Decorating for kids can be fun because they use their imagination freely and don’t worry about anything but pleasing themselves. They aren’t concerned about what colors go together, how it will look or what others may think of their choices. The cost doesn’t even enter into their thoughts. Imagination has no price attached to it. They just go into their fantasies and picture what outcome they want.
I love this approach to decorating. In the creative process of interior design, when you don’t put your focus on what can’t be done, the design becomes much more open ended and creative. There are no limits!
Once an unrestricted design has been created, you can determine how to bring it in on budget and then find the right people to execute the plan.
Kids love color – unlike older people, who are afraid to use it. Primarily it’s because adults are concerned they will make a mistake, whereas children don’t even consider that they could make a mistake by picking a color they like. Kids openly react to color. On the other hand, adults have grown unaware of the impact color has on them.
Before you begin decorating for your children, have a conversation with them and ask questions to determine how they feel about color. Then ask what specific colors have an effect on them when they are playing or studying. When kids can’t relate to what you mean regarding how colors make them feel, go to their closet and ask them to show you their favorite article of clothing. It might also be a garment they like to look at or one that makes them feel good when they wear it.
In general, kids most often chose primary colors. This may happen because they identify those colors with many of their toys and cartoon characters. There are five colors kids especially love and you can’t go wrong using any of them.
Red: Although red is not always the easiest color for everyone to live with, it is the color of fire trucks, sirens, little red wagons, balls, and sweet candy—all good things to a child.
Green: Since green is the symbol of nature, it is comfortable to be around. It’s the color of cartoon monsters, gooey slime in a jar, and now even ketchup.
Blue: The many shades of blue can be calming for children and pleasant for the adults, too. A beautiful variation of blue for children is to add some green to make turquoise which is a youthful touch for individuality.
Yellow: This color is considered pleasant and happy and sets a tone of sunshine and joy. It also has positive associations attached to it. Avoid the deep yellow that is like a school bus and stay with the hue that adds a delightful aura of warmth.
Purple: This is generally used by itself or joined with the other primary colors. It’s a fun and interesting choice because it shows signs of individuality and style. And of course it’s the color of Barney—enough said.
For those kids who might only like one color, you can decorate in what is called a monochromatic color scheme, using shades of red, green, blue, yellow or purple.
Children have the opportunity to express their creativity when they choose colors for their own rooms. This is how they can make a statement about themselves, their personality and their interests. Selecting colors for their rooms builds confidence and encourages their individual sense of style which allows them to decorate for themselves as they get older.
Children know that, rooms have no feelings, THEY do!
Thanks for all your questions and comments. If I use your question or comment in this column I will send you a free, autographed copy of my new book “The Bajaro Method: Rooms Have No Feelings, YOU Do!”