Decorating Dilemmas is a weekly column in which our stylists answer your design questions, so you can tackle your home decorating project with complete confidence.
Dear How to Decorate,
Need paint colors, trim colors, window treatments, furniture, and rug ideas for this 8-year-old boy’s bedroom.
The stairs lead to a secret hideout but are very hideous and I am not sure what to do with them!
— Joy
P.S. I have a twin bed that can be painted.
Joy,
This room has the making of a fun boy’s room. The hideout staircase is very mysterious and what little boy wouldn’t think that is fun. Children grow so quickly, so we think you should start with a simple decorating plan that will grow with your child.
Our starting point for this room is our Inwood Rug in black. Since this rug is an indoor or outdoor rug, it will hold up well under a very active little boy.
Next we suggest painting your existing bed in a Benjamin Moore color – Black Jack 2133-20. While you have your paint brush out, paint all of your walls Benjamin Moore Tapestry Beige OC-32 and the trim in White Dove OC-17. The soft wall colors will make the darker bed, furniture and rug pop in the space.
We also suggest painting the risers of the stairs another Benjamin Moore paint that is called Gray Owl OC-52.
Next to the bed place our Morgan End Table in dark gray. On the bed our comforter in Harlow Quilted Taupe and then add on the pillows and shams in Black Stripe Linen, Callisto Stripe Gray and Khaki Twill.
Repeat the Khaki Twill fabric in Ballard Essential Grommet Panels on the windows. Instead of a traditional table lamp, consider adding pendant lights next to the bed for reading.
Our Adelaide Club Chair will fit perfectly in front of the stairs with the Laurel Side Table, in black, sitting next to it. Don’t forget a floor lamp for additional lighting.
Childrens’ rooms are always in need of extra storage for books, so we suggest incorporating the Sonoma Tower in a corner to meet the need.
One detail that we think screams little boy’s room … our Dog Head Hooks right by the door ! They are great for hanging backpacks, hats and whatnots. Remember to send us pictures when your done!
Happy Decorating!
The How to Decorate Team
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