A cool room for your teen

Children grow up quickly. So do their tastes and likings. In case you are designing a room for your teenaged kid, knowing what they truly like can be a tough task. A Dyuti suggests involving them in the room design to make the process easier

As your children grow up, so does their need for space and what they would like in their room. This is especially so when your child enters their teenage years. As a result, this makes it extremely important to take extra care while designing and decorating their room. So, how do you go about decorating a room that’ll delight your teen? You need to keep in mind that unlike designing other rooms, designing a teen’s room is a completely
different ball game, as they usually have a strong feeling as to how they would like the place to be done. Nowadays, many teenagers like their rooms to make a dramatic yet comfortable statement.

However, even before you begin designing, you need to understand that your teen’s room isn’t merely a place where they fall asleep; it is also a space that plays the multiple roles of a retreat, a lounge, a hangout with friends, a study-room and a self-grooming spot. So,
it’s a good idea to involve them in the process to create a room of their liking. Here are a few inspirations to get started: 

Have a focal point

Depending on the overall room decor, pick a focal point for the room. If you are considering it to be the bed, you can choose from a variety of designs, right from a minimalist style to a canopied style. And to make it more comfortable, you can add plush bedding and a lot of pillows as well.

If two teens need to share a single room, use two separate beds and provide privacy through dividers or curtains. Additional beds are also handy when your teen has friends coming over for a sleepover.

Do it together

If you have a creative teen, consider engaging in a DIY project with them. Not only would you get more time to spend with them, these projects allow your teen to express their personality onto the decor, making it unique in style.

And if you teen is into arts and craft,  display their recent work prominently on the walls. To fully personalise their room, add photos with friends and family. This is a great way to decorate the space.

Colour codes

Teens aren’t afraid of using colour. So, use it creatively and pick the right ones to
create a hip space. At times, they would also want to incorporate their favourite colour into their new bedroom design. Don’t be restricted to the traditional pink, lavender, lilac, red, orange or green for your girls. Consider using whites, beige, cream, blues and browns as well.

As for the boys, you can consider going for greys, black and blues with lots of red or yellow accents. Rather than going for a different colour for the accent wall, you can consider a variation in texture or a wall mural or decal.

Wall decals with inspiring messages, quirky statements or three-dimensional pieces are sure to be loved. Discuss with your painter whether he could cater to
variety through some innovative ideas in painting the wall.

At leisure

What goes into the lounge area? Teardrop beanbags, bean-chairs, faux fur beanbags, ottomans, hanging chairs, sofas, lounge chairs and oversized floor pillows are some options. A sprawling faux fur rug with lots of cushions will also do. Coffee and lounge tables can be added if space permits. A television set and music accessories are inevitable. You can hang a mini-chandelier too.

Study nook

As your teen is still studying in school or college, design a study desk that has ample space for writing, keeping books and their computer as well. Also, place a uniquely designed lamp on the bedside table with shelves for holding books.

Storage solutions

This is of utmost priority. Keep some plaid dressers with drawers and some shelving as well. Additionally, you can also place storage ottomans, beds with storage beneath, and poles with hooks to hang items such as scarves and caps. If you are looking to save on space, consider using tile-sets containing shelves, pin boards, calendars, planners and chalkboard organisers.

Tackboards, uniquely-shaped clocks, mirrors, book-ends and penholders gel well with the other accessories. Shelves below the mirror to hold cosmetics are a good idea. A mini-fridge plus bright hot or cold food containers and water bottles help cater to their gastronomic demands at any hour of the night. Get a colourful trash can too.

If space is an issue, think of ways to accommodate all these options. Say, a sleek study desk set against the wall complete with bookshelves or a loft to harbour the lounge area. Place the bed lengthwise along the wall. A patterned rug or a cushioned bench or ottomans set against the foot of the bed can substitute the lounge sofas or chairs.

Whatever you do, remember the golden rule — don’t go by your tastes! Be prepared for the unconventional. Involve your teen in the process of choosing the colours and accessories, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the satisfying results. It’s your teen’s den, after all.

So, with these cool ideas, it’s time to start work on the project.