Get Your Kids Involved in Home Decorating
(ARA) For today's American families, a house is no longer just a place to come home to in the evening. Contemporary homes are a focal point for family life; a place to work, entertain, play and rejuvenate. Now more than ever, home interior design must meet the needs of every member of the family.
Your home should be a place where adults and children feel comfortable. With a little ingenuity, space can be designed to accommodate not only adult requirements but the preferences of kids' as well. One good way to do this is to involve them in the decorating process.
"There are small, simple decorating projects that your kids can do around the house without creating a huge mess," says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics. "Your kids probably have a lot of ideas about what they like and they will have a great time helping".
Here are some ways your kids can get involved with interior design:
* Updating your kitchen or bathroom tiles. An easy way to refresh the look of your bathroom or kitchen is with Stick'n Stile decorative appliqués. These easy-to-use, raised tiles come in a variety of designs including playful tropical fish, retro geometric squares, tropical plants and orchids. Let your kids choose the ones they like. Usually bathroom tiles are close to the floor, so children can decide where they want to decorate. You can use Stick'n Stile on most bathroom surfaces -- tile, shower doors, mirrors and ceramic or fiberglass tubs. "If your kids change their minds, the appliqués can be easily removed or changed with a blow dryer," adds Imholte.
* Choosing whimsical cabinet hardware. You may not be ready to get all new cabinets, but new hardware can really make a big difference. Have your kids help you pick out some fun designs. There is so much available now, you don't just have to get the typical knobs. How about animal figures or bold geometric shapes? You can even mix and match. A typical kitchen or bathroom has lots of drawers and cabinets at kid level, so they can enjoy the new look as much as the adults.
* Select creative storage ideas. Chances are, everyone in your house has a lot of stuff and finding places to put it clears the way for a more comfortable, clutter-free living space. Kids can help choose storage options for themselves to get all those toys out of the way. Get their input: maybe they'd like a series of colorful plastic bins, some open shelves, an old steamer truck or a multihued chest of drawers. Once you start brainstorming, everyone in the family will have lots of ideas.
* Add some comfort. You do a lot of things at home, but perhaps the most important is relaxation. Kids more than anyone else are aware of how comfortable a home is; they spend a lot of time on the floor and are sensitive to rough carpeting and awkward furniture with sharp edges. Have your kids help you select some pampering items to give your home a cozy feel. How about some fluffy new couch cushions or a luxurious throw for cocooning on a cool evening? Or what about a soft new bath mat in vivid colors?
So the next time you start thinking about making some interior design improvements in your home, don't forget to consult the local experts: your kids.
Stick'n Stile appliqués color-coordinate with towels, bathmats, shower curtains and other kitchen and bath accessories available at upscale department stores as well as value stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.sticknstile.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content