Thoughts on a childs room.

I have had the blessing lately to design a couple of childrens rooms including my own daughters space. It is tough challenge as you want to make sure that your child is engaged and soothed at once. Energized by their creativity and able to relax into the perfect slumber. The colors have to agree with the child but also be some what sustainable. It would be tough to keep painting as the child like Picasso goes through the blue stage, then yellow and then a tartan inspired by Braveheart and so on. Our children evolve as people through their stages and certainly their needs for their space. We must be conscious of the timing for new additions, removals, and changes in our child and their needs in order to effectively serve them and provide them with a space which will serve their spirit and soul.

Here are a few things that my clients often pay attention to while working with me to create a space to serve their children:

--Color. Work with your child to select a color palate that at once inspires and calms. Children will know what they like and want. You just need to present them with some cool options that fall into line with colors that they already gravitate to in their shoes, clothing etc. And I always try to help them find a couple of options that are outside to see how they are responded to.

--Music. I find that must will always "sooth the savage beast". Bring the joy of music, the heart of song and the inspiration into their rooms with sound. Get them a sound player that they can operate, drop etc. Teach them how to use it (however if your child is like my two year old, they will quickly be teaching you). Introduce them to different types of music including some that you play when they are falling asleep while you are reading to them. Music is an important anchor and introducing them to it will serve them for their lives.

--Bed. Make it comfortable and not too stimulating. I know everyone wants to make their child happy but I find the over stimulating car beds, airplane beds and other theme beds too over the top and t stimulating in addition to dating very quickly when the cuteness wears off. Don't waste your money by purchasing something so potentially out of fashion with who your child is and find something simpler and timeless. Sheets can be changed when the child out grows Popeye (as if that ever happens), beds are not so easy or affordable (unless you don't mind and can spend like that but that brings up others issues of environment and sustainability). Make the mattress ORGANIC. Unless you can tell me why we should continue to support the most destructive crop in the world, cotton, make your child safe, healthy and our planet stronger with your purchase of an organic mattress. An organic futon starts at $400 and an organic mattress starts at about $800 on sale but I expect mattress pricing to go done over time. And one last note about the bed, smaller is better if space in the room is an issue. Leave room for forts, medical tables/examination areas(when they play doctor) blocks, toys and everything else a child collects and plays with. They are small, no reason to give them a big bed unless they have a very large room, or you need to have their room double as a guest room for special guest on special events. (don't make them feel like the space is not theirs and can be taken without their agreement or consideration or you will make them insecure).

More to come...