5 Easy Ways to Maximize the Space in Kids’ Rooms

featured on DailyParent, by Andrea Williams

Whether you have one kid or 12, there never seems to be enough space in your home, right? From random flip flops and baseball cleats, to missing board games pieces and runaway Legos, we can never seem to escape the constant flow of stuff. And this is especially true in children’s bedrooms, where square footage is at a premium and there is often more than one kid sharing the space. Taming kid clutter and maximizing children’s rooms are no easy tasks, but, here, we’ve gathered the best tips from design experts to help you regain control of your home.

Create a floor plan with distinct spaces/zones.

“Zones are important because they help to define a space, which is especially helpful if a space has to pull ‘double duty,’” says Hobbs. “This technique works well in small places because it helps to define a room and ensure there is a home for various activities.”

Additionally, says feng shui and green design expert Anjie Cho, intentionally dividing a floor plan can make it easier for siblings to share a small room. “A recent client had two siblings—a boy and a girl—sharing a room,” Cho explains. “They had bunkbeds, but it really was not going to work anymore as both children were starting to get older. [To divide the room], we put in sliding doors that acted as a wall but could be opened and still let in light and air/ventilation.”

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by Anjie Cho

How to Choose a Paint Finish

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The proper paint application can dramatically change the look of a room with very little cost. Paint influences the mood of your home, and even camouflages unwanted imperfections. 

But how do you know which finish to choose? This guide will help you decide.

A flat finish has no shine.  It is great for walls with nicks and blemishes, as it tends to hide them and make the wall look smoother. A flat finish doesn’t reflect light, so it isn’t the best choice if you want to brighten your room. It is also difficult to clean, so it is best suited for low-traffic areas.

Some paint companies offer a matte finish, which resembles a flat finish. It is slightly more durable and easier to clean. It’s still good for camouflaging minor bumps and other small imperfections.

If an area has a little more traffic, you can consider an eggshell finish, which has a slight hint of shine.

For brightening up a room, choose a pearl or satin finish. They are more glossy than eggshell and will reflect light back into your room instead of sucking it up. Pearl finishes are highly washable and stand up to high traffic. But imperfections in the wall will stand out.

Semi-gloss paint is used most often on trim, doors, and cabinets. It has a nice, subtle shine, and washes easily. Extra care must be taken with wall preparation, since imperfections are highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

High gloss paints offer washability and durability with their reflective, shiny finish. Glossy paints are not often used on interior walls, but they are a dramatic look for cabinets, trims, and even furniture. A high-gloss finish will exaggerate and magnify surface imperfections, so careful preparation is essential.

Whether you are updating one room or redecorating your entire house, paint is a simple, inexpensive way to achieve a striking new look.

by Anjie Cho

Beyond Paint and Wallpaper: Trends in Wallcoverings

Wait! Before you open that can of paint to freshen up the look of your room, let’s talk about wall coverings. A coat of paint is the traditional wall finish go-to, but it’s not your only option. Consider one of today’s trending wall coverings either as an accent wall or for the whole room.

Braided Hemp Wallpaper

Hemp wall coverings are a great, natural alternative. Created by weaving highly durable hemp fibers, this wall covering is a great eco-friendly option! You’ll find it’s typically hand-woven and dyed with natural materials. Even if you select a natural color palette in this wall covering, hemp’s textured finish will bring a new level of interest to your walls. 

Metallic Wallpaper

Perhaps you hear wallpaper and you flash back to floral prints. Today’s wallpaper has come a long way since then. Don’t be afraid of going metallic. Today’s choices range from a subtle metallic thread woven into natural fibers to varnished metal leaf hand-applied to high-quality paper. If you’re not quite ready to make the total commitment to metallic, consider it for an accent wall. 

Leather/Faux Leather 

You have a few different options when we talk about leather or faux leather wall coverings. You could select a simple traditional leather finish or suede option. Alternatively, you’ll also find textured options with stitching or other patterns. You choices don’t end there! If you’re not sure a full room or even a full wall of leather is right for your room, consider using leather tiles as a mock-headboard or other wall feature. 

Bamboo or Cork Tiles

Like hemp, bamboo and cork are eco-friendly decorating choices made from sustainable materials. With tiles, you’ll have a variety of design choices starting with how you lay out your wall. Will you go with tiles placed in horizontal lines or a herringbone pattern? Which material is right for you will be based, at least in part, on where you plan to use it. Bamboo requires a dry space, which rules out use in a bathroom or basement. Cork, on the other hand, can be ideal as a kitchen backsplash or bathroom wall. If you seal the cork properly, the tiles are water-resistant.

by Anjie Cho