When Kids Share a Room

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

28 Jun 2006 04:00 AM

How do you decide which way to decorate your children's bedroom when two kids with distinctly different tastes share the room? You want things to coordinate, but the items each child chooses absolutely don't go with the things the other child likes. It's quite a dilemma.

You want both children to feel like the room is his or hers, but you don't want chaos when it comes to décor. Everything does not have to match perfectly, but you don't want things to clash either. You may be able to find a compromise.

In fact, you may be able to divide the room in a way that gives each child his or her own space, while still keeping the space somewhat cohesive. Start by choosing a neutral that will be used throughout the space. Using the chosen neutral as an accent throughout the room will help tie things together.

Add a folding screen or place bookshelves side by side to create a temporary wall to give each child's space a little separation. Allow your kids to choose the colors they love, and if any colors overlap or complement each other, be sure to play up those colors.

What if the room is rather small and the kids have bunk beds? This is a little tougher, because we're usually tempted to dress the beds to match or to complement each other. It doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Let each child choose bedding and decorate the space around his or her bed, while keeping the feel of the rest of the room more subdued in order to make the bed areas seem less overpowering.

Another great way to deal with this situation is to use multicolored fabrics and treatments in the space to tie things together. For example, multicolored window treatments or a rainbow of accent pillows will help keep things cohesive while allowing each child to select and use favorite colors.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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