Kids’ rooms are a challenge for most parents to design for various reasons: cost, longevity of design, safety, storage and (generally pared) room size. But, what some parents miss the mark on and others lose sleep over is what colour to paint their daughter or son’s room. “If you give a child a paint wand, they would probably go to the very bright primary colours,” notes interior designer Ernst Hupel in a recent article. “They don’t understand that you don’t need to have that bright colour on the wall to create that colour in their room.”

Colour theory is something both creative and scientific minds find worthy of some discussion. The psychology of colour relates to physical and emotional responses people instinctually have towards certain colour exposure. Hence, it is safe to assume the future of hospital rooms will not stray far from pastel green or blue because of the numerous studies already done on the topic. But, for parents—who have to determine their children’s room hues then deal with the years of aftermath resulting from their choices—some personal research is not a bad thing. “Yes, there is the old theory that yellow makes babies cry, or blue makes them tired,” says Bridgett Winter, Baywest’s show home interior designer. “But, I feel that all colours can be used in moderation, or in a colour combination.”

Colour—check. What else is there to know about kids' rooms? Storage is an issue for most rooms, but especially in secondary bedrooms since they tend to be small boxes with one window for function, rather than standing out for its form. “Multi-functional furniture pieces are a must when a parent requests a child’s bedroom to serve them to sleep, hang out and do homework,” says Winter, adding that a closet organizer is also a must. “Some kids' rooms cannot even fit a six-drawer dresser … so the closet needs to hold the entire overflow.”

Very small or angular rooms create more challenges, and here is where Winter suggests parents, “Think up—meaning, vertical storage, and hanging items on the wall. You would be surprised how much stuff (books, toys figurines, craft supplies) a single shelf can hold.”

To some adults’ dismay, many designers encourage children to be involved in the design process of his or her bedroom. It means some negotiating will have to take place, but in turn the little person will likely take more care and pride of his mini-casa. “The trick is to give the child a choice of pre-approved parent (friendly) options, like three paint colours, or colour combinations that the parents like and know will work with the rest of the colour scheme,” says Winter. “This trick can be used on furniture as well.”

“By spending a few extra dollars and time planning now, you may save hundreds, even thousands of dollars down the road,” says an Edmonton Saba Homes representative referring to the expense of replacing furniture that does not grow with a child. “Many parents make the mistake of being too taste specific; children get tired of things easily. So by keeping the neutral concept with higher quality and versatile items, making a few modifications in paint and accessories, parents will have more time and money down the road for more significant things.”

If it is a home being built, structural design of children’s bedrooms may be something to consider in the beginning stages saving some money and time from renovations later on. “Avoid shared walls between kids' bedrooms and master bedroom/ensuite and laundry areas,” says Glen Bray of Evolve Home Design. Instead, he suggests incorporating “passageways from kids’ bedrooms (or) closets to a connecting playroom or other bedroom (and a) loft play space over the closet accessed by a ladder—space saving design.”

Winter, Bray and Saba Homes all agree storage either in the closet, via built-ins, on shelving or in enclosed furniture, is very important to make a kid’s room functional, personal, and clean. Whoever has to do the tidying up will do a much better job if there is a designated spot for everything to go after it has been worn or played with.

Even if the project means merging a child’s vision of three-dimensional monkeys swinging out of vibrant orange walls with his or her parents’ dream of a serene beige on beige room, compromise can be made by pre-planning and being open minded—paint is among the most inexpensive of changes.

The experts advise searching magazines and show homes for ideas, then checking local hardware stores for affordable DIY supplies and advice. For the not-quite-DIY project, do not be pressured into a rush decision; instead, be sure to get references and written quotes.

And, a few final compromises can be made during sporadic family visits to garage sales and used furniture stores for some much-needed savings on quality furniture items completing your mini-person’s personal casa.