A house is an investment. It’s where your family will live and share precious memories for probably the next several years of their lives. With that in mind, decor becomes an investment as well. But when your child is growing and changing from day to day, how can you make sure their room keeps up? With a few smart tips, it’s easier than you think. We spoke to Holly Kalisher of Broward and Palm Beach County’s HK Interiors to learn about decorating for your child’s present and future.
Color Matters
“It’s important to create an overall neutral color palette, or color theme, not necessarily a character theme, because then you’re stuck with it,” Kalisher says. A palette of neutral colors is always in style and applicable to every stage of your child’s life. You can jazz it up with soft pops of color — soft yellows, peaches or blues, for example. This way, Kalisher says, you’ll just have to change pillows, rugs or textiles in the room as your child grows instead of redoing it constantly. You’ll want to stay away from very bright colors — not only are they no longer on-trend, they can be overstimulating for both children and parents.
Embrace Stickers
There’s a great world of static cling murals and adhesives specifically made for wall decor that make decorating a breeze as your child grows. Avoid murals or wallpaper and the cost of repainting, removal or even damage. “If you do something that has a static cling or a gentle adhesive, you can peel it off the wall, and it’s easier to change your mind after that,” Kalisher says. Plus, once your child gets older, they can choose whatever they like. Kalisher mentions a large corkboard so older kids can pin favorite images to it without making holes in the walls.
Remember Shelves
Children of all ages need places to put books and toys. Having shelving installed from a young age makes this transition all the easier. It’s also a part of developing self-reliance in young ones, Kalisher says. “Some kind of shelving unit on the floor where you could put toys, it gives them independence,” she says, recommending a shelving unit — with the proper safety and security protocols in place — where toddlers can reach a book or a toy for themselves that then transitions easily for tweens and teens.