 | Linda Warrington
has been in sales and interior design for 25 years, and employed by Horton's Furniture for l8 years. Linda has designed furnishings and murals for the Eaton Place in Wichita's Old Town business district as well as Chaucer Estates, Park Plaza West and Via Christi Executive Suites. Linda also owns her own mural painting business called 'Just You'. She can be reached by phone at (3l6) 722-5090, by fax at (3l6) 722-596l, or by mail at l09l5 W. Kellogg, Wichita, Ks., 67209. |
Interior Decorating
2001-10-01 17:43:00
Decorating for a new arrival
Question: We are expecting our first child, a baby girl. We are very excited about the newest addition to our family, but are concerned about the décor in her room. Should we decorate the room for a baby or for a young girl? Can you suggest any décor that can grow up with the child? What is the most economical way to furnish the room without wasting money on furniture used only in her first few years?
Answer: Great question. Planning counts. The best rooms definitely are the ones that grow with your child. Plan for changes as your child grows from baby to toddler to early school years and for adolescence. With careful choices you can keep costs reasonable during these changing times.Children are hard on furniture so choose quality pieces and avoid themes. The cartoon character adored by your child today may be old hat tomorrow. Just as your taste changes, so does your child's.When choosing a crib, be sure the slats are no more than two (2) inches apart. A rocker is a good addition for feeding time and a small dresser can serve as a changing table with storage, later converting back to a dresser with mirror. A daybed might be a useful item if space permits. Kids, infants included, love color, but don't overdo it. One brightly patterned wall with adjoining walls in cream or a pastel may be more soothing to you and your baby. Make sure wall coverings are washable.Have fun with the décor but make it changeable. Putting peel off animals or a fun border on a wall at crib height will grab your child's attention and add interest to the room.If space is available, consider an armoire. This piece will provide charming storage and will be treasured as the years progress. A simple piece that's well made will be used for many years. If you choose to decorate the armoire don't get too elaborate. Simple lattice with a little ivy painted on the doors will remain stylish and transcend the years with grace.When its time to move out the crib, a twin bed or beds may be the answer. One manufacturer features twin beds that accommodate a trundle unit under the bed. A bookcase is another useful item for the room. It starts out holding diapers and ends up holding books, toys and other treasures.Furniture you can wipe clean including laminates and painted surfaces are great for children. If using mini-blinds in a child's room, cut the cord pulls short to prevent accidents. Short pile carpet, tile and wood floors offer smooth surfaces for toy trains, cars and puzzles. Face it, eventually you'll have to deal with posters, so using paint on the walls instead of expensive wallpaper makes sense. Framed blackboard and corkboards are also useful items. A desk will be needed at some point, but everything in the room need not "match".Have fun with the room, enjoy putting it together, and make it reflect who you and your family are.
