Curtains can be used to create separate spaces in a shared bedroom.
Maintaining a cohesive theme and promoting organization can be challenging when decorating a shared kids' bedroom. Interior designer and columnist Beryn Hammil of Beryn Hammil Designs in San Francisco and Evan A. Martin, president of design at Surse Studios, Inc. in Seattle, lend their expertise and ideas for storage and sharing in kids' bedrooms. Does this Spark an idea?
Teamwork
Encourage teamwork between your kids from the beginning. Hammil and Martin both stress the importance of including your children in the design process.
Hammil states, "When siblings have to share their bedroom, it becomes a valuable opportunity to teach each child about collaborative thinking. Give them the chance to create a theme, choose colors, bedspreads, etc., and then let them share their ideas with each other first and negotiate the differences together before they bring the final concept to you. If this sounds like a corporate 'team building' exercise, then consider it a great way for children to start learning about work effectively with other people."
Furniture
Bunk beds are usually the first thought for a shared bedroom, as they were designed to save space. However, if space allows, twin beds are ideal for ensuring that each child has their own space. Martin recommends a bed like the Walden bed from The Land of Nod, a manufacturer specializing in kids' furniture, for its simplicity and versatility, saying, "You can pair these up in black or white, or even paint them in opposite colors. This is a classic bed that will last for years. They're traditional, but can be used in a modern setting nicely."
Dressers should multitask, meaning they should do more than just store clothes. Martin suggests a dresser with extra shelving on each side or a simple sleek dresser. "You can put a few of these together for an ultra-modern look."
Colors
Choosing colors can cause conflict between kids with different tastes. Through her experience designing children's bedrooms, Hammil has learned that bold colors help. "Because children see the world through thinner filters than adults," she says, "they are drawn to stronger colors and are bold and daring in their choices. Guiding them in use the colors appropriately should be a fun process for everyone involved, and giving them greater latitude to express themselves here is an easy way to make a big difference in their personal space."
If you are nervous about your kids' penchants for wild colors, narrow down several options and then let them agree on the final color scheme.
Storage
Storage is essential because organization can be a daily task with multiple kids' toys in one room.
When it comes to storage and organization, Martin says, "Baskets are really great storage option." When using large furniture units, don't forget to use a restraint system to keep furniture in place and keep your children safe."
Hammil views this as another opportunity to include your kids, saying, "Give them a few hints on creative storage solutions to get them going. There are wonderful storage solution stores that you can take them to. Take pictures with your cell phone. Then come home and discuss what they saw. Or give them some magazines with pictures and have them tag the pages that have ideas they like. You'll be amazed at how clever children can be when given the opportunity."
Space
If your kids' bedroom is large enough, try creating separate spaces. Martin says, "Room dividers aren't just for that empty corner in the living room. They can be perfect for splitting those twins up. You can divide the room with curtains, floor screens and even some large furniture like bookshelves. With two personalities together, you have to balance each kid's tastes and needs for space."
Tags: your kids, Beryn Hammil, each child, kids bedroom, large furniture
