Your kids should be able to have fun and get creative in their rooms, but ensuring that it stays clean and organized at the same time can be a headache. It’s obviously important to have a positive environment where they can learn, play and thrive; this will facilitate their growth and spark their imagination. But if we’re being realistic, keeping things clean is just as important.
Kids’ rooms can quickly get out of hand if they aren’t designed to be easily maintained. That’s why we’ve put together a list of eight tips that will help you create a kids’ room that is comfortable and organized, ensuring that you both look back with fond memories of their first bedroom.
Use Color Schemes as an Incentive
When everything looks nice from the get-go, your kids will have more reason to keep it that way. For example, you can color-coordinate their wardrobes with matching hangers, organizers, baskets, and bins. Use light color schemes based on the ones they like most, such as teal or light pink.
Build an Art Showcase
Kids love showing off their creations, but before you walk into their room to find a bunch of paint-splattered A4 papers covering their wall, create a space where they can show off their art. For example, you can use wall-to-wall string wire and clothing pegs to hang up their work. It’s cheap, effective and your kids will be filled with pride.
Alternatively, you can pick up a bunch of clear acrylic frames and replace the “art” contained in them as your little ones grow up. Another option is to scan their art and use a digital photo frame. Or, you can go the full smart home route and use a Google Home Hub, which has additional features such as playing music and working as an alarm clock for school.
Create a Child-Proof Wall
Before you end up coming home to a wall covered in crayon, marker or even worse, paint, invest in a bit of chalkboard paint and create a “child-proof” wall in your little one’s bedroom. A simple $10 bucket of chalkboard paint can be applied to any concrete surface, allowing them to redecorate their rooms – without sinking the value of your property.
Leverage Every Storage Opportunity
If you’re new to parenting, one thing you’ll soon realize is just how quickly your children’s possessions start to consume every square inch of floor space in their bedroom. This is why it’s important to leverage all the space you can find and use it as storage for their stuff.
For example, consider buying a bed with built-in cupboards underneath. Alternatively, you can use plastic containers to convert a bookcase into toy storage. Add a rail on top, install a curtain and you have a cute, clean and out-of-the-way space for all those toys.
Heat Things up (Safely)
The sharp edges and hot surfaces of traditional heaters can pose a risk to your child. But at the same time, keeping them warm during winter and at night is important. You can try one of these heaters from Lasko, such as the bladeless model, which features a much safer design.
Look at the Long Term
Remodeling any kind of room can be expensive, but a kids’ room can prove to be particularly costly to change from one theme to another. This is especially true if you’ve invested in elements such as a novelty bed design, wallpaper and themed furniture.
Instead, consider using more neutral colors and design elements that will work both when your child is five years old, and when they’re a teenager. This will leave you with much less to replace as they grow up, as well as less maintenance to do over the years.
Invest in Versatility
With countless toys and trinkets all over the place, a smaller kids’ room can quickly start feeling claustrophobic. You can avoid this by investing in more versatile furniture, such as a desk that doubles as a bedside table or a bed with hidden stuffed animal storage. This way, you can create a more comfortable, open feel without sacrificing functionality.
Create a Distraction-Free Space
Perhaps more than ever, our little ones need a space where they’re free from distractions, allowing them to focus on tasks such as homework – without worrying about games, television, and messages from friends. Try creating a “mini office space” for them in the room, with productivity-driving elements such as books, stationery, and a desk lamp.
An important aspect to consider when designing a space like this is ergonomics. Sure, your kids might be less prone to developing back problems and joint pain, but it’ll eventually happen if you don’t prevent it. When designing their “office,” be sure to consider elements such as a footrest, ergonomic chair and ideally, a standing desk.
Creating the ideal kids’ room isn’t as difficult as it may seem. All it takes is a bit of planning and consideration when it comes to utilizing each bit of space in the best way possible.