Yesterday they were playing with Barbie and Action figures today they’re into music, computers and more sophisticated hobbies. Young adulthood is looming right around the corner and your teen is definitely ready to reflect that growth in their bedroom decor. Embrace it! These are exciting times for your teen. This is an opportunity for you to give your child a space that meets their need to feel recognized as an emerging adult!

The first thing you need to do is find out what your teen wants. Talk about color schemes and possible theme ideas. Pull colors from the bedding you intend to use or look at paint swatches together. Chances are your kid already has a pretty good idea of what kind of look they’re going for. While they’re busy daydreaming, your job is simply to guide their ideas into a workable plan. Namely storage issues and a great homework area!

This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of all that ‘little kid’ stuff. It’s always easier to let go of outgrown things when something better is on the horizon! If you want to see less clutter in their room, this is your chance. Strike a bargain with your teen. If they can get their belongings pared down by 50 – 60% you’ll see to it that they’ll get some really cool storage options. What options you say? Here are some ideas. A closet storage system, new shelving with decorative storage baskets, padded storage boxes on casters that double as movable seating, a filing cabinet, under bed storage containers, proper book shelves, a cedar chest, night stands with drawers or even something to accommodate their hobby.

Every teenager can appreciate a great work surface. We’re talking about a desk and a chair. Of course you’ll want someplace for them to do their homework but they’ll see it as an art studio, a craft center and a place to plan their next big adventure. A teen’s desk is like a mock office space. Give them what they need! Make sure they have a place for paper storage, school supplies and computer stuff if they’ve got one. Add good lighting, a waste basket, a small bulletin board, a clock, a calendar and an adult sized chair. Give them a place to perform their responsibilities and be organized. It’s a mark of adulthood. They’ll appreciate it.

Let’s not forget the ‘cool’ factor. If a teen’s room is anything at all, it must be a cool place to be! What makes a teen’s room cool anyway? What is exciting to a teen is what plays up to their desire to be grown up. Things that feel more sophisticated or cutting edge will add to their sense of maturity. If you have the space, put in a seating area just for hanging out with friends. Consider adding things like a full length mirror and framed or canvas art. Ditch the dated light fixtures and kiddie curtains. Replace them with something up to date that suits your teen’s design taste.

Every teenager wants to be recognized as becoming an adult. Every parent wants to recognize responsible adult behaviors in their teens. Give your teenager a room that allows them to be organized. Create a room that they’re proud of. Give them a room that helps promote a sense of self. It’s more than a room. It’s about building pride and self confidence that your child will take with them into adulthood. And that’s something you can be proud of!