KIDS ROOM

CHOOSE THEME

Selecting a theme for your child's room is important for both of you. Your child is starting to identify likes and dislikes, and the bedroom will become a direct reflection of those tastes. Is your child into airplanes or trucks? What about flowers or animals? Almost any hobby or interest can be translated into room décor; picking a bedding program can be the first step in setting the theme. Once you and your child have picked a design you like, choose the components to match; a quilt, comforter, duvet cover, sheets sets, shams and a bed skirt.

CONSIDER MULTIPLES

Sheet sets, extra pillowcases and shams are important when setting up a new bedroom for your child. The bedroom will shortly become a stage for sleepovers, so having extra sheets and pillowcases will keep you prepared. Consider having up to three sheet sets and two extra pillowcases for changes during the week and slumber parties. A waterproof mattress pad can also be a good investment for a young child transitioning into his "big kid" bed; consider having up to two to tide you over between washings. Pottery Barn Kids offers waterproof mattress pads in both twin and full sizes. Blankets and throws are great for naptime, watching TV or cuddling up for a goodnight story; we recommend up to three in order to be well stocked. When you're not using the blankets, fold them up at the foot of the bed for easy access.

THEME COMPLEMENTS

Easy-to-add details such as rugs, window panels and wall décor can provide warmth and splashes of colour. Select a rug that's complementary to your theme. All Pottery Barn Kids' rugs are soft to the touch and come in whimsical shapes and designs. You'll also want to select window panels to help provide a level of privacy and warmth. Using wall stencils or appliqué will also add that personal touch to your child's room.

SELECT FURNITURE

pottery Barn Kids has a great assortment of kid's furniture. Aside from a new bed, the most important pieces to consider are a dresser, nightstand, bookcase and desk. When selecting a bed, consider a trundle or bunk bed set for overnight guests. A trundle bed is especially functional if your child is not sharing a room with a sibling; it doubles as storage space for toys, clothing or secret treasures. The trundle can also be used as a transition bed for a young child; it remains safe and close to the floor. Select a finish that will coordinate with your bedding colours and theme. Once you decide on a bed, choose a dresser and nightstand. One nightstand is enough for a twin bed, but you may want to think about two if your child is sleeping in a full. A bookcase is great for storing books and toys, and can also double as a nightstand. As your child grows older and starts school, a desk offers storage, a workspace and a place for a computer. To keep your student comfortable, choose a chair that's just the right size.

THE EXTRAS

If space allows, consider adding storage pieces such as an armoire and a toy chest. Pottery Barn Kids offers armoires that can be utilized as wardrobes or mini entertainment centres. A toy chest can also be a great addition to the room; place it at the foot of the bed and use it to store toys or extra blankets in a clean and tidy fashion. PERSONAL TOUCH AND STORAGE

As your child's personality begins to shine, the details begin to make the room her own.

FUNCTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Lighting and storage are the most important functional accessories to consider. Start with a table lamp for the nightstand and a task lamp for the desk. Simple storage solutions are also important to consider for your child's bedroom. A bookcase and a toy chest will help your child keep the room neat. Pottery Barn Kids offers bookcases with basket and liner options for simple and quick organization. Consider caddies and totes to house trinkets and small toys. A laundry hamper can also be a great addition to the bedroom. It can be placed in the closet or a corner of the room.

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

Kids love to decorate their walls, so why not make it easy? Frames, collage boards, shelves and peg racks can serve as great complements to your child's artwork, awards and other prized possessions. Hang framed artwork in multiples, centre a collage board above the desk for clippings and photos, and mount a shelf on the wall for sports trophies and collections. To help organize the room and keep items off the floor, consider a peg rack for hats, jackets and backpacks. A clock and a phone are the perfect additions to a "big kid" room. ROOM PLAY

As children make new friends, their rooms become more than just bedrooms, they become playrooms, private places, after-school libraries. Depending on the size of your child's bedroom, you may want to add a table and chairs for visiting playmates. If you have designated a different room in the house as a playroom, use a table and chairs as a centre for creativity and imagination. Add an art easel or workbench for hours of imaginative play. Pottery Barn Kids offers many classic and interactive toys such as building blocks or soft sets to exercise your child's imagination. As the toys begin to accumulate, think about storage solutions such as a bookcase with baskets, a toy chest or an armoire.