new bedroom for 11 yr old

jetcat

hi all

as some may know from my previous psots, i am moving in a couple of weeks, with my two girls. After years of being in private rented, and not being allowed to decorate etc. my DD1 is very excited at the prospect of being able stamp her own identity onto her room. Trouble is, she has mild SEN, and isnt quite sure what that identity is!!

I have been flicking through magazines etc. but everything is so pricey. We already have the main furniture (beech wardrobe, drawers etc) including a pine bed (the base bunk of a pair of bunk beds) that will be replaced as soon as money will allow. So, any tips on how to decorate/design her room?

She is not into really girly stuff, she likes HSM, ICarly etc. and i think more of a funky room would suit - but i have no idea how to go about it!!

All help would be greatfully received! :beer:

supersmith

Just thinking off the top of my head now, but high school musical and icarly websites both seem to have bright coloured backgrounds, some bright coloured paint perhaps with stencils of stars, hearts, other funky shapes? (or blue tac-ed shapes if you want plain walls)

I saw on one of the 'redecorate my house' programmes before they did a mirror with an MDF surround with light bulbs screwed into it - like a film star mirror!

Maybe (if you're feeling crafty) some little flags in triangles like cheerleaders have - tacked to the walls.

A couple of bright coloured cushions for the bed as that could make her feel quite grown up!

Hope some of this makes sense as i'm trying to describe in words what's in my head in pictures!!

Also should say that I was 11 quite some time ago and don't know any 11 year old girls so this is all just off the top of my head :-) hope it helps!!

Good luck with the move!

Miss_Kitty_Fantastico

why dont you help her do a 'mood board' get her to rip out pics from magazines and papers etc of things she likes

you could then look for a theme based on the types of pics she goes for. it might help her to get her ideas down in pics and means that both of you will be on the same wavelength.

i think the secret for teenagers is to have a neutral base - maybe cream walls and do all the accessories in colours instead - easy to change - what about dual purpose items - e.g. cushions with different fabrics on both sides and maybe a matching duvet cover and curtains - it depends if you can sew (i cant :eek: ) but if you can probably easy and cheap to make if you use offcuts

the other big consideration is storage - teenagers have loads of stuff - cheap and cheerful baskets can be great for storage and help provide some colour

hth

jetcat

many thanks. Am thinking of the bright and funky colour scheme, after 7 years of magnolia absolutley everywhere!!

she has a HSM duvet cover which she got from her nana, just before she died, so i dont think she is ready to part with that yet - it is kind of a deep burgandy in places, so may do those little flag things in a similar colour.

will make a start on the mood board this weekend :beer:

pulliptears

I agree with Kitty, I think neutral is the way to go. 11 year old girls are funny creatures (I have one, who coincidentally is also having her room done!) and what's in favour this week will be "too babyish" next week.

I'd go for neutral walls and make the room her own with framed posters (wilkinsons do great poster frames around £5), duvet covers and light shades etc. At least when HSM is out of favour in a few months you wont have to change much!