Bedrooms: Creating Unique HavensFor Kids (NAPSA)—Between school, vacation activities, friends and all the other things that keep children occupied, their lives can get a little harried. Sometimes youngsters need a little “down time’— and what better place to unwind than the bedroom? A child’s bedroom should not just be his or her headquarters and starting point for adventures, but also a personal oasis—the one place that is truly his or her own. When it comes to decorating children’s rooms, Spiegel suggests parents start kids thinking about choices that are both functional and reflect their personality. Here are a few approaches you can take: Creative Outlet: Children’s rooms are places where their creativity can run wild, whether they are choosing a special area rug or something to hang on the wall. A good way to begin is by encouraging them to pick a theme—an interest, passion or even a favorite color—from which they can expand. A child who is interested in sports, for example, might choose a cotton soccer ball rug or curtain rods with basketball or football finials. Nature themes allow for whimsical choices, such as butterfly lights, daisy rugs or critter floor pillows. Storage Central: This is a good time to encourage your children to get organized, as they learn that the more orderly their toys, books and other possessions, the more space they'll have for themselves. Look for storage components which fit in with their themes: a cabinet in the shape of a dollhouse, for example, or a multi-pocket screen which, in addition to storing their toys, also can provide an element of privacy for their entertainment space. In smaller rooms, an upholstered toy box can double as a chair. Whimsical touches, like a ladybug shelf with hooks or a picket fence peg hook, might even tempt yourchildren to hang uptheir clothes. Home Within a Home: Whetherit’s a cozy reading corner or a mini entertainment area The Spiegel Kid’s Resource Catalog can help your children expresstheir personal taste. where children can play with friends, discuss the idea of creating a separate space within their bedrooms. For entertaining, pepper the space with fun seating elements, such as daisy-shaped beanbags or brightly colored faux fur butterfly chairs. An avid reader might like a special seat, like Spiegel’s comfy, upholstered pastel chaise lounge or a two-tone beanbag chair and ottoman which are just the right size. Activity-oriented kids might opt for a specially designed table with stripes and polka dots that coordinate with ladybug and bee chairs, to do art projects or have a tea party. Electronics Haven: Children’s rooms are not complete these days without a selection of their favorite electronics. Help them pick gadgets which will go with the dcor and the spirit of the room. Choose CD players and motorized CD holders in bright colors to liven up a room. Or add a cordless phone in cool, changeable hues or funky animal prints. If your child has a computer or needs a place to do homework, help him pick out a colorful desk on casters that not only serves as a mobile workstation, but will fit seamlessly into his own special space. Kid’s Resource from Spiegel is a great place to find these and other unique items for children’s rooms—call 1-800-345-4500 or visit www.spiegel.com.
