Journal

Self-expression, evolving tastes and a need for privacy are all characteristics of most teenagers and important to keep in mind when tackling a teen room makeover.  A teen’s room is a special sanctuary and should reflect his or her individual style. Creating a teen’s dream room is truly a collaborative process – try brainstorming different styles and ideas together and work closely with your teen to create a bedroom that works for everyone in the family.

Following are a few considerations:

• A fresh coat. Remember, paint is not permanent, so have some fun selecting the wall color. Make the most of deep colors with the right accent colors and lighting. Or you can compromise with one accent wall of bold color.

• Color is key. Whether you have a teen boy with a penchant for purple or a daughter who loves bright fuchsia, purchase fun bedding in vibrant patterns and colors and accentuate with a bold, bright area rug.

  

• Flexible but fun. A teen room often serves many purposes – from a space to study to a spot for hanging out with friends. Try to carve out a special study nook with a desk and lamp. If the room is spacious, create a hang-out area with a small sofa or plush cushions for seating.

• Follow a theme. If your teen is game, help him or her come up with a theme – e.g. sports, retro, rock n’ roll, etc. – that aptly reflects his or her hobbies and personality.

• Headboard fun. A headboard is an easy way to make a statement in a room. Create a distinctive one with paint or fun fabric or install a contemporary headboard with built-in storage space.

• Mix it up. To appeal to a teen’s yearning to be on the edge, try a juxtaposition of old with new, for example a Rococo headboard with modern fabric.

• Mitigate the mess. This is not an easy feat when dealing with the average teen. To help minimize mayhem, provide lots and lots of visible, easy-to-use storage, such as sturdy built-in bookshelves, loft or bunk beds with extra storage, under bed bins and plenty of hooks and wall shelves.

• Keep it simple. Your teen is growing and changing. Keep the room fairly simple so you can easily update as your child grows – or even reinvent it when an older teen moves out. Carefully consider how you’ll use the room once he or she is independent.

• Lighting options. For cost efficiency and flexibility, the use of LED lighting is optimum. Add a few strips underneath a bed platform to give a glow. Or consider theatrical track lights so your teen can adjust lighting and coloration according to mood.

• Sound systems. Music is imperative to many teens, most of whom are on top of evolving technology. For the ultimate in sound, try either a Bose or a JMEL sound system with two to four 40-watt speakers and subwoofer. Integrate the sound system with the lighting.

  

When working with your teen on room décor, consider his or her age, as tastes and styles will evolve dramatically between the ages of 13 and 18.

Above all, respect your teen’s unique needs and wants. And please keep me posted on the outcome by posting your “teen scene” on our Facebook page.

Pet ownership is on the rise.

According to a 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association (APPA) survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet. In 1988 just 56% of Americans were pet owners.

As more and more of us cohabitate with our fuzzy, furry friends, the need for pet friendly décor is surging as well. In fact, the APPA reports that Americans have spent more than $55 billion on pet-related products so far in 2013.

Which all brings to mind a common conundrum: how to keep your home stylish and visually appealing while accommodating the many needs of a high-energy – and often messy – pet?

Following are just a few simple tips:

Vacuum. Vacuum. Vacuum. Nothing is more unattractive than a carpet or sofa strewn with animal hair. Dyson has a vacuum for pets designed just for pet owners – engineered to remove all hair and dirt from upholstery and carpets.

Strong, stain resistant upholstery. When choosing fabrics, make sure the fabric is either stain resistant, scotch guarded or, at a minimum, matches your pet’s fur color! Leather is ultra-sturdy, and surface wear adds to its character. If you prefer fabric, consider using exterior upholstery fabrics. I suggest the Sunbrella line by Joe Ruggiero. It’s beautiful, yet durable and easy to care for – and comes in hundreds of patterns and colors.

Forgo wall to wall. Abundant carpeting absorbs odors and is difficult to clean, so hard surface flooring is ideal when you own pets. Hard wood is beautiful, but a large dog can wreak havoc on it, leaving deep scratches. Stone or tile flooring is optimum – especially for larger animals.

Throw rugs. Recommended for cats and dogs area rugs are great and can be placed strategically to help prevent pets from tracking in debris and dirt.

A place for everything. Keep toys organized in one central locale and stored in an attractive bowl or basket. Hang leashes, collars and towels from handy hooks and stash waste bags in drawers or cabinets.

Sweet dreams. Dogs can spend up to 14 hours a day sleeping, so quality counts when choosing a dog bed. The options are endless, but select a bed that ties into your décor and keep the colors dark.

A space of their own. Dogs love small spaces. Create a special pet hideaway like a breakfast nook or large closet where pets can sleep and retreat. You can even build their home into one of your kitchen or pantry cabinets using a revolving door.

Built-in feeding. To obscure messy pet dishes, install bowls in a low pullout drawer. If you don’t opt for a built-in system, at least make sure your pet bowls are stylish and stored under a table or chair.

Do you have any creative ideas for pet friendly décor? If so, I would love to hear from you! Visit us on Facebook and post your photos there.