As a color consultant, I often have the pleasure of working with kids and teens to help them select colors for their bedrooms {such as this boys room, above}. I've come to realize that young people will often request the brightest colors known to mankind. "It's OK. That means they're normal," I say to reassure panicked parents.
Children are naturally attracted to bright colors, and studies have shown that kids usually respond to these colors in positive ways. That's why we're seeing more colorful classrooms and hallways in our schools. A brightly-colored room will nurture your child's imagination and creativity. In addition, kids who have input in their room's design will have a sense of ownership and stability -- all great benefits; but how do you make sure that your child's energetic color palette doesn't become overpowering? The key is balance {with a little compromise thrown in}.
Balance intense colors with a dose of softer or cooler ones. For example, if the walls are painted yellow or yellow-green, add a cool accent hue such as blue or periwinkle. You'll also want to add splashes of white, black or both. Gray {very trendy right now} is also a great neutralizer. This will give the eye a place to rest.
Also look for ways to compromise. If your child wants a bright wall color but you're just totally against it, paint just one accent wall or introduce the colors with your child's bedding or an area rug. You can also find brightly-hued wall decals at Design Dazzle that can be installed on top of a softer wall color.Finally, approach your child's ideas with an open mind. Color is very important to children, and it's often a medium for how they express themselves creatively.
I once had a client whose teen daughter, Tara, wanted to paint her room a very vivid turquoise, and she wanted her closet painted fuchsia. Tara's parents tried to convince her to choose softer shades, to no avail. I showed her different options just so she understood how vibrant her selections were. Tara understood and she stood firm. Her parents relented. After her room was painted, the walls literally glowed -- especially when seen through the window at night {her mother told me of the neighbor who thought the glow was coming from Christmas lights in Tara's room}. In the end, Tara loved her room, and her parents were happy because she was happy. Just food for thought!
Kelly Porter, designer and publisher Color Sizzle, is a featured contributor.
photo credits: from the top -- 1 Kelly Porter, 2 tiddliwink designs, 3-4 Design Dazzle 5-6 digdigs, 7 ohdeedoh, 8 Design Dazzle 9 designstyle
As a color consultant, I often have the pleasure of working with kids and teens to help them select colors for their bedrooms {such as this boys room, above}. I've come to realize that young people will often request the brightest colors known to mankind. "It's OK. That means they're normal," I say to reassure panicked parents.
Children are naturally attracted to bright colors, and studies have shown that kids usually respond to these colors in positive ways. That's why we're seeing more colorful classrooms and hallways in our schools.
Balance intense colors with a dose of softer or cooler ones. For example, if the walls are painted yellow or yellow-green, add a cool accent hue such as blue or periwinkle. You'll also want to add splashes of white, black or both. Gray {very trendy right now} is also a great neutralizer. This will give the eye a place to rest.
