By : H. Camille Smith
Let's face it: Kids are natural collectors. So, it only makes sense to give them somewhere to stylishly display their stuff. Designer Susie Fougerousse suggests: "Every child's room should be equipped with a sturdy bookshelf for displaying treasures, books, pictures and more. Selecting a basic style in a neutral color will allow the parents maximum versatility for use over the long term. As the child grows, the uses and consequently the look of the shelf will naturally adapt to the child's changing needs."
"Functional and stylish storage is an essential element to consider when decorating a child's room," says designer Susie Fougerousse. "If the room allows for it and your budget permits, a bookcase with doors or drawers is a classy way to enhance the look of the room while providing valuable storage for odds and ends."
Older kids need storage, too. Designer Sarah Richardson adds a handy feature to this young man's bedroom: a fabric pouch positioned just below the mattress. This pouch is the perfect place for stashing comic books, handheld games or every teen's must-have techie devices.
Corral kids' clutter in colorful boxes. Designer Sherri Blum recommends these because, "small toys, hair accessories, craft supplies and more can be easily tucked away in these neat boxes readily available at craft stores." Bonus: a customizable paper label so you'll always know what the box contains.
This hyper-organized (and downright cute!) little girl's closet can easily be transitioned into a big girl's closet as her storage needs change. Image courtesy of the Container Store.
Designer Susie Fougerousse is a big believer in having a good mix of permanent and transportable storage solutions in a child's room. Her Tip: "Portable storage containers such as painted wooden crates or metal bins that can be personalized are a stylish option for children of all ages. With an endless array of colors, patterns, fonts and shapes to choose from, these storage containers are a cool and decorative addition to any room."
Designer Sarah Richardson turns a sleigh bed into a daybed in her vacation cottage. Perfect for small visitors, this corner is an inviting spot for reading a favorite book or catching an afternoon nap. Slipcovered ottomans with removable lids offer plenty of storage for small guests' toys.
Built-in bookcases add handy storage and display space for boyhood treasures while an aviation theme and queen-size bed will work for many years to come. Design by RMSer thriftydecorchick.
Clear kitchen canisters look (and work!) great as dresser-top storage for kids' favorite small toys. When they're past the crayon-and-army-men stage, the same containers can be used for storing hair accessories, belts or art supplies. Design by Holly Mathis.
Reclaim square footage for baby's playtime with vertical storage. Designer Sherri Blum says, "Built-in wall units are especially helpful in small spaces; a single wall with built-ins can replace toy boxes, bookcases, desks and trunks to create a room that is more open and clutter free."