Driving with the family on one of our last road trips of the summer, and I can’t help but think about all the work waiting for me upon my return. Not just the work -- which, of course, doesn't really seem like work! -- I do here at HGTV.ca, but the “Back to School” preparation that will be upon me in full force come end of this month. A new and uncharted era of "tween" has dawned at my house, and as a firm believer in the influence a space has on its occupants, I feel the décor in my kids' rooms should better reflect their age and upcoming aspirations. As usual, for inspiration I turn to our industrious Flickr group, who seem to be on the same page...
Primary Colours Motivate
The custom-painted shelving by Gr8matt has a real air of "get to work kid" about it -- all those cubby holes are just waiting to fill themselves with overdue library books, half-eaten lunches and paper planes. Posh Living, LLC's custom desk (right) with a wave-shaped backboard is the
centerpiece for a kid-friendly beach house guest room. Roman shades were
added in a snappy red stripe and a vintage-look painted lamp.
Nostalgic vs High-Tech
Vintage Pleasure sees no reason to sacrifice the innocence of kids' room décor from times gone by. Her daughter Maisie’s new workspace was finished just in time for her first piece of homework which in this room will surely feel more like play than work.
You can count on me’s space reminds us that no matter what colour you paint the walls, you can't avoid considering all of the high-tech gadgets that will be a big part of the “new” room budget.
If You Build It, They Will Work
Not all of us are budgeting for a full renovation at this time of year, but we can appreciate the suggestions that designers make. Shinlandscape (left) shares a kid’s workspace from Guga Architecture. For fans of modern decor, this is a clean spacious, and no doubt efficient room that instills order, focus and still leaves room for personality.
Steve Kahn (right) renovated the basement for a complete kid-friendly environment, including a puppet theater and a full school room complete complete with chalkboard walls.
Take the last weekend of the summer to help the children in your life personalize their space and own the school year ahead. Show us your decor idea and Join our Flickr Group.
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