Author: Andrea Berman 

You’ve made the decision to update your child’s bedroom from a baby nursery to a big kid’s room. Where do you start? Start by asking your child: "If you could have the perfect bedroom what would it look like?"

Put yourself on a fact finding mission. Consider this a great opportunity to learn more about your child and help them explore their likes and dislikes.

You might start by looking though decorating magazines and store catalogs featuring children’s décor. By looking through magazines you can get unique ideas that can make a great impact. Subtle touches can really punch up a room. You may be inspired in ways you may not have considered, such as putting feathers or beading on a lampshade or making a personalized memo or jewelry corkboard. Accessories really make a room and can be included very economically. You can pick projects that go with your creative skill level even if your skill level is purchasing ready made.

Embarking on this initial exploration will open a discussion about what is appealing to you both. You are looking for which colors appeal to your child and which interests, hobbies, sports, dreams and fantasies inspire them. Let your child cut out the pictures from the magazines and make a list of what appealed to you both to come up with a theme or general direction for the makeover.