A Teen Room Design
Every teen dreams of having the perfect room – THE place to hang with friends or escape their loving families. Comfortable seating, flat screen TV, and black-out shades to block the sun on weekends all make the must have list! The Teen Scene pictured here has a bold painted accent wall and other sophisticated choices, making it the perfect room to transition from teen to college coed.
Julie Gerns, CAPID
Storage is always important in any room. Not all of the trinkets from childhood go away so easily. Artwork and decorative hooks for hanging accessories like purses, scarves, and belts let teens flaunt their changing styles. Areas for homework and makeup are must-haves also. An area rug defines the seating area and provides protection for the floor if food is allowed.
Julie Gerns, CAPID
Teens want to be involved in the room design choices. They feel a sense of responsibility for selections that may travel with them into young adulthood. But, be prepared to be asked for surfboards on the ceiling or those wonderful posters of “you know who”. If special family heirlooms need to be integrated, like a vintage nursery dresser, they can be creatively updated with paint and new knobs. If you disagree on color or style, remember that bedding, art and accents are easy and affordable things to change and that teens do change their minds often. When larger more expensive items like window treatments and furniture remain more neutral, they work with any whim and can reflect the style of the home.
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If you have a bonus room, create a fun space for activities like movies, video games, pool table, or jukebox and dance floor. Homes with more than one teen will appreciate this separate area for the teen scene. Make it a fun place for the whole family (when invited).Always remember a happy teen makes a happier household. Listen, and pick your battles when it comes to the smaller choices. An experienced designer is sometimes the perfect mediator and can direct the project to please the whole family.
Contributed by – Julie Gerns, CAPID
Julie,Great advice!I think it is really wise to make the teen feel that their voice is heard, and that their room will reflect them. As designers we do often act as mediators in the design process. I think it works well to keep the peace and still get a good aesthetic result. Thanks!
Great article Julie. I will keep this close at hand as my preteen quickly approaches the teenage years.