Design Dilemma Friday - Involving your Child in the Design Process
Photo Credit: melaniejadedesign.com, isuwannee.com, domino.com, sugarandcloth.com
This week’s question:
"I am planning to redo my son's bedroom and really want it to be something he'll love. I feel like the only way to do this is to involve him but also don't want to end up with a lime green bedroom. Any ideas for how to strike a balance so we can both be happy with the outcome?" - Amy
I do have ideas! I think it's so great to let children have a say in how their space is going to look and work, but I also understand your apprehension. I think the key is involving them in a way and to the point that you can live with. But when you strike that balance, they will walk away from it with greater confidence, independence and communication skills.
Here is what I would do, and honestly it's not dissimilar with how I approach working with my design clients, except for one thing. When I work with clients, it's their house and they have to live there, so they get the final say. When you're working with kids, it's your house and you have to live there, so you get the final say. Set the expectation that you want them involved but you also have the right to veto any and all decisions that are too extreme for you (like lime green walls).
DISCUSS PREFERENCES: Begin by having a conversation about what your child or children like, dislike, are interested in. Ask them what colors, themes or decor they'd like to see in their room. Ask them how they want the room to feel. Ask them what they'd like to be able to do in the space. Do they want a place for reading? A desk for school work? A spot for a Lego table?
FIND IMAGES: Find inspiration images from magazines, Pinterest, and create an inspiration board together. This will allow both of you to visualize design ideas, different styles and to narrow down the options. Pictures are vital because many kids may not be able to articulate what they like, but they'll know it when they see it.
MAKE A FLOORPLAN: Have them prioritize what needs to go in the room in order. Then, draw out the room on some graph paper to scale (1'=1") and make scaled down pieces for the furniture they're wanting. Let them move the furniture around on the paper until you both can agree on a layout that works. Keep in mind you need to leave space for maneuvering around furniture and be sure to include multiple lighting sources.
CHOOSE A COLOR SCHEME: Choose a color scheme with 2-3 colors you can all live with decide which of those 3 you want to be your main color. Then run by the paint store (by yourself 😅) and pick some related wall colors for them to choose from. Remember that paint in one room is not terribly difficult to change, so if they don't pick your favorite, it's not the end of the world. What's more important is choosing a color that will allow them to sleep (Not bright yellow, red or orange), offer longevity (if you're not repainting for awhile), and evoke the feeling that they'd like in their room (relaxing, playful, energetic).
SHOP TOGETHER: I would start by finding a couple options for each of the bigger furniture pieces that I am on board with and then letting them make the final choice between those. Then, give them a budget and a list of things that they are able to choose completely on their own. Explain they are trying choose the accessories through the lens of their color scheme and inspiration pictures.
DIY PROJECTS: All kids love projects. If you can find one or two items in the room that they are able to not only plan but also create, they will feel that this room truly reflects them and what they love.
My favorite part about this whole process is when their room is complete, they will not only have learned life skills and gained confidence, they will also have wonderful memories of the time you spent together and the trust you had in their abilities. Good luck, I can't wait to see!
