How to Transform a Child's room into a teenager's room

Sooner or later, the Disney wallpaper that once appealed to your little one will no longer be suitable. When your child becomes a teenager, room decor, like so many other things, will need a new approach. Making the transition doesn't have to break the bank if you plan a practical design that will adequately grow with your young teen.

Instructions

1. While animal and cartoon characters bring a cozy warmth to a young child's room, a teenager is not likely to feel a connection to their space with this style of decor. Design is about personal character, regardless of age. A person who is comfortable in a room with vibrant colors probably won't enjoy muted earth tones or darker hues. The goal is to transition your teen's room into a space that is uniquely theirs.

2. Before setting out on a shopping spree, sit down with your teen and find out what he likes and dislikes about his current room. Allow her to give her ideas for a new room make-over. Both of you will need to be open to suggestions and compromise. Have a design idea that both of you have agreed upon before tackling the transformation. The project should be a team effort and you might even find that sharing a project that has a common goal helps bridge the gap that often comes with raising teenagers. Also, your teen will likely feel a better sense of connection to his new room if he's been active in the creative process.

3. Go through the room together and make a list of any items that can still be used, including items that would be usable with a coat of paint or stain. Try to find uses for other items in new ways. For example, a toy box could easily be converted into storage for blankets, sports equipment or books. Keep notes on furniture and other items that will be reused in the new design. Clear the room of all unwanted items and thoroughly clean walls and carpets before beginning with the new decor.

4. Find ways to incorporate ideas that your teen really wants without compromising the entire design in such a way that it would likely need to be completely redone in the near future. If she wants pink and purple to dominate the space, consider a white paint for the walls and incorporate the pink and purple design elements into curtains, pillows, bedding, and rugs. These items are much easier to change than painting an entire room. Also, instead of having posters and pictures all over the walls, consider a large cork bulletin board, where these personal items can be displayed and easily changed.

5. Furniture that is designed for youths can present a real challenge when maturing a room. This is where creativity is really important. If paint or stain can be used to give a child's furniture a new, grown-up look, then you've just saved yourself some major bucks. If, however, there is no way around bringing in new furniture, take a trip to the local thrift store. Many furniture stores also have an area for slightly damaged or returned items that have been drastically reduced. You can also find many design accessories such as shelves and pictures at flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to look through your home or attic for "finds" that could be used.