Decorating a child’s room can be challenging. When designing a bedroom for your child, the first thing to keep in mind that it’s not just a place to sleep. A child’s bedroom should also be a safe and fun environment where they can play, grow and be creative. But above all, the bedroom should be a place where your child will want to be.

Because children are attracted to primary colors, to plan a child’s room that she will not only want to spend time in, but also want to share with their friends, design a space that is bright and bold.

Bright and bold doesn’t just have to mean color you paint the walls of your child’s room. In today’s ever-evolving children’s furniture market, manufacturers offer kids’ furnishings in beautiful reds, greens and blues, in addition to traditional white and the standard wood finishes such as cherry, maple and oak. It shouldn’t just be functional or colorful or look good; your child’s bedroom should also be a place where she can dream and imagine.

Start with a Plan

Involve your child in the decision making process as much as possible. A simple place to start is to ask your child to help you decide on the room’s theme or focus. A child will be more inclined to accept and like a room they helped decorate.

Since your child is continually growing, you will want to design a room that will change and adapt with your child through each developmental stage.

Measure the room so that you will know exactly how much space you have to work with. You might like the idea of a wall unit that includes a computer desk and bookshelves, but if it’s going to block the window or fit only against the wall that doesn’t have any power outlets, you’ll get stuck with a piece of furniture you can’t use.

As part of the planning stage, list all the furnishings you would like to include. Make a budget. Knowing how much you intend to spend on each item will help keep your project on track.

In addition to a bed, nightstand, dresser and mirror, it is also important to consider other pieces you may want to include in your child’s bedroom. If your child likes to watch movies, consider purchasing a TV armoire as part of the room’s furnishings or if she is an avid reader, don’t forget to add a couple of bookcases.

The child’s age will automatically govern many of the planning choices you will need to make. In the interest of safety, select furniture with rounded corners, the correct height for the child’s developmental stage, and easy-to-open drawers, doors and lids.

Color Color Everywhere

Yes, you want your girl’s room to be bright and colorful, but too much color can overload the senses.

Decide where the color will go. If you choose a primary color for the walls, select a neutral color for the furniture.

On the other hand, if the rich, bold colors of the myHaven Collection by Young America appeals to you and your child, paint the walls in a neutral shade or a soft, complementary color.

Color the Room with Accessories

As many different studies have pointed, color has an effect on all of us, but it can really alter the mood of a child. While you want the bedroom to be colorful and cheerful, you also want it to be restful, comfortable and inviting.

Don’t clash. You will want all of the colors in the room to work together. Coordinate the room’s color by choosing bedding and a window treatment that matches or complements the walls.

If the walls and furniture are neutral, choose bright and bold accessories, like a patchwork rug, bed linens in primary colors or lampshades with a vibrant theme or pattern.

Decorating your girl’s bedroom can be an overwhelming task. But designing a space that incorporates primary colors in a whimsical or refreshing manner will help make decorating your child’s room a simple and fun experience.