Mark your childs room with love, creativity and zing
Let your imagination loose while decorating your childs room, says Bindu Gopal Rao.
It’s like going back to your childhood. Letting your imagination loose amidst a riot of colours, themes and a whole lot of fun. With the variety of choices available, this activity can be rather challenging, considering that you also need to cater to your little one’s tastes. As a start, it is best to your child in the decision-making process. Says Prof K Jaisim, Jaisim-Fountainhead, ``Scale is absolutely important - the size of openings and access points. Colour and other stimulation elements are again important aspects to be kept in mind.”
Personality
Your child’s room should be an extension of his/her personality. Starting with the basic colour of the room, make sure you do not limit yourself to standard blue (for boys) or pinks (for girls). Check out different shades and options such as plastering and layering effects. In fact several major players offer a scratch resistant kind of paint that will ensure that any artwork by your child can be wiped clean. A child’s room is an individual space. Remember it is for a human being who is able to grasp fresh data as fast as it arrives.``It is mind-boggling how a space can influence the growth of human sensitivity and responses. And the inquisitive one is going to try and examine every thing around - make it childproof, toxic to sharp corners etc,” says Jaisim.
Storage
Arguably one important factor in a child’s room is storage space to stock their books, toys, clothes and the tons of other things they have. Make sure the closets are well organised and accessible and there are multiple units available for different items. Ensure the room has a variety of hooks so that you can hang a lot of stuff and make the room look attractive. As far as furniture goes, invest in quality pieces that will last for years and cost you less in the long run. Make sure it is child friendly without sharp edges and is easy to use. Bunk beds are another great space saver option that also add that extra zing to the child’s space. Ensure furnishings are washable, resistant to stains and most importantly, suitable for the child’s sensitive skin. Go for cottons as these are natural, look attractive and are easy to maintain.
Personal touch
What makes the child’s room different is a personal touch that you can give. Take for instance a simple idea like having a pin board in the room. The children can use this space to display drawings, certificates, paintings, photos, and to-do notes and has the unique advantage of being able to be changed frequently. And if you are wondering where else to decorate, look right above. Yes, the ceiling can be done up with little lights to give that affect of glowing stars. Instead of conventional chairs use beanbags that are available in exhaustive designs and colours or use large floor cushions teamed up with attractive colours. The decor of the kids’ room can also reflect the pride you take in your children. A display case or children's curio cabinet can be a place for you to display awards, trophies, or important mementoes that reflect accomplishments or significant experiences in your child's life.
``Again music and reading are important. So optimising the sensory responses is important. Do take care not to deprive the child of experiences,” says Jaisim.While doing up a child’s room remember the simple mantra. Keep it simple, easy to comprehend, yet child cognitive. Remember there is no limit to imagination, so let it loose and you will soon discover that it isn’t so difficult to create your children’s own personal space. As Jaisim says, ``The child must feel a sense of ownership. He must learn to care. A space is his - he must be made to feel proud of it. It is His!”