Does your niece love polka dots?  Does your nephew like stripes?  Are all those patterns making you dizzy?  Patterns, if used properly, can create the calm feeling you want in the bedroom.  Let the Savvy Decorator give you some tips on how to achieve the look and feel you want.

It’s all about Color – again!
Color is key when you and your nieces and nephews are choosing patterns.  If she likes polka dots and paisleys, don’t hesitate to encourage this combination of patterns as long as the colors go well together.   Boys often like a sports theme in their bedrooms.  Red, blue and white stripes and plaids will still go well with baseballs and jerseys in the same colors.  If your nephew likes the New York Yankees, use the team’s colors as your scheme.  Try not to use too many teams in the room – the different logos and color combinations will make the space confusing and busy – something you definitely don’t want if a restful sleep is important to your loved one!

Moderation
Everything in moderation…this statement is true with decorating too.  Take a look at all the decorative items you are putting into the room – the paint, wallpaper, artwork, bedding, window treatments and make sure the patterns are not overdone.  As I said before, paisleys and polka dots will look great together.  If you and your niece use those patterns on the pillows and the bedding, stick with solid or simple patterns on the walls and window treatments.  If your nephew wants his favorite basketball team on his bedding and in the artwork, consider painting his walls a simple, solid color.

Decisions, Decisions
I know, it’s difficult…with all those choices, how do you know which ones are the right ones?  Try these simple guidelines:

-- First, consider everything you and your niece or nephew picked out together.  Find the patterns you like best and start eliminating from there.

-- Choose three main colors at most – neutrals (i.e. stained furniture) don’t count as one of those colors.

-- Select two main patterns – these would be the patterns that will be most visible.  If it is paisleys and stripes, don’t add a polka dot pattern unless it is used subtly (i.e. a lampshade).
Don’t forget to balance the whole thing out with plenty of solid patterns.

Putting it all together
Decorating is all about compromise.  Sometimes you need to give something up to get the best result.  Learn to be a good negotiator with your niece or nephew.  She will want everything she likes to go into the decorating scheme.  Explain to her that you are doing this so that they can have a space they will love and enjoy for many years.  I always encourage my clients to get the child’s input at the beginning of the project.  Let them know that you will surprise them with the finished product in the end.  They will be happy because their input was considered and you will be happy that the room turned out to be the vibrant but restful space you wanted for one of the most important people in your life.


Published: October 12, 2011