It's only natural that a growing tween would want a room makeover. Decorating a tween's bedroom is practically a rite of passage. For many tweens, it's a chance for them to put their little kid years behind them, shedding the Barbie decor or toy train decor for something a little older and hipper. For other tweens, a room makeover is a chance to show off their personalities and sense of style.
If your tween is begging to decorate his room, below are a few considerations you'll need to keep in mind.
Set Your Budget
No matter what your tween has in mind, he'll have to work within your family budget. Figure out what you can afford, and start from there. Very small budgets can produce results, so don't assume a decorating project can't be accomplished just because you have a small budget. Even a new paint color can give a room a new feeling. There are also clever ways to find inexpensive decorations and knick-knacs for your tween's room. Yard sales and thrift stores are a good place to start. And, your tween can always put his creative mind to use by making a few decorations of his own.Plan the Room on Paper First
One of the first things a professional decorator will do when tackling a project is to create a plan. Before committing to a plan, consult various decorating books to give your tween an idea of all the options that exist. After he picks a theme, or ideas for the room, have him draw a sketch of the room he has in mind. Be sure he accounts for furniture, posters, and bedding. Once he has a draft, it will give you both an idea as to whether you'll need to make changes before the real work begins.Think Long-Term
You want your tween's room makeover to last several years, so keep longevity in mind. Try to choose colors, designs, and even a room theme that would appeal to both tween or teen. That may mean stearing clear of tween trends of the day in lieu of something that's stylish, but not so short-lived. If your tween is really into a certain movie or fad such as Webkinz, you might want to reconsider basing a room around that fleeting interest. Instead, opt for designs such as geometrical shapes, or choose a certain color palette that she likes and has a much longer shelf-life.Another idea is to take a fad, such as a movie interest, and make it a little more general. For example, instead of decorating your child's bedroom in a Hannah Montana theme, you could simply center the theme around music, and use that as your starting point. Or, if your child is into mermaids, you could decorate the room in a beachy theme, something that would last not only for the tween years, but possibly also the teen years.
Theme ideas for tween girls include:
- Geometric shapes and patterns
- Vertical lines
- Polka dots
- The Beach
- The Jungle or Rainforest
- Flowers (could be sophisticated, hippy, or retro)
Theme ideas for tween boys include:
- Music
- Sports
- The outdoors
- College or university-themed
- Color-themes that coordinate with a favorite team or school
- A less is more theme with simple furniture, clean lines, and neutral colors
- Caribbean or Hawaiian-themed
Your tween doesn't have to pick a theme in order to create a wonderful room. Sometimes, all it takes are a few choice paint colors, a coordinating bedspread or quilt, and a few accent items to make it all pop. When it comes to colors, tweens and teens often chose bold colors, so if you're thinking beige will do, think again.
Clear Out
Use the room makeover as an opportunity to get rid of any toys or books that your child no longer uses. Make three signs labeled "Keep," "Throw Away," and "Donate." Go through your child's belongings (including clothes) together and put the items in one of the three categories. It's a great way to share family memories together, and get the room ready for a whole new look.Enlist the Help of Your Tween, His Friends, and Relatives
The makeover shouldn't be your responsibility. Your tween should be actively involved, not just in the choosing of the paint colors, but in the actual work. Put your tween to good use by using the makeover as an opportunity to teach her how to paint, clean baseboards, hang pictures, or even sew.Your child's friends might be interested in helping as well. Tweens can paint, help cart trash to the curb, or donated items to the thrift store, and other tasks as well.
You can also include family members in the project. A crafty aunt or grandmother could sew curtains or pillowcases. An uncle or older cousin could help move new furniture into the room.
