Kid's Room Planner If you worry about fairies not being functional and pirates being impractical: think again. You can have a magical kids’ room that is also easy to live with. The Freckles team has provided the following approach to help you create a bedroom that you and your child will both love. Click here to print out a floor plan grid to assist you with your project.
1. Measure up Firstly, grab a pencil and a ruler or tape measure and, using the grid provided, map out the dimensions of the room on the grid. Each square on the grid represents 30 centimetres. The add the following items: Measure the doors and place on the grid, making note of which way they open, then measure up cupboards or built-ins from the outside trim Measure the height of the windows themselves plus the distance of the window to the floor If you are going to hang a blind or window shade, measure and record the window height and width inside To complete the grid, add the power points, light switches and any heating vents Once you have listed the furniture you will have, place them on the grid and play with different options until you are both happy Remember not to obstruct doors, windows or natural walkways and be careful not to clutter 2. Finding Inspiration Sometimes creating a bedroom for your child is not as simple as it was for your baby. After all, they have developed their own interests (tractors, ballet, trains, outer space) and will probably want to have a say in the theme of their new room The best way around this is to actively involve your child in the decision making process. Sit down together and talk about their favourites – favourite activities, favourite colours, favourite books Don’t feel the overall theme has to be elaborate – it could be as simple as stripes or polka dots, but start with something that allows you to take a direction Make your first shopping trip together, a treasure hunt for gorgeous bed linen – a quilt, sheets, pillows and a blanket for example, that tie in with your chosen theme and colour scheme. From here your design will really start to take shape 3. The multi-purpose room Next, consider how your child will use the room. Rest and relaxation are the obvious functions but this room should also be a haven for daydreaming, a place to entertain friends and a centre for fun, creativity and imagination. It might also need to be a place to study List these functions and then note what furniture must stay and what needs to be purchased If you think the bed is getting a bit small, now is the time to upgrade to a king single or double bed that is ideal for reading stories together now and keeping ahead of growth spurts in the future If your child needs to use the room for homework consider some clever space-saving pieces like a desk with built-in overhead shelving for books, trophies, DVDs or CDs and any precious toys Will your child be sharing the bedroom with a sibling? If so, plan this into your design and consider adaptable furniture including a bunk bed or trundle. It is also important to consider bedding for friends who will visit for sleepovers Kids grow quickly. Design a room that will last by selecting furnishings that allow room for this growth and decor that your child will still enjoy a year or two down the track 4. Special touches It is the small details that make all the difference to a room Choose a few fun pieces of wall art that tie back to the theme of the room or family photos in bright frames grouped together on one wall Add a thick rug to provide a soft surface for reading and play Consider some novelty pegs on the wall to hang robes or jackets (keeping them off the floor!) For a fun twist on conventional storage look to buckets, coloured baskets or bags If storage is well planned, putting toys away can be fun and easy and may even result in a tidier room! You never know… By applying a few of these magic tricks, you and your child can create a space that they will be proud to show their friends.