Designing a bedroom for a growing child

Children grow up so quickly, and their needs grow with them. Designing a functional bedroom space to meet these ever changing needs can be a challenging task. Space design, decor, and furniture must adapt to keep up with the demands of continuous change. Taking the time to consider some key adaptable design elements can save you time and money, while maximizing your child’s enjoyment of the room.

Storage

It seems that with every inch a child grows, there is a corresponding accumulation of “stuff.” Nothing takes up more real estate, both physically and visually, than clutter. The best defense against clutter is ample and adaptable storage. But, instead of adding bulky furniture, which can decrease precious floor space, opt for vertical solutions, including wall-mounted shelving, slings, and racks.

Use closet space efficiently by building a flexible storage system with interchangeable shelving and hanging rods. Shelves and rods can be rearranged as toy collections and wardrobes evolve.

Incorporate pull-out bins for small-item storage. These clutter collectors allow for maximum use of storage space while maintaining the ability to bring all items into view when needed. They can be used to store small toys when children are young, and hold sports accessories or small electronics as kids mature.

Decor

When designing the room, it may be tempting to go with your child’s favorite cartoon character or hobby interest, but keep in mind that these preferences are often fleeting. Unless themes are executed very strategically, continuous turnover in room decor can add up quickly.

By choosing more sophisticated patterns and colors, the room design can grow seamlessly as your children grow older. Wall decals are a fun and cost-effective way to add whimsical character without committing to a specific theme.

If siblings of opposite gender are sharing the space, try finding gender-neutral inspiration from world travel, such as “Moroccan.” Textiles, color combinations, and graphic patterns from other parts of the world make for fun, yet enduring themes for children of all ages.

Keep larger purchases, such as furniture pieces, neutral and classic, so that they can adapt easily to changing themes and grow with maturing tastes. Choose a neutral color for walls, or designate just one accent wall to avoid time-consuming repainting projects. Go bold with color in pillows, bedding, and inexpensive accent pieces that can be updated frequently without hurting your pocketbook. This is an ideal opportunity to involve small children by letting them choose their favorite colors and patterns without costing too much time or money.

Lighting

As with any room design, lighting is a key element to maximize its functionality and set the mood for a warm and inviting environment. For small children, opt for lighting designed to hang out of reach of curious fingers. Pendant lighting works well to illuminate small areas such as a reading nook or dressing area. Wall lamps offer another child-safe option — not only is the lamp mounted off of the floor, but cords can be hidden inside of walls, as well.

Homework and reading areas should be well lit with a combination of task lighting and natural light. Use functional window coverings to help control natural light, especially for children who still take mid-day naps, or are tucked in at early bedtimes.

Wood shutters, black-out cellular shades, or composite blinds are ideal for complete light control at any time of day. Even skylights can be fitted with motorized shades to create a perfect napping nook while the sun is shining.

Involving your child

A newborn’s nursery is designed to facilitate your care for him, including functional furniture and items selected to make tasks as simple as possible. But as toddlers mature, and gain a sense of independence, they may become very opinionated about items selected for their bedroom environment. At this point, your design will likely involve many negotiations. But if planned appropriately, involving your child in the design process can not only be a bonding experience for both of you, but will also increase her enjoyment of the space.

Simple involvement may include letting her choose from three pre-selected colors or wall decals. Give greater autonomy in her selection of inexpensive accessories such as throw pillows or art prints. If your child enjoys being creative, let her create an original piece of art for the wall. The art project could be free-painting or a more directed composition of handprints, fist prints, and thumbprints — perhaps even involving friends. Colors can be pre-selected to coordinate with the room decor.

The best source of inspiration for a bedroom design will come from your child. The space should be functional and adaptable, while also reflecting bits of your child’s personality and imagination. If the project seems daunting, start by finding one accessory or fabric pattern that inspires you, and build from there. No matter what design you choose, both the process and end result can be a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Connie Bolton is an in-home design expert and a Budget Blinds franchisee with more than 25 years of experience in custom decor, room design, and window covering solutions. Bolton has been featured as a design expert on Lifetime channel’s home improvement show “Designing Spaces.”

