My Space Makeover

– where kids are welcomed, parents carded!

Just kidding, Mom and Dad! My Space Makeover is turning your kids bedroom into a cool space. Combine projects, homework and video games if there is no separate gameroom at home.  It is space where you can encourage creativity. So, let's get serious about turning their bedroom into an area where they and friends can hang out in what can be proudly called my space.  How cool is that!  You could even say it makes for a buzzing kids world.

This is a great project you can do with the kids during summer when there's plenty of time for thoughtful planning, let the paint dry, and be ready for the next school term with a whole new outlook.  Otherwise, you can still do it over the long mid-term break.  Just plan ahead and do the actual work during the break . . . or gradually over a longer period.  But start with a basic floor plan.  You may want to explore Feng Shui before making final decisions.

First:

1.  Sketch out the dimensions of my space including closets, doorways, and windows
2.  Take measurements wall to wall and floor to ceiling indicating window and door heights
3.  Measure the furniture - this helps in planning balance for my space   
4.  List the must-stay items
5.  Make a wish list, too, such as:

• wall unit with a drop-down table that reveals hobby niches
• wall-to-wall desk top for the computer equipment
• shelves . . . and more shelves
• seating components . . . built-in or on rollers for flexibility
• new kids bedding

6.  Create atmosphers with lighting, spotlights, overhead, and reading lamps. Add dimmers.
7. If turning the basement into a cool my space there's probably enough room to design a stage for:

a band karaoke theater group

Next: Think about walls in terms of color and graphics, window coverings, kids bedding, and accessories, too.  If walls are neutral add color with fabrics and accessories.  Add interest to their ceiling with stars and moon scapes.  For more ideas get some current decorating magazines and see what effect different colors have on the kids emotionally. Clip the pictures you/they like; save them.

Generally speaking:

1.  RED - causes excitement, activity (ever wonder why restaurants and bars use red; it makes you hungry and thirsty)
2.  YELLOW - bright, cheerful and good for spaces short on natural light
3.  BLUE - calming and often seen in bedrooms
4.  PURPLE - creates an air of mystery; light purple - romanticism
5.  ORANGE - be careful, it can be tiring if too intense
6.  GREEN – a happy medium

Whew!  Done  - a new my space in a buzzing kids world they can proudly call My Space!  Cool. If you've done a bedroom make-over recently, tell us about it.