Ten Trendy Ways To Design The Perfect Room For Your Child

(ARA) - Functional, yet fun. Traditional, yet techie. Today's children's rooms are stylish, engaging, organized - and as unique as the individuals who sleep, study, play and hang out in them.

Here is what's "hot" in children's decor:

Stylin'
Debbie Zimmer from the Dow Paint Quality Institute sees polka dot designs and "pink" are once again on the horizon, as well as more and more rooms containing 3-D accents, from butterflies to airplanes, with fun and bright paint colors. For teen spaces, glitz and glamour are back in style, with gold accents making a cameo appearance. Zimmer predicts sophisticated wall "monograms" and paint colors growing in popularity, as are urban, sleek and modern themes appealing to this older audience.

Funky, Functional Furniture
In a recent "American Chronicle" article, Andy West reported a modernizing of the furniture industry. In lieu of traditional beds, West suggested bunk beds that spread out in different directions to use space and lighting more efficiently. Chairs, desks and drawers that incorporate geometric shapes and swirls of wood in intriguing ways are also good ideas.

Lighting That Lasts
While parents continue to embrace child-friendly themes, today's smart shoppers are looking at complementary accents that offer practicality and longevity, according to Jeff Dross, senior product manager for Kichler Lighting. Instead of a themed lamp, parents might opt for a functional swing-arm floor lamp in a neutral finish that can respond to different lighting needs as the child grows. Positioned for diaper changes for babies, the lamp can later be used for homework and reading as the child matures.

The Right Touch
Linda Navara of LMR Designs, LLC recommends soft, fluffy textures for small children's rooms, and comfortable, eco-friendly versions are perfect for the older child. Mary Lou Kalmus of Designing Edge also sees organic cotton rugs making an impact for the ecologically conscious.

A Higher (Environmental) Consciousness
Incorporating eco-friendly furniture and accessories in kids' rooms is essential, adds M. Grace Sielaff, of M. Grace Designs, Inc. She suggests eco-functional and affordable solid wood furniture made from refurbished, recycled and Forest Stewardship Council-certified products, with nontoxic paints to minimize harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Options include a fun Surfin Kids planet-friendly bed from Ecotots, or 100 percent certified organic cotton sateen elephant crib bedding from Urban Hues.

Color Their World
When it comes to color, the bottom line is to have fun with it - within your own personal comfort zone, of course. The palette this year is a vivid spectrum from persimmon, goldenrod and pumpkin for girls, as spotted by Kalmus, to the pastel blues, pinks, greens as whites suggested by Kenneth Ludwig, of Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings. Sielaff also notes sage green, magenta, turquoise, purple and yellow as being especially popular.

A Place For Everything... And Everything In Its Place
As kids acquire more and more stuff, keeping their room clutter-free becomes even more critical. Desk organizers, closet organizers, lockers and iPod docking stations all help children keep their clothes, accessories, toys or electronics off the floor and in easily accessible places. If space is an issue, Navara suggests dual-purpose furniture, such as a storage ottoman or an armoire, while West recommends a bed with a pull-out trundle and storage drawers beneath.

Just Enough For The City
Urban decor is hot, according to a "How To, Tips and Advice" posting by Stefan on homedit.com. Walls painted with a cooling hue of light blue or light pink set the stage, with animals, flowers or other images painted on them in white to add sophistication. Abstract paintings that respect the dominant color of the room are a nice modernistic touch. Navara also envisions the emergence of black and white with pops of color.

Girls (And Boys) Just Want To Have Fun
Beanbag chairs. Retro or dorm wall art. Knick knacks. Ribbons that swag to the edges of the room. Shapes that are colorful and glow in the dark. Nets that hold decorative fish. Edgy desk lamps with built-in organizers. For bedroom accessories, the sky's the limit in terms of color, shape and style. Have fun as you create a unique, special space that your child will be proud to call his or her own.