How can I decorate my 12-year-old girl’s room in a way that won’t need a lot of updating before college? – Sherri Carmichael, Cedar Hills
A: Minta Bell of Minta Bell Design Group says it’s important to buy simple pieces with straight lines instead of ornate or themed furniture designed specifically for children. Instead of having to replace the furniture to suit your daughter’s evolving tastes, Bell says you can just update the fabrics accordingly. For example, you could upholster a headboard and then slipcover it as your daughter ages; or you could add throw pillows and a washable throw blanket to change up the look. And don’t forget about painting: “The easiest, simplest, most inexpensive way to change a room is by changing the wall color,” Bell says.
Laura Covington of LC Interior Design suggests involving your daughter in the process. Even though you are the one who will ultimately make the decisions (and purchases), she says even the smallest bit of participation will make your daughter excited about her new room and its reflection of her personality. Covington says you could also display your daughter’s art in inexpensive frames, hanging them together for a larger impact. You can easily change the art every few years as your daughter ages.
I have a small, L-shaped living and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. I need advice regarding how to furnish the room to maximize the natural light and views while creating an inviting, casual and comfortable space for my family (hubby, two boys and a dog) and friends. – Elizabeth Luck, Laurel Hills
A: After taking a look at Luck’s photos, Ellen Virchick, the owner of Design Workshop and Interiors, first suggests adding Roman shades to all of the windows to give the room a more polished look. Roman shade valances would also look terrific, as a cheaper alternative, she says.
She also has a few suggestions for rearranging the room: Pull the leather sofa forward toward the fireplace and add a club chair to the left of the sofa. Then you could add a console table or lamp table with a lamp on it under the mirror on the wall opposing the fireplace. Change out the mirror over the fireplace for a piece of art. (Virchick recommends Frank downtown as a great place to find local pieces.) Clear off the fireplace mantle and side tables, and add a square coffee table between the sofa and club chair. Use lamps and side tables to give the room coziness and utility for reading and entertaining.
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