How to properly design a teenager’s bedroom
…and make your kid happy
So, this article’s working title was “Designing a perfectly balanced teenager’s bedro… nope”, because it is a part 2 of that previous “Designing a perfectly balanced master bedroom article”. However, I know my boss would be like: “Can you be normal and not sickeningly sarcastic at least with the title?”, thus the calmer happy-go-lucky version up there.
So let’s have a chat. We all know that teenagers don’t really have it easy. With all the hormonal changes, social awkwardness, and cultural norms, it is no wonder they are mosquito-level annoying. Needless to say, understanding is key. Imagine if your feet suddenly started growing uncontrollably, your eyebrows fall off AND you have an uncontrollable crush on Jungkook from BTS. THAT’S how your teenager feels all the time. It’s a hard-knock life, amirite? And that is exactly why you shouldn’t go around designing their personal space to your liking. Here are a few tips on how to best design your teenager’s bedroom.
1. Go in prepared
Teenagers are usually all over the place emotion and interest wise, so be prepared for some random ideas and quick changes. Things probably won’t run as smoothly as you expect them to, so arm yourself with patients and, once again, UNDERSTANDING. Keep in mind that the room will probably end up being an eclectic mash-up of styles and/or colors, but that’s fine as long as it makes your teenager happy.
2. Go for the furniture
Unlike with the wall color/s and technology, most teenagers will let you serve some options when it comes to furniture and they’ll choose their favorites from there. That is usually where you will be able to establish some particular style and try to match it to your teenager’s wants in terms of comfort.
3. Surprise them
If your kid is into Harry Styles, frame its Watermelon Sugar cover album, if they are into gaming, get them a new gaming chair, if they are into girly stuff get them a pink lazy bag, etc. Basically, just surprise them with something you know they’ll love. They will be thrilled and more ready to compromise.
4. Carpets and drapes
Once you’ve covered the furniture and agreed on something you both think is “vibing”, it’s time to go for carpets and drapes. Keep in mind that your teenager will get to do the decoration part all by themselves, so once you get the gist of that part, you can propose carpets and drapes accordingly.
5. Don’t forget that zoomers will rule the universe
A bold statement, but a true one nonetheless. Their time is coming and it could likely be even more challenging than ours is, so give the support. If they want to do graffiti on their wall, let them. After all your parents allowed you to do that audiotape cobweb on your ceiling, remember? Embarrassing I know, but that was once you. Being an adult doesn’t necessarily mean being stiff. Loosen up a bit and trust your teenager’s tastes.
Honorable mentions
We use to do this one regularly, remember? However, in this section, I will try to give you some more practical tips that may come in handy once you’ve established the upper five.
- Go for bold color combinations (black/yellow (shout out to Wiz Khalifa), pink/navy blue, beige/neon green, etc.)
- Get plenty of both fixed and floating shelves
- If your teenager isn’t into posters, propose an oversized wall décor
- Insert black accents whenever you can
- If your teenager reminds you of our generation’s goths and emos, try adding some flashy décor here and there
- Don’t forget customizing the desk area; for example, add some cork boards or even magnetic dry ones
- Add a small cushioned bench against the footboard of the bed for when their friends come
Don’t forget to have fun! However the room turns out to look in the end, if your teenager is happy with it, you should be too.
