Great Ideas for Your Home

Create warm and inviting environments Once a child is beyond the cradle or crib stage, he or she has developed a strong sense of self. A child's personal space should reflect that newly discovered personality. "The important factor here is that the environment of the child's room remain restful. Another consideration is using colors and patterns that a child can grow with. This, of course, is dictated by budget," says Carole Ann Patterson of Steve Peterson Interiors. "The least expensive route is painting the walls yourself. Use restful shades of light blues or lavenders and yellow. Avoid strong reds. It is proven to be a stimulating color and not at all restful." Patterson recommends parents use window coverings that black out the sun light. This will ensure a child maintains a peaceful nap time. Floor coverings should also be warm and inviting to children who love to crawl and explore their world. Patterson says there are many themes that may be put into play to create a peaceful, inviting child's room. "Besides the market of sporting items, the alphabet is one idea, but so is the world of animals. These can be hand painted or stenciled on a painted surface," Patterson says. Children's spaces have a strong influence on their daily lives. Use care when designing these mini-sanctuaries.