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Homage Skateboard Academy

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Summer Program provides a well balanced INDOOR and OUTDOOR camp experience </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">in the Gowanus/Boerum Hill area.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Kids can take advantage of both the physical and mental benefits of exercise and outdoor exploration, along with indoor activities in a temperature controlled state of the art Skatepark. Campers build their skate skills in a fun and safe indoor environment, then take those skills outdoors gaining further confidence in their abilities.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to daily outdoor programming, each Wednesday (weather permitting), we will go on a mini field trip to a local skatepark or skate spot.  Field trip spots include: Prospect Park, Washington Park (Brooklyn), Thomas Greene Park, a local Skateshop, Astoria Park (dependent on the group). We will spend more outdoor time on field trip day! We will meet at Homage in the morning during regular drop off hours and then head out for the day.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our experienced instructors love to teach skateboarding and are constantly progressing in their teaching abilities, just like their skating abilities. Our coaches are Red Cross Certified for both CPR and First Aid, and have years of child care experience. Our brand new Skatepark, designed and built by World Class Skatepark Builders Push Parks, allows for skaters of any level or ability to learn, practice, and have fun!</span></p> <p style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-db7b5156-7fff-c2d6-b5c1-33b29def4b3e" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">AGES 6-14 </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5:1 RATIO - STUDENTS:COACHES</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ALL LEVELS WELCOME</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LOANER BOARDS AVAILABLE</span></p> <p style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Sessions offered mid-June-August</p> <p style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HOURS</span></strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">EARLY DROP OFF 8:30am-9:00am</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CAMP DAY 9:00am-3:00pm</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LATE PICKUP* 3:00pm-4:00pm Skating Allowed, Extra Time to Practice</span></p> <p style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>

OASIS DAY CAMP LIU POST – Long Island

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Give Your Child A Lifetime of Memories At A Beautiful Summer Oasis</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>25 AMAZING SUMMERS, LIFELONG FRIENDS!</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A traditional day camp in every way, Oasis prides itself on quality programming at parent-friendly prices with the most well trained, caring staff in the industry. Oasis LIU Post Beautiful 300-acre campus, over 90 activities for kids 3-16, Sports, Daily Swim, Enrichment + Teen Travel,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>air-conditioned indoor facilities, and the great outdoor green shady fields and athletic facilities! Daily hot lunch, snacks and transportation options.</p>

Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

<h1><strong>Summer Science Camps for Tomorrow’s Medical Professionals</strong></h1> <p>We offer a variety of workshops on molecular medicine for high-achieving high school<br />and middle school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or related<br />fields, such as biomedical research, drug development, pharmacy, bioengineering, or nursing.  Workshops are taught by PhD-level instructors with years of research and teaching experience. Camps are offered in summer and winter and there are online and in-person options available.  </p> <p>Through engaging lectures and hands-on laboratory classes, students learn normal molecular and cellular biology, and then learn how these normal processes are disrupted or distorted during the development of disease. There is a heavy emphasis on experimental design, modern drug development, and the emergence of the era of personalized medicine. To conclude the workshop, students use what they have learned to create an original research project. More broadly, workshop attendees strengthen their academic skills, build their college portfolio, and explore potential career options while making friends from around the world and experiencing college dorm life in a safe environment.</p> <p>Our university-based workshops are held at Columbia University, Imperial College London, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego, and both residential and commuter options are available.   University-based workshops include Molecular Neuroscience, Molecular Biology of Cancer, Astrobiology, AI-Enhanced Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology of Aging, Neurological Bioinformatics, Molecular Immunology, Bioinformatics of Aging, and Bioinformatics of Cancer.  Biomedical Research – a workshop focused on learning modern molecular biology laboratory techniques - is taught at our lab in the Bay Area, CA.</p> <p>Our online workshops include Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Medicinal Chemistry and Medical Bioinformatics.  Intro to Cellular and Molecular Medicine is our entry-level workshop that is only two hours/day.  Students in the Medicinal Chemistry and Medical Bioinformatics workshops learn how to use online tools to analyze biochemical data.</p>