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Barbie or Mickey?

Young parents let their child's room make a definite statement

There's no substitute to taking your child out for a walk in the park or simply enjoy the vibrant hues associated with each season. But have you ever thought of your child growing up in a make-believe environment that replicates the colours of nature? Many parents have mulled over similar thoughts and have found the answers in the way they design their child's abode. If adults can ask for `mera wala pink' to paint the house, children have a host of themes such as a walk in the park, spring mornings and add-ons like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh and Barbie.

"We did a consumer research and the findings indicated that children were looking at some excitement when it comes to their bedroom walls. And they liked cartoon characters the most. So we tied up with Disney and introduced Disney Emulsions," says Ashok Sani, Vice President, Special Projects, Nerolac. "People don't mind spending for their children's room," adds Saini.

From the small screen

The trend has begun to permeate from the swish set to other sections of society. Having seen thematic homes through interior design programmes and popular soaps, many middle class families aspire for something similar. "People observe interiors and fashion trends shown in serials and want their children's room, living room and master bedroom to be fashionable ," says Sashi Kumar, area manager with Asian Paints home solutions.The themes: cosy, playful, cheerful, cool and festive. Stencils that let you have stars, clouds and other characters etched on the walls are in the offing as well.

Eager to capitalise on the boom in home interiors, paint majors forecast colours for the year with the help of designers. Where children are concerned, the task begins from painting their room to finding the right furniture and upholstery. Mix and match to get the best. From curtains to bedspreads, there's always been something special for kids. Now, Cartoon Network has joined hands with Bombay Dyeing to introduce upholstery with cartoon characters. Just how much you are willing to do depends on your spending power.

SANGEETHA DEVI. K

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