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Creativity within confines of concrete homes
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The urban child has to look for that ‘unbridled’ freedom in its own room, so make all-out efforts to provide the best, advises Swathi.V
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–Photo: P.V. Sivakumar
Little world: A fun-filled, bright-hued bedroom brings cheer and sunshine into a child’s life.
Home hardly figures in the childhood scheme of things. The wild and experimenting nature of children makes them prefer larger expanses of freedom to cosy confines of domesticity. Slopes, orchards, play grounds and flowing waters, all with their undefined and anarchic patterns ignite a child’s imagination while any kind of discipline is loathed vehemently. In a nutshell, a child’s world brooks no boundaries.
However, with the disappearance of open spaces and anarchy visible only in traffic jams, the urban child has hardly any sense of free spirit. Space can now be understood only in terms of shopping malls, fun means video games and learning is all that is there to know about computers. No wonder then, that for today’s child, being home is like being in heaven. Hence, it is every parent’s duty to make home as child-friendly as possible. With shrinking families and bulging wallets, parents are not thinking twice about splurging on children’s spaces at home. However, mere splurging makes no difference unless some thought and aesthetic consideration goes into designing a children’s room.
Areas in a child’s bedroom where one can be innovative include bed, study table, wardrobe, lighting, and wall décor among others. Depending upon the space and the number of children, things such as slides and toy stations may be included.
“The ideal design and décor of room depends on the age of the child too. Indian children normally live in parents’ rooms till they are seven or eight.
After that, till 10 to 12 years of age, they can have a fun-filled, colourful room. Later, the décor should be changed according to their changing tastes,” says B. Swathi, interior designer with Home Town.
Even for tiny tots, the room should not be filled with glaring colours, which might be tiring to the eye. The hues should be bright, at the same time, pleasant. Delicate contrast should be maintained between wall colours.
Having comics or pictures painted on the wall is a good option. Already, brands such as Nerolac Paints have come up with their children collections.
A call to them will bring home a painter who will create your child’s favourite picture on the wall through a stencil. At a cost of Rs.10 per square foot, this is quite affordable! However, Home Town has a pricier, but exciting offer.
“We have an artiste who can replicate any image with free hand drawing. You just have to show him the picture and he will do the wall for you,” Venu G. Vedula of Home Town says. At Rs.60 to Rs. 80 per sq.ft., the effect will flatten you, he promises. Mixing of colours and intricate painting which will not be possible with stencils can be achieved through free hand painting, he assures. The artiste Kiran may be contacted at Home Town (Phone:66413327).
Cots and beds
Creativity can go as far as money can travel in terms of furnishing a child’s room. Cots, for example, are available in plenty of colours and designs. Bunk beds with or without accompanying cabinets and desks are available at Home Town from a price of Rs.19,900 upwards to Rs.50,000. Separate cots with built-in storage/ extra bed will occupy lesser space at the same time, entertain any privileged guest of the child/children. The current favourite, however, is the one modelled after a sports car which comes in a package along with a wardrobe and bedside table at Rs.32,700.
After bed, comes the writing table/desk, which again has scope for choice in colours and design. The one modelled after a slate or with alphabets, months and numbers written over it is suitable for pre-school children, while for the elder ones, desk integrated with cot will serve the purpose.
Sizes, shapes
“Points to be noted while choosing the furniture are the size and shape. The stuff should be scaled down in size to match the child’s height. Curved shapes are always preferable so as not to hurt the child. Smaller tubs and WCs in toilets go without saying and lively atmosphere to keep the child engaged is mandatory,” says Ms. Swathi. Pin-up boards may be fixed to display drawings and snaps of the child. The study table should have a lamp, along with additional lamps on the wall and ceiling. Lampshades are again an area of innovation. Hanger stands and bean bags are add-ons.
Fluorescent paints on the ceiling may attract children for a while, but in long run, they are bound to cause boredom. Also, it will possibly scare a lonely child when it gets up in the middle of the night from a bad dream. Switch boards should be ideally placed at a height of four feet. Carpeting the floor will avert injuries in case of an accidental fall.
If the child crosses 12, one should start thinking about change in the décor. Like toys and slides making way for play stations, keyboards, and play robots.
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