|
colourful kids
Choosing colours
Start playing around with colour combinations to see the different effects. Try combining complementary colours - those that reside directly across from one another on the colour wheel - to create pleasing, dramatic results. Let your child choose his/her favourite colour on the wheel and then pair it with its complementary colour for a winning mix. Experiment by layering in a third or fourth colour to create an even more dynamic scheme.
Colour is charged with energy, and colours for kids can be supercharged. Balance playfulness and serenity by choosing bedding, curtains and rugs in lighter, sunwashed versions of your child's favourite colours. That way, brighter accents will stand out without overwhelming.
At centre stage, the bed is the perfect place to experiment with colour. Its palette generally dictates the colour scheme for the room.
ABOVE: The bedding offers a unique mix of purple and green that repeat in a bold rug and other accessories.
You can also develop a colour palette from a central source in the room, like a painting or textile.
The importance of white
When decorating a room, you want a space that's lively without being overwhelming. High-contrast colours create interest and drama. Neutrals and soft colours create harmony and balance. Experiment with mixing and matching different colours on the colour wheel. Create harmony by using a backdrop of whites or neutrals, which provide the eye with visual relief and prevent the overall effect of your room from feeling too busy. White walls have the added advantage of creating a room that grows with your child, letting you inexpensively change the look by swapping out bedding, curtains, throw rugs, artwork and other accessories.
Play with pattern
Create a space that always looks put together. Mix and match bright bedding with coloured furniture in kids' rooms. Design a stylish nursery with new designer fabrics. From plush, patterned rugs and bright lamp shades to colourful window panels - shop around to create kids' spaces that always look great.
More than any other element, pattern creates the personality of a room. In a child's room, the simplest patterns have eternal appeal. Seasonal florals, dots and stripes, circles and squares – they never go out of style. The chance to play with colour and pattern is what makes kids' rooms so fun to decorate. Whether you tackle it single-handedly or partner with your child, it's a welcome opportunity to think like a kid again.
|
