First and for-most make sure that your kids are involved in the choices for their rooms. Remember they are the one who are living in that space. And believe it or not if you get their input on the design choices you will find that their styles aren't really that bad. They are each different and have different style but in the end the goal is the same. My oldest son who is turning 13 is more into cars and more adult themed style while his brother who is 11 is still not ready to give up the kid like themes. So with 2 boys with very different styles I had to come up with a way to decorate each room in a new and exciting way.

When it came to the first step in decorating for them they were included in the choices process. I Got a paint sample chart from our local home improvement store and they each chose the paint color. Both chose blue just in a different tone. next I let them help with the fabric choice for their curtains and bedding. As well as the choice of floor coverings.

This will encourage him to appreciate the idea of being an individual. During the process I let them help with the painting they each have a hand in helping with Bibby's room. It includes them in on all aspects of the job and it gives the the since of being responsible. For my oldest boys room the chose to paint the walls a deep blue half way up the wall with a print wall paper on the other half with a chair rail as a dividing point. Plaid fabric curtains that he help sew and solid fabrics for pillows and bedding in a lighter shade of blue. I used scrap lumber left form another project top make him a shelf to display his collection of cars he has been collecting all his life.

My youngest son is really into bugs. the cute cartoon type (live one on the other hand not so much). His wall were painted in a pale blue with sponged texture in a almost white. To resemble the sky. for fabrics he chose a blue with bug prints. I'll talk more later about the bugs. Bedding was a solid blue and pillows I used the same curtain fabric.

At a local flea market I found a throw rug printed with bugs that worked great in his room. An old fish net made a great bug catcher. I just place stuffed toys in the net in the corner of his room. This provides the perfect lofty perch for any cherished insect.

In all the total of both redecorating project were a cost of $250 mostly paint and fabric. What I couldn't make I bought at local flea markets and discount stores.

The best part of decorating their rooms was it was time that we had together and memories that we will always have. Their rooms look great and they are more satisfied with them then they would be if I did them myself because their rooms reflect who they are.

Thanx Mary Morgan