If you get it right, the seemingly dramatic transformation from a Kid’s room to A Teen’s den can be easier than you might first think. Essentially kids and teens use their bedrooms for the same functions: sleeping, storage, homework and spare-time activities.
And happily there are just a handful of considerations to take on-board to ensure you don’t spend oodles of time, energy and cash on a full bedroom makeover just a few years down the line.
So here we look at the 5 key elements to longevity…
Invest in the basic hard-working elements of the bedroom
Consider a standard size good quality bed, robust wooden desk, comfortable and sturdy chair with adjustable seat, and flexible storage, the interiors of which can be altered as demands for its usage change. This initial investment will ride the waves of growing up, saving you money in the long term (and the disruption of frequent redecorating) whilst helping the environment by avoiding further landfill.
Plan the room layout for maximum flexibility
For instance where an activity table for games and puzzles could easily be replaced with a large beanbag for lounging and gaming, and movable shelving which can shrink or grow accordingly. Also ensure you have enough USB ports for the inevitable amount of tech that will appear during teenage years!
A useful hack is to make space for a laundry basket; wondrous for hiding unsightly clutter in the short term, but will later encourage a reluctant teenager to deposit their washing someplace other than the floor!
Keep it Tidy…
If you want a fighting chance of being able to see the bedroom floor at the end of the day, storage needs to be the right type, and accessible enough. A bed with one large drawer beneath it is ideal for all different shaped and sized toys. It’s also the perfect solution for school bags and games kits which otherwise just get ‘dumped’ anywhere. If you’re choosing wardrobe interiors, large shelves are a winner as they can house games and toys as well clothes, and other bulky items like bedding, at a later date.
Keep the walls intact!
Kids and teenagers alike love to adorn their walls with posters, maps, pin boards, charts, you name it. Decals and stickers will do less damage to your walls and avoid plaster-damaging blu-tack if you can – try Velcro hangables instead.
Switch up the decor
As your child’s taste changes it’s easy (and relatively inexpensive) to buy rugs, cushions, throws and other soft furnishings to add colour and reflect the latest trends; your good quality furniture staples should see you through.
If these ideas have given you food for thought and you’d like to discuss your design requirements further, feel free to ring us to arrange site visit to your home, or pop by our showroom to see our savvy storage solutions in the flesh! Whether you’re looking for a well-designed wardrobe to fit into an awkward space, or a raft of ideas for a full room design, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Either way, ring us on 01756 700471 or see us online at www.hartleysbedrooms.co.uk
