Choose pieces that will stand the test of time

As children grow their rooms become much more than just bedrooms, they become playrooms, after school study areas and a safe and comforting place to play and read. Throughout the years the words “my room” has very special meaning with ever changing design that reflects the evolving tastes and interests of your little one.

Furniture

I have never been a fan of the usual children’s furniture sold in many stores. It makes more sense to me to purchase good quality pieces that will stand the test of time and will function for a child from an early age until the teenage years and beyond.

A dresser, night table and bed don’t have to be small scale and usually the quality is better in larger pieces because most kid’s furniture is only meant to last a few years and discarded when they have outgrown it.

One designer who uses this principle to perfection is Sarah Richardson. Sarah uses good quality, sometimes second hand pieces refurbished, to decorate children’s rooms. The pieces she uses are always functional and will grow with the child. Fabrics are always playful and kid friendly but never childlike – no Dora or superman in Sarah’s rooms!

You can still reflect a child’s interests in their room without going for the usual cartoon characters, it just takes a little imagination and creativity!

I look forward to using some of Sarah’s design principles when I decorate my first grandchild Lauren’s room in the spring. I know, I look too young to be a grandma but I am enjoying every minute. Lauren was in the spotlight this week when a picture I sent to CBC was featured as” Peter’s Pick” on the suppertime news.

Here she is in her pumpkin hat with her little friend Emily.

They are adorable don’t you think? Happy Fall from myself, Lauren and Emily