Decorating your children's rooms in a design that won't quickly be outgrown can be a challenge. A child's room is a very important place in their life, and as they grow their tastes, hobbies, attitudes, and ideas about things will certainly change. The goal is to create a room that reflects your child's growth and personality throughout the years, without breaking the piggybank each time they have a new whim. Here are some tips and ideas that will help you decorate your child's rooms in ways that can change personality as your child grows.

Choosing Colors
First, choose paint colors or wallpaper patterns that can grow with your child. (A gallon or two of paint is all it usually takes to paint a child's room.) Paint is fairly easy to change and a very cost effective design element. When a child is little, use youthful, whimsical stencils or painted designs in their room that can be easily painted over at a later time. This is the perfect example where a small amount of money and a little labor can change the whole personality of the room.

Choosing Patterns
If you like to use wallpaper, choose patterns that are timeless. For example, stripes, plaids, etc., are neither too childlike nor too grown-up. Allow the accents used with the wallpaper to dictate the style and age of the child. Borders are inexpensive design elements that offer a multitude of ideas, colors, themes, etc. An average room will require four bolts of border, at an expense of $100.00 or less. This border can be removed and replaced with a new style as the child's personality and hobbies change. Also available are self-adhesive borders that are easily removed. They are particularly wonderful because you can quickly change it when your child tires of it.

Furniture
The second element in creating a room to grow on is to choose a few good pieces of furniture in styles that are simple and will last through the years. A sturdy chest of drawers or an armoire is a good investment. They are basic pieces that will work in any style room. They will also provide the much needed storage for a growing child. Bookshelves are a necessity for a child's room. They can start out housing the stuffed animals, toys, and books and then easily graduate to collectibles, school items, and trophies.

A Chair
A comfortable chair that is simple in design will provide a place for Mommy and baby or toddler to snuggle and enjoy a story together. As the child grows, the chair will have many uses. Your son may think it's an imaginary fire engine or for your daughter, it's a regal throne for a princess. Ultimately, the chair becomes a special spot for reading, homework, and hanging out.

Accessorizing
Finally, you can easily change the design and look of the room with accessories and art. Just remember to decorate the basic room elements with details and accessories that are not permanent. Window valances in babyish patterns can be replaced with youthful to a more mature pattern as your child grows. Sheets are a wonderful source for these patterns and can be repeated in the bedding and room accents. Little details that reflect the room's theme and your child's interest will have a huge impact against simple, clean backgrounds. These special, small details can be changed often without breaking the bank. Discount stores are a fabulous source for the accessories and items that will personalize your child's room in a very special way.

These very basic, common-sense ideas will help your overall decorating budget. The need to redecorate your children's rooms will be a manageable projects, if the "bones" are good and functional for all ages. The bedroom accents will be fun and easy to redo as your children grow up. Have fun and treasure every age and stage your children are going through. It's over before you know it. I know this for a fact. My babies are 23, 24, and 25 years old.

Carol Moore is a wife, mother and interior decorator. She has spent over twenty years in the interior-decorating field and had many award-winning projects to her credit. Carol understands the typical feelings of being overwhelmed, lack of confidence and even fear when attempting to decorate your home. Her website “Decorator Secrets” is full of information, tips, resources, products and a very popular discussion forum that will help you gain the self-assurance you need to beautifully decorate your home.

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