54

The design of a kids bedroom is extremely important for the development of that young impressionable mind. It is not just a room with four walls and a roof above but a space where they will play games, learn and explore new horizons. Here they will execute their school work, invite friends, indulge in and develop new hobbies. They will also enjoy the experience of make believe toys and friends…and most of all, feel snug and secure at night. This space would give them both comfort and joy. A space they would call their own. A space where every corner, every crack, every spot on the wall would have a memory attached to it. A space they will call home till they fly away on their destiny.

What to keep in mind when planning a kids room?

This depends entirely on the age group of the child. For ease of planning let us divide it into three segments. Age 0-3, 4-12 and 13 and above.

Age 0-3 yrs - The child is either in a cot or is barely able to walk and run. The room needs to be sparingly decorated and clutter free. Toys can be kept in a bin to be put back after playing. Avoid placing furniture with sharp edges or using fragile glassware decorations. Kids like to feel things with their hands and feet so soft smooth surfaces and finishes are good. The child will spill stuff and create a mess so don’t provide furnishings that need drycleaning . Finishes that are sensitive to water like laminated wooden flooring are avoidable. The child would be building up their immune system so if you have pets in the house then wall-to-wall woolen carpets are a no. Make sure the electrical sockets are all either sealed or are designed to be beyond reach.

Colour & Light - Use bright bold colour schemes here. The young eyes cannot seem to get enough of the colour. Pink for girls and blue for boys is something they pick up from us and their peers. They enjoy natural light and open spaces to run. They are not comfortable in pitch dark rooms so provide night light lamps or fluorescent stickers that glow.

Age 4-12 yrs - The kid has started going to school now and is no longer comfortable to be restricted in a cot. Get rid of the cot [friends, relative, online resale sites etc.]. The child is also not keen to be restricted inside the room now. They want to cling on to the mother and be wherever she is. So the room acts as a space where they rest in the afternoon and probably sleep at night. You need to be careful not to be in a hurry to add furniture as their needs will keep changing year on year ,or else you will soon find the room very cluttered. Look for options that are multiutility and which save you floor space. Wall hanging shelves and table tops without recessed legs help here.

Colour & Light - Allow the creative skills of the child to bloom. Give him wall colours that don’t look messy with posters and scribbles . A good idea is to do a multi colour texture paint on the wall that would hide most stains, hand prints etc. Ample light on the reading table is a must here. Most kids today weaken their eyesight these days due to improper TV watching posture…a thought to keep in mind when planning.

Age 13 yrs and above - The individual is no longer a child and definitely does not want to be associated as one. Avoid babyish designs, patterns, colours. Treat this room like that for a young adult. Look for furniture and style that should last. Make sure you pick up full size bed and other furniture as it would soon be needed. Make sure you have ample electrical outlets planned in the wall and next to bed and study table. You will be surprised how quickly they will run short of these. The room will barely get cleaned so finishes that require low or no maintenance are preferred here.