Home Staging Obstacle: The Kids' rooms

I have 4 children and I remember (not too long ago) trying to sell my own home while we were all living there.  Although living in the home that you are selling can be a big challenge, the parents fully understand what is going on and what need to be done.  But what about the kids?

 If you are looking to buy a home or if you’re thinking of selling and you have children, one of your priorities would be how to create a good environment for your kids.
Just how the master bedroom is for us, kid’s room is where they’ll spend much of their time learning, growing, studying and relaxing.  So one thing that you shouldn’t pass on is creating a perfect space for your home buyer’s children by means of staging.
Below are simple, yet powerful tips for staging your kid’s room to make it appeal to both children and parents.

#1 Create a livable and spacious room

 Perhaps, the most challenging part of staging a kid’s room would be creating an illusion of a magazine quality space. To do this, start by removing excess clutter, toys, and furniture. Like the other rooms in your home, prospect buyers would want to see if they can fit in all the stuff their kids have. Make your kids part of the daily clean up routine, it will become habit eventually but even if it doesn't at least the room won't get too chaotic with regular tidying.

 

#2 Decorate with a theme

 Believe us when we say that parents love themed kids rooms! From athletic sports bedrooms, to color-coordinated bedrooms, parents and kids alike will be pleased. Besides, following a specific theme makes it easier for you on deciding which materials to buy because you already have a picture in mind to follow. A mish-mash of themes in one space like a kids room or any other room, makes the space look and feel a bit sloppy which is never a selling point!

#3 Make way for natural light

Like any other room in the house, your kid’s dark room might seem less attractive. A dark room can make for a sad room and you don’t want the buyers to feel that. Let natural light in with bright and cheery window treatments, and ensure there is a source for natural light. My daughter's room faces east and because of that she has 'black out curtains' but during the day the room looks very dark, so a simple solution is pulling back the curtains and wow - the light is incredible! You may also consider artificial lighting like overhead lighting, bedside table lamps, wall scones, or floor lamps for additional brightness.

 

#4 Get inspiration

 If you’re still not sure how to decorate your kid’s room, browse the Internet for some inspiration. Pinterest can help you with that. Take a look at staged kid’s room ideas and see which one appeals to you the most. You can also browse home styling magazines, blogs, and event TV shows.

 Another helpful tip is to visit model homes near your area and see how interior designers have decorated kids’ rooms. Or if you want more professional looking staged rooms, you can contact expert home stagers by visiting their website for contact information

 Staging kid’s rooms is nothing but fun! It is an enjoyable experience and it can be a great bonding experience with your little ones. Creating a perfect environment for the children of the future owner could be one of your best investments to make your home on top of their list. So, please remember to ‘color outside the lines’.

 

#5 Think easy solutions

My boys have a great looking room with a red, white and blue colour theme with some pops of Spiderman and Captain America.   They love their room but don't love keeping it clean.  Look for some easy solutions so that they can keep the space tidy for when you have showings at the house.  Baskets are my go to!  I have a series of baskets that my boys put toys, books etc...to help keep things off of the floor and because the baskets are easy (instead of say a closet or shelving system) they can do it themselves!

Handcrafted chic

I love celebrating the talents of others!  My mother-in-law (who knits, quilts and crochets so well) recently taught me how to knit and I have really being enjoying this creative outlet and I also find it is a great way to reduce stress.  I'm still a novice but I'm having a lot of fun! 

I love this website www.etsy.com they truly celebrate the art of handcrafts. 

If you are looking for beautiful baby gifts or bedding, you will find some fabulous and very special options.


Like customized blankets and bedding.  To wall decals, to wall art and more...

You can find other great items for other rooms in the home, like stunning throw pillows and other fun decor items for the home

Each and every item is so unique and can add that touch of personality and personal style to your space. 

Back to School Style

Ok, so it's already August and I know that parents and kids are already getting ready for back to school, some are more excited than others, too.  When it comes to back to school we all think of clothing and learning materials but what about getting our workspaces ready for back to school?

There is so much to balance and to take care of once the kids are back at school.  Homework, field trip forms, fundraising, activities etc...don't let it bog you down - get ready for it and soon!

a--Start with where you want your child doing their homework - kitchen nook, bedroom, it doesn't matter but keep the area consistent and create a space for them to work and stay organized.  Keep in mind that younger children will need more hlp and supervision, so think about that when selecting a workspace location

b-- Get the kids involved.  If they are not buying into the idea (or not understanding) it's not going to work.  Explain the importance, take them shopping with you (and let them pick some items out themselves).  Organization is an important tool in all areas and all stages in life- so let them get involved from the beginning.  This is super important with teenagers - give them some responsibility otherwise they will fight you on it because it feels forced on them.

c--Have easy access to supplies and have them organized.  A jar or box for pencil crayons, a flat surface for a laptop or just where to work, hunting around for supplies or having to clear a workspace can just add to the stress of homework.

d-- Make sure the area is well lit.  It helps to stay focused plus it is much better for the eyes.

e--Keep it clutter-free.  Keep everything in it's place - bulletin board, containers, shelves etc...and have a bit of time every month or every two weeks to clear the space - extra papers can pile up very easily and add stress to your child's workspace

f-- Visual Aids.  a large wall mounted or desk top calendar is a great visual tool to stay organized.  Write appointments and activities on the calendar.  You can even have a family calendar and colour code each person in the family (mom-red, dad-blue, etc..) Write in the activities in the correponding colour.

g--Be somewhat flexible.  Some days your child may want to read their assigned reading in a more cozy chair or work on their big science project at the kitchen table - that's ok - regular homework should be done in the regular spot.

h-- TV off.  while your child is working at home, have the TV off.  A bit of music can be ok if the volume is low and it is something like ambient or classical - not too distracting.

i-- Have a scheduled time for homework.  We have such busy lives and sometimes homework just doesn't fit.  It is best to do it right after school, but if you can't find a time that works for you and your family.  After dinner or while dinner is being prepped just try not to do it too close to bedtime

j--Keep it fun!  This is a child's workspace so let it be fun and whimsical. 

