maintain.  Third, select basic furniture pieces that can grow with your child.  And finally, introduce fun details such as a themed mural or hand-painted whimsical storage containers.  You can never have enough storage for all those toys!

Choosing the Best Paint Color

Paint is one of the easiest, most cost effective ways to turn a drab room into a dramatic statement.  Yet it is one of the most intimidating tasks for many homeowners.  When selecting paints for your home, keep these basic rules in mind.  First, look around the room you are painting for inspiration -- fabrics, rugs or furniture may already give you a clue about the best route to take.  If the room is empty, then look around your home for inspiration.  Rooms should 'whisper' to one another, so a consistent color theme will create harmony.  If you want to make a room appear larger, then use lighter colors on the walls with the widest width and darker colors on the opposite walls.  Once you have narrowed your search to a few colors you like, then head to the paint store to buy a few samples.  But always remember, paint chips don't show you the 'real' color, so always test, test, and test again!  Paint a small section on two or three walls in the room and view it in both daylight and at night.  Still confused? Then it may be time to call a professional to help narrow the choices. 

 Faux v. Flat Painting

Straight painting is an instant makeover for any room.  It is the quickest and least expensive way to change a room.  So when should you Faux? First, it is important to understand what faux painting means.  'Faux finishing' is loosely derived from a French word meaning 'to fool.'  As faux painting has become 'all the rage' over the past few years, it is now a catch phrase that includes glazing, sponging, color washing and a number of other finishes.  Now, back to our original question -- when to Faux?  The real questions is, when NOT to faux?  Beyond the two and three tone effects found in a more basic faux finish, a professional faux artisan will be able to closely imitate a number of elements that occur in nature -- such as marble, stone, woods and even shells.  These finishes can be used on a number of surfaces, from walls, floors, ceilings, doors, moldings and even furniture.  The only limitation is your imagination.