Kids Bedrooms: How to conquer the divide

When it comes to designing a shared kids bedroom it can be hard. Especially with an age gap between the two kids sharing. How do you find peace and create a space that works..without having any space???

Image by beitesoboutiqueblog.blogspot.com

It's all about compromise!  

First, get your kids involved (it's their room after all!!) The best place to start is by asking what colors they want to see; what they like. Nine times out of ten it will most likely be purple (it's the #1 color choice for kids under 16). If not purple, it will be a bold color, like orange, blue, green, or pink.  Work with your kids to teach them a valuable lesson- on compromise! Get them to pick 3 colors MAX.  From there, you can hit the fabric shops and look for an inspirational piece of fabric that can possibly tie in all 3 colors. If not, choose one of those colors and run with it. 

image by fopple.com

Now this is a purple and pink bedroom done right! Most people would automatically take the color chosen and try to paint the walls that color. This can be very  tricky...A safe bet is to take a paint swatch that your kids have chosen and go about 3 shade down the paint swatch. Bold color choices can be too over powering on the walls, so this will keep the integrity of the tone, while being easy on the eyes. 

image by tlc.howstuffworks.com

Another good tip is to actually only use the color on a focal wall, or as an accent. In the room above, purple is used sparingly. The back drop is actually a neutral white, but the room reads as purple. 


When space is your problem it's important to have your furniture work for you, and not the other way around. Every piece should be able to do double duty. First, divide the room into functions: sleeping, homework, play, etc. From there find pieces that carry out that function but can be easily transformed into a second use. It will save you money and space, while keeping items (like pens, papers, craft supplies, toys, etc.) neat and tidy. 

image by thinkwarehouse.blogspot.com

A good idea always is the famous chalkboard paint. It never gets old or ignored. Remember texture and form- kids love things they can touch or that are unexpected. And easy does it on the Disney characters. One or two are fine...it tells something about your child and who they are, but an over load is just that. 

Lastly, have fun!! Get your kids involved in the renovation process even more!! Let them paint, create the art for the walls, help re-organize their toys into stations, and make beds. They'll love to feel like part of the process and it's something they can be proud of when they show off their now space to friends.

Got My Ticket!!

And I am SO excited!!!

And I can't wait to see all the new trends and meet all my fellow designers (while taking in some amazing talks)

For those of you who don't know this is the Interior Design show of the year

January 27th-30th, Toronto

With over 300 exhibitors and Canada's top Designers 

For more info check out:

http://www.interiordesignshow.com/

Kitchen Design Trend: The Farm Table

A Major Influence right now in Kitchens is the introduction of Farm House Tables

image from simplifiedbee.blogspot.com

The more rustic or vintage the better! It's a great (green) way to reuse or salvage great pieces that can be easily found at flea markets and auctions across the country- Here in Halifax we just happen to have a natural surplus- so make use!!

The rustic Farm Table (or Bakers Table) is making its way into contemporary Kitchens in a BIG way- replacing the typically island. I happen to love this look. To me, it automatically brings a worn, comforting element into what can very easily seem as a cold kitchen. It screams to be used- for everyday cooking- tough enough for the roughest kids and elegant enough to stand up to even the harshest critics. It's a perfect marriage.

image by apartmenttherapy.com

Here, the table top has been replaced with stone. A beautiful option. Although this table still has characteristics of modern design, it still carries the weight and stability found in traditional pieces. In this kitchen, the look is paired with salvaged wood shelving that breaks up what otherwise is a very modern, semi-industrial chef's paradise. Beautiful!

Image by flicker.com

I am also seeing the return of the Kitchen table to its right full spot- smack dab in the middle of the kitchen. Being a Maritimer, there is nothing better (or more familiar) than a good old kitchen party- and every family starts and ends the night around the kitchen table. Whether it's homework or paying the bills, chances are it's in the kitchen. 

Although I love the look and extra storage that a island provides, this is a lovely break from the norm. With so many options available, you can still have storage for all your needs while bring a little nature back inside. Love it!

What do you think??