Guest Blogger: How to Design your Pre-Teen Daughter’s Room to Inspire for Years

Guest Blogger #271, Entry #782, November 25, 2011

I’m a mother of two boys. As a decorator, I’ve had the chance to work with all-girl families and I have to say that, when it comes to decorating for my own family, apparently I’m very lucky. That’s because my boys don’t care if their walls are aqua or royal blue, nor do they care to know the difference. Girls are a whole different story. Anytime I ask a girl about her ideal bedroom decor, she has a million-and-one very specific ideas about what she wants. And, as girls grow and change, their needs and tastes change, too. Unless you plan on redecorating every time your little girl gets to be a little bigger, it’s important to take future design needs into consideration now so as to avoid a complete renovation when your pre-teenager becomes an actual teenager. Here are things to keep in mind when designing your pre-teen daughter’s room, so that it will last through her teenage years.

Design a room that your pre-teenager girl will love

Image via: Home Furniture Interior

Furniture

Bedroom furniture will be the biggest expense you will incur when redecorating, so it is in your best interest to choose furniture that is both appropriate for pre-teens and for teenagers. While a pre-teen may just flip over a pink poster bed, that same bed may be embarrassing for a teenager. Also, keep in mind that pre-teens and teenagers grow fast. If you have the space, it might be best to choose at least a full sized bed. Teenage girls can be very fussy about having to sleep in twin beds.

Add color and accessories to grow with your girl

The power of paint

Paint is inexpensive, and can completely transform a room. However, paint can be labor-intensive. If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves every few years, then it’s not a bad idea to let your little girl choose whatever color she wants and prepare yourself for a few future paint jobs. Otherwise, choose something more neutral, like a buttercream, which is great for off-setting all things girly.

Accessories

These will inevitably change over the years, as your daughter collects things that are special to her. The one big investment that will need to last is a bedding set. It’s a good idea to go with an abstract pattern, stripes, plaids, or a floral. Avoid trendy character-based prints, which quickly go out of style. It is also a good idea to purchase a basic comforter filler, then one or more duvet sets, so that the bedding can be changed periodically to keep the look fresh, and to keep a finicky teenager smiling.

Simplicity can make your girl’s room transitional

Image via: Design Wagen

Designing your pre-teen daughter’s room to last through her teenage years doesn’t have to be all that complicated. Just keep these simple guidelines in mind to prepare some options, then let her choose (as you know she likes to do).

Ebony Cran is an interior designer who loves working with individuals of vary ages and tastes. She enjoys incorporating Metrofax email faxing and other online services into her day to day routine so she can spend less time worrying about an office and more time worry about your designs.

For more kids’ room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.