crochet patterns

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The rules for decorating spaces for children are basically the same as when you decorate any other space. For instance, it is important to pay close attention to color because color has an effect on how we feel. And, just as with any other space, determining a style for your child's space will help you to make subsequent decorating decisions like what style to decorate the child's space. But, instead of thinking modern or traditional, think in terms of theme or hobby. Think about what your child happens to find interesting - like playing soccer, playing with Barbie dolls, or maybe your child likes to read; and use that as your guide. Here are six other tips to keep in mind as you decorate your child's space.

Scale - Scale is the size of furniture in proportion to the space or in this case the child. Children need to have a sense of control over their environment. A child should be able to hang up their own clothes - so you may need to place a foot stool in their closet. And, they need to reach their books and toys, and they need to have furniture, like a desk and chair, that is suitable for their frame and body size.


Color - Choose colors that will inspire creativity, learning, even colors that will induce relaxation and sleep. You are probably thinking that's a great deal to accomplish in one space. But, usually a child's room is actually divided by colors that will evoke the desired response. For instance, you can paint the wall near the desk blue or yellow; these are good colors for studying and even use a portion of the wall as a blackboard by painting it with chalkboard paint. The area where your child's bed is can be painted a warm, calming color like green. Use color to stimulate your child's imagination and ability to learn. And by all means, incorporate your child's favorite color in their space. If you think pink or blue is too much for painting the walls, compromise with your child and use their favorite color as a stripe or geometric design or on one accent wall. You can also choose accessories in their favorite color.

Maintenance -Choose fabrics and finishes that are easy to clean and will withstand wear and tear. Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily or that cannot be cleaned in the washing machine.

Storage - Children are clutter magnets. As you are decorating your child's space incorporate some colorful and sturdy pieces they can use to place their toys and collectibles keeping in mind scale. And, you'll need storage for hiding things as well as storage, like shelves, for displaying their awards and plaques from school.

Safety - This is really the most important consideration. So often we hear about cribs and furniture designed for children that are being recalled because of some defect. Make sure you read everything you can find on all the pieces you place in your child's space. Remember that your child is going to be in his or her space unsupervised so you want to make sure there aren't any furniture in the space that is prone to malfunction.

Function - Save some money by choosing items that will serve multiple purposes and functions for your child. Selecting furniture that can easily be repurposed into something else as they grow and their needs change is a good investment. A child's space needs to serve multiple purposes, so decorate with those purposes in mind. The child will need to sleep, do homework, entertain friends, and play. So, you definitely want to keep these functions in mind when shopping for furniture that can do double duty.

Decorating a child's space can be an adventure for you and your child and an opportunity to make memories. So, involve your child in the process. Allow your child to make some decisions, within reason, so that they really feel like the space is their own.

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