What about the other areas of the home??  The front entry or the mudroom can also be a huge organization nightmare.  Sometime having a place for everything does the trick but don't forget to teach/train your family in how to use these pieces.  Installing hooks at the child's eye level is a great way to ensure they can put their backpacks away.  A basket is a great spot for children to put their shoes (indoor or clean shoes).  If you have the space, a cloth envelope, or labeled basket for children's field trip forms, fund raising info etc is a great idea - all too often they get left at the bottom of the backpack.  But no matter what strategies you pick for your family - get a plan before they head back to school and practice (yes, this sounds silly) but in order for a routine to take hold it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months to really set in, so don't get too frustrated and try not to lose your cool.  Keep at it, keep consistent and it will work.

Conquering kid clutter

If you have children or know anyone with children you know that kids come with a lot of baggage. Not the emotional kind but just things - clothing, toys, blankets, books, diapers, wipes, and other equipment like things needed for their hobbies.

Where can you put it all? Well, it can be a difficult task but getting your kids organized will really pay off in the end. Kids who are organized tend to do better in school, they will feel better in their space and you will feel better about their rooms too. It's never too early to start organizing the kids' rooms and for families with older children get your little ones involved in the process.

Look for storage solutions, try stores such as IKEA http://www.ikea.ca/ and stay Organized http://www.stayorganized.com/retail/ They have great ideas for any storage issues for any room. But first know what your issues are : over flowing dressers? Try adding an armoire or adding hanging organizers in the closet for toys, clothes and/or costumes. Everything is everywhere? Try creating zones. Have a desk and necessary study items in one area, add a mirror and small table with baskets for play make up and hair accessories in another area and keep a small square shaped bookcase for books and it could also double as a bed side table just add a lamp on top.

In kids' rooms don't be afraid to use big or adult size furniture - you'll have more room for everything. Sometimes bigger is better, as a large dresser could replace two small ones. Often children's furniture is not as well made (as it is not designed with longevity in mind) and it can be costly. Find furniture in a neutral tone and basic design and it could last quite a while.

What about the closet? Make it kid friendly by adding reachable bars, hooks and shelves. Use the higher space for seasonal items like extra blankets, sport equipment and snowsuits. Use clear plastic (and cheap) dressers for inside the closet. On the shelves you can keep items in boxes such as hats, scarves etc...

What about the other areas where the kid clutter exists?

The front hall is a hot zone for kids. They come home from school and drop everything - bags, books and jackets. What to do? A coat rack or coat hooks are a good idea. Consider getting a cabinet or bench in the front hall that has either drawers or baskets and assign one to each child. Show them the routine and have them practice. If you have additional drawers or baskets use them for storing seasonal items like mitts and hats.

The kitchen is a very busy space for families. Try adding an in-box in your kitchen this can help keep all of the field trip and invitations organized. The kids drop their forms and invites in the in-box and once you have had the chance to respond or fill them out they can be placed in the kids' drawers or baskets to bring back to school. If you have a desk in the kitchen a bulletin board with a family calendar is also a great idea to keep all activities straight.

Kids do not have to cramp your style. They just add extra pieces to the puzzle. Getting everyone organized will take time in the beginning but in the end it will be worth it.

Kidding around!

One room in house where you can let your creative juices flow and flow is the kids room. One thing that is so much fun with children is that they can "get away" with things that adults could never do. Could you imagine yourself out in public in a onesie head-to-toe in bright lemon yellow ducks or walking in the ByWard market in a hot pink tutu and rainboots? No, but a child can and they look great doing it! So use your creativity and whimsy to create a space for your little one.

Here are some tips:

- If they are older, get their input. Maybe you have always wanted a pirate theme room but that was your dream, it might not be your child's.

- Think long term with more expensive items or projects such as furniture. A racecar bed is cool while your son is 5 but maybe not when he's 12. If you are creating a bathroom for your child keep tiles and cabinets relatively neutral (or at least something you can live with when the kids are away at college) and make your fun touches with hardware, paint colour and accessories.

- Think about designated spaces for homework or reading. If your little one is really little but you want to raise a reader have an area for books that he can have easy access to - you don't want him climbing the furniture.

- When purchasing bed linens, your child may love Dora or spiderman right now but not forever. So purchase bedding in a colour palette that can be updated with pillows of their favourite characters and the basic sheets and duvet can remain the same. Also the linens with the various characters are not very good quality and have to be replaced more often, so you are better off spending your money on higher quality linens and adding Hannah Montana accessories.

- Check out designer shops like Pottery barn kids for inspiration, there are less expensive options out there that achieve a very similar look.

- Try and select a theme that can grow with your child such as animals or sports.

- Make the space their's. If you have a child that loves arts and crafts, frame their artwork and put it up in their room. It's really inexpensive, easy to change up and the look on your child's face seeing their art framed is really priceless and heart melting!

- Keep the wall colour in tune with the theme or neutral but keep it light. Kids toys and other belongings tend to be very colourful already, so keep the backdrop (the walls) light and fresh - the space will feel bigger and fresh.

Remember you are decorating a child's room, your child's room, so have fun and make it a wonderful place to sleep, play, read and just be together!