Lost in Transformers

from Traditional Home

Dear Alisha,

I have two boys that have to share a room. One likes Transformers and the other likes Hot Wheels. I like neither. How do I decorate their rooms in way that they will love and that I can tolerate?

Sincerely,
Lost in Transformers and Hot Wheels

Dear Lost,

I am going to take a deep breathe and try to be patient with you as I attempt to shed some light on your design dilemma. That you would even consider decorating a room with Hot Wheels or Transformers lets me know that I have my work cut out for me. Why on earth would you think to base a room design on the temporary play toy of a child? Do you plan on redecorating a 9 months from now when your children have moved on to Legos and dinosaurs? Hey! I like watching The Office, should I buy an official Office bedspread for my own room?

Rather than commit to such a limited "theme", think of a room that encourages imaginative play or is just pleasing to the eye. Seeing the same image over and over again, like a Transformer bed cover and Transformer pillows with a Transformer wall decal becomes boring as well as tacky. It is limiting to the mind and does not encourage kids to think and dream. If you must have a theme, something like a silhouette of a city painted on the walls could look nice. (If I'm not mistaken, both Transformers and Hot Wheels favor the city, right?) Just make sure the room looks good regardless of what toy or fad your children are going threw. Don't forget that the adults own the house.

A few notes:
I recommend classic, somewhat basic furniture that works for a toddler but won't embarrass a teenager. Because new kids furniture is almost always cheaply made, full of chemicals, and over priced; I almost always buy children's furniture off Craigslist.

Pick a color scheme and make it livable to all members of the house. If you are the type that wants to involve your boys in the decision making process, work with their favorite color and remind them that their bedspread is green because that was what they said they liked.

Pick out the bedding before you buy the paint. Paint it easy to customize and bedding is not.

Do not make the foolish mistake of taking your children to a store and say "which bedspread looks good to you"?! Of course the child will pick the Sponge Bob or Diego cover, they don't know better. It is our job as parents to save them. A better idea would be to bring home two different bedspreads, both of which you approve of and works with your color scheme, and let your child pick between the two.

I have found that my boys did not know exactly what they wanted in a bedroom besides it being cool. I considered their interests and preferences while designing the room, but it was ultimately my plan. They were happy and felt special and catered to when they saw the room finished.
To get your mind out of the Design Gutter, I stole these pictures of cool boys rooms for you. Most of these same rooms I have pulled out of magazines and have sitting in my design notebook.

What could be more inspiring than my own boys bedroom? I love the beds, bought from an estate sell found on Craigslist. The mural was a compromise. I won't lie, it was rough. I think we all like the end results but I don't know if any of us love it. (don't be angry baby)

The rest of these images our from Domino Magzine- Oh how I miss you.

Adventurous with out dumbing down the furniture or the fabrics.

Boy Chic.

Don't you love the dramatic but controlled color palatte? A red accent wall would have ruined the room. Note that you don't have to match the toys.How can you not love a childs room based around a chinese red dresser?

Boy/Girl room is saved by classic matching bed frames and a sensible rug.