Your teen has come to you and wants a change.
Don’t panic and don’t automatically scrunch up your nose anticipating the worst. Just like anyone else, teens want to express themselves and their personality in living spaces.
Consider, did you like the styles your parents picked out for the entire house, let alone your room? Probably not. Now that we’re raising more independent, empowered children they’re also more likely to speak up and out about things that make them happy. So the key is to find out what they’re thinking, and then find ways to make at least some of that happen.
Many times the biggest change is paint. Teens like dramatic touches. Sometimes this means bright red, and other times black. Both have their places with a little clever consideration.
Obviously you don’t want all red walls because that won’t encourage down-time. Nor would you want all black walls as this can inspire depression especially on the heels of hormone swings. But you could have a wall with red or black stripes, or red/black pillows, a red/black throw rug, etc.
This honors your teens taste without making the space unhealthy.
Another big change comes with storage and organization. Many teens have what I call a gravity-centered system of order – when it hits the floor, they’re done.
To encourage a little less clutter (which also improves focus psychologically) have hanging baskets or bins for toiletries or school supplies. Have closet organizers that show off the latest, greatest shoes, jeans, shirts, and jackets (so that hanging them up becomes a way to provide a showcase for visitors).
Third, if space allows consider having a special area in the room that’s more of a “hang out” or a study area. The bed simply doesn’t speak of concentrating, and its also not really appropriate for just chatting. So having a chair (or two) for guests makes things less awkward.
Fourth – a space for personal art, notes, collectibles etc. is nothing less than essential. If you don’t want gluey marks from tape, or holes in the wall from tacks, put up a corkboard. What’s fun is that cork now comes in pre-glued squares so your teen could cut them into various shapes and then apply them to the wall in an inventive way.
There are certainly other things to think about, like a table where teens can enjoy their snacks, good lighting for when they study in their room, and a region for music. Overall TV / computers in bedrooms aren’t the best option. They distract too easily from other important things like homework and sleep.
Overall, just keep communicating. The time and interest you invest in working with your teen on their personal space translates into having a better overall relationship as time goes on.
raelyn fielding
January 17, 2009
Hi
I’m 13 and I really want to redo my room, I can’t get my walls painted though. I’ve been getting purple stuff for my room, purple comforter, sheets, curtains, etc. My parents are not paying for anything and they are pretty strict. I have no idea what to do for my room. I have so much junk!
February 5, 2009
Having “junk” is what comes from growing up. When you were little all those plastic animals, stuffed animals, toys, and games were necessary. Now that you are moving into a new fresh part of your life, you want a new room and a new outlook.
Step 1: Sort through your childhood things and get rid of those that won’t last or do not hold memories. If you can’t bear to see them go, pack them away (with your parents help) in airtight plastic containers (and throw in a fabric softener to keep bugs away). If you kind of like the toy but don’t have anywhere to keep it, take a picture of yourself with it and save the pic. Then you have the memory but not the clutter.
When you finally feel like you have a manageable amount of stuff, you can redecorate.
To start, remove any old things from the room that you won’t be keeping such as curtains, bedspread, and rug. Don’t make everything one color or one pattern. You say you love purple, but don’t make everything purple otherwise you’ll eventually feel like you’re living in a popsicle. Make your bedspread purple and add pillowcases and a dust ruffle that are other colors like blue, green, or yellow. Make sure your main colors are not too strong and flashy otherwise you will never feel restful in your room. You don’t have to paint the walls to make it a new space. Curtains can go a long way. So can small throw rugs. Find a few you think are fun and put them in key places such as in front of your dresser, bedside table, or closet. Hang pictures that go together in style. Keep clutter to a minimum by having a cork/erase board for pics, notes, and fun stuff. If your room is small, put in a few mirrors. You’ll want them when you’re getting ready to go out and they’ll help add to the size and brightness of the room. For a finishing touch, add a few wall cutouts strategically placed around the room with the green gummy stuff that leaves no holes etc.
I’ve rambled on but it’s possible to have a great room with little touches. Good luck!
June 7, 2009
Hi, I have a pretty small room that my dad made for me.He’s going to make it bigger and I REALLY want to personalize it!!! I LOVE Music, singing acting and dancing. I don’t know How to incorperat What I Love, in my room. I don’t know what colourto paint what to doo with it.I need some sugggestions please!
December 26, 2009
i have been trying to do a garden theme room, without making in look like a nursery… but apart from painting the walls green and getting purple flower painting canvas.. i’m stuck… any ideas? ps… i would love work in wrot iron aswel i love the way it looks…. and i don’t have very much space… bed room in very small and cluttered…. thanks
January 9, 2010
Dear Meghan,
I would look for outdoor furniture (wrot iron if you like) Find a small table and use it as a night stand. If you have room throw in a chair or two. You could also plaint flowers in an antique looking (or metal) flowering can. These tips will make your room look garden-like without the little kid feel.
Hope I helped,
-Liza