Quick Guide to Choosing Great Children's Decor

Every season seems to provide a reason to redecorate (or decorate at all!). In the spring, we see everything renewing and want to experience that sensation inside the home. The summer finds us thinking the warm weather would be perfect for opening all the windows and painting in. And the fall gets us to thinking about the coming months of being shut up inside our homes ... staring at the same things we've stared at for years now.

For us, redecorating is just a matter of finding the colors and themes we enjoy. When it comes to our children, though, the issue can become trickier. Safety is always a huge concern. Most of us also want to make sure that whatever we do will last a few years so we don't spend all that money again too soon. Add to both of these the idea that we also want our kids to actually like their room and it quickly sounds like more work than it's worth.

It doesn't have to be. Choosing bedroom and play furniture for your kids is easier than ever, with markets opening up that are devoted to providing the very best and stuff that children love.

Getting Started: Get Some Feedback!

If you want a room for your child that your child will love, you have to start with the kid. This might sound self-apparent, but it isn't always as apparent as it might seem. Even very young children will happily point out the things they like best. We just have to listen.

First, do some homework all on your own. Surf the Internet to find a few stores that have plenty of choices and unique designs to choose from. Bookmark the sites that contain items you'd actually approve of so you can jump right back to them easily. Pick a minimum of 3 websites, but no more than 5 (it's easy to overwhelm anyone with too many choices!).

Next, sit down with your child and start exploring the websites you've chosen. If your child knows how to read and can operate the mouse, let them take the reins. You'll be sitting right there to guide them, but try to allow their own expression to come out in their choices.

As you go along, bookmark the pages that have products you both love (or at least that your child loves and that you won't complain too loudly about purchasing). Try not to worry about pricing yet - just start fantasy shopping, building a wish list of things best-loved.

Before You Buy

Don't get all impulsive. There are a couple more things to do before you plug your credit card into that order form.

It's time to ask yourself a few questions, and take note of your thoughts:

1. Will you be painting? If so, what color paint do you and your child think would work best? If you won't be painting, think about color anyways. What 2 colors should be the focus of the room and its furnishings/décor?

2. Based on the colors you've both chosen, think about a theme. This could be everything from a very concrete theme like "dinosaurs" or "fairies", or it could be a much more abstract theme like "summery". This is definitely something you'll have to work with your child on. You want to take their ideas very seriously - but temper that with the fact that a child's interests grow and evolve. If you ask about theme and get an answer like, "Bratz!" ... there may be an easy compromise. Look at the colors, fabrics, and repeating themes that (for example) Bratz dolls carry. These can be implemented without actually posting branded merchandise all over your kid's room ... something they're sure to grow out of very soon.

3. What is most necessary? This goes beyond the obvious like a bed and dresser. Older children often need a computer of their own for school. So a necessity might be a student desk.

4. How can the necessary be made creative? Take the whole "necessary" idea one step further, and try to think of things that would actually be cool. For instance, instead of trying to stuff a bed and a desk in a child's room, why not look for a bunk bed that has a student desk and dresser built in?

5. What would be inspiring? This one usually comes down to age and hobbies. My daughter is nearly 8, and about to the age of outgrowing her overflowing stuffie collection. She's an avid little artist, though, which isn't something she's so likely to grow out of. Adding an easel would be quick, easy, and inspire her growing mind. Other little additions like beanbags or rocking chairs can make kids really feel grown up.

Great Resources to Get You Going

By the time you get through the steps in this article, you should be well on your way to a room that you'll be happy with and your child can be very proud of. Here are a few websites that might get you going:

Warm Biscuit- www.warmbiscuit.com - Without a doubt, one of my very most favorite websites out there. Seriously cute stuff, created with quality that you'll feel comfortable with.

All Children's Furniture - www.allchildrensfurniture.com - Another good website, with the younger child in mind. Many of their products focus on a "grow with me" theme that will be good for years to come.

Rooms To Go Kids - www.roomstogokids.com - From baby to teen, this site has your child covered. Their products come as "sets" that include all the basics at a great price.

PB Teen - www.pbteen.com - The quality of Pottery Barn, in styles specifically geared to the teen set. Most moms will love the stuff here - and most teens can't resist.