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Kids’ Bedrooms in 2003 Will Be Both Fun And Functional
A Little Bit Ladybug, A Little Bit Citrus And Toile
(ARA) - With themes ranging from nostalgia to critters, and color palettes
varying from translucent to pastel bright, next year’s children’s rooms will be
as individual as the tiny people who inhabit them.
According to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, juvenile industry
retail sales were $6.02 billion in 2000, an 11.7 percent increase from the
previous year. While 2001 figures have yet to be released, all indications are
that Americans will continue to spend money on decorating their children’s
rooms.
For the most part, primary colors and pale pastels will be out. In their place
will be more interesting unisex tones of cranberry, burgundy and country blue,
as well as hotter, fruit-inspired hues -- both of which lend a lot more
longevity to the room.
“We’re seeing an incredible switch from classic nursery soft blue, pink and
yellow to citrus brights -- even for babies’ rooms,” says Stephanie Anne Kantis,
a premier baby and children’s furniture designer and retailer. “Raspberry, lime,
tangerine and lemon will pair beautifully with secondary neutrals such as white,
off-white and cream to create a fun, fresh look.” A bit less vibrant, but just
as contemporary, will be saturated pastel brights, adds Glenda Heffer, senior
design director of Hollander Home Fashions. Kiwi, hyacinth, lake blue and clear
aqua hues will be easy to live with, as they’re strong yet not overly bright.
When it comes to decorating themes, what’s old will be new again. Vintage- and
Americana-inspired bedding and accessories will evoke the warmth and comfort of
yesteryear, with country fairs, fire trucks and airplanes being especially
popular. On a more whimsical note, Kantis notes that parents are already
building entire rooms around “critters” like ladybugs, bumblebees and
grasshoppers, resulting in a fun, casual look. And perennial favourites such as
classic Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter and Mother Goose will never go out of
style.
Bedroom furniture will reflect this traditional bent, incorporating simple,
classic lines and woods covering the spectrum from white laminate to maple and
cherry. According to Pam O’Hallaron, ASID, co-owner of PoshTots.com, painted
pieces with a slightly distressed finish will also be very well-received --
especially among parents. “Their natural blemishes aesthetically enhance the
pieces, plus help conceal the inevitable nicks and scratches that children
‘contribute’ down the road.”
Khakis, denims and plaids will prevail in the world of fabrics, as will an old
standby with a fresh new look. “When people think about chenille, they
immediately think of Grandma’s old bedspread,” explains Merrilee Franklin,
co-owner of Jennilee’s for Babies and Children. “The ‘new chenille’ comes in
burgundy and denim as well as softer shades of pink, blue, buttercream and mint,
and patterns include flowers, stripes and dots. It’s a terrific way to blend
contemporary colors with a traditional favourite.”
Toile is also going to be huge next year, according to both Franklin and
O’Hallaron. This French-inspired, ageless look of a dark pattern repeated on a
lighter shade will be seen in everything from frogs and angels to carousels and
jugglers. Coordinating fabrics and accessories will make it simple not only to
outfit a baby’s room, but also to then successfully transition it into a “bigger
kid’s” room as the child gets older.
Durability and quality will be the other key ingredients of a functional child’s
bedroom. “With Americans spending more and more time at home, they’re decorating
their houses to reflect their personal tastes as well as a warm, comforting
ambiance,” says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics, an industry
leader in the production of decorative wall murals for more than 25 years. “Even
during uncertain economic times, they’re willing to spend money on quality
pieces and accessories that they can enjoy for years to come.”
Murals, either hand-painted or pre-printed, will remain popular next year.
Environmental Graphics’ eight-panel, 8-foot tall by 13-foot wide murals are
available in 21 nature- and sports-themed styles, including the kid-friendly
“Storybook Hollow” and 2001 ADEX award-winning “Dolphin’s Paradise.” “’Storybook
Hollow’ dovetails nicely with the classic nursery themes that will continue next
year,” adds Imholte. “And our cloud-filled “Daydreaming” mural will be an ideal
backdrop for virtually any decorating style.”
For a full-color brochure that includes WallMural designs and local dealer
information, write to Environmental Graphics at 717 South 5th St., Hopkins, MN
55343 or call toll-free (800) 328-3869. To purchase WallMurals, visit your local
Home Depot store. Internet users can visit Environmental Graphics’ Web site at
www.egproducts.com to preview all 21 murals, receive installation tips and learn
more about the company.
Courtesy of ARA Content |
