Restyling a space for changing tastes
As your kids grow, there comes a tipping point where they feel more grown up and independent. Suddenly it’s time to hide the teddies and get rid of that old colour scheme. Their tastes are changing and that means their room should, too. It might be a little sad to say goodbye to their children’s bedroom of old (especially as you box away all those nostalgic items!) but now’s a great time to give it a total revamp and let them express themselves creatively in their new style.
But where to start? In this article, we’re looking at what to consider when you’re transitioning a room from tween to teen, and we’ll also be providing you with some brilliant teenage bedroom ideas to get you started.
So let’s not waste any time. Here’s what you need to consider when restyling a teenage space…
How to evolve a child’s room into a teen space
Before you get started, the most essential thing to do is to listen to what they want!
This is a golden opportunity for your teenager to assert themselves, express their style in a creative way and discover their own individuality.
As the designated grown up, you’re there to help bring their vision to life, while keeping their feet on the ground in terms of what you can realistically do and what’s off the table.
As a jumping off point for your teenage room makeover, we’ve put together some crib notes that will make sure you create their dream bedroom space, and futureproof it for any changes further down the road.
Start with a neutral base for versatility
Anything in their room that’s difficult to change - whether it’s flooring, fitted storage or wallpaper - make sure it’s in a neutral and versatile finish. If their tastes change a lot, colours like white, cream and grey will blend into virtually any scheme, so you can repaint their room as often as you like.
Wood effect flooring is another great option and works into any interior decor. Keep in mind that you might also want to restyle their room when they eventually leave the nest - a neutral base will make that much easier in years to come.
Let them choose the theme
This is where your teen can really get expressive. Let them pick the theme and you can both start dreaming up amazing ideas that incorporate their favourite look or colour. Creating mood boards or finding inspiration online is a fun activity in itself and can help to spark their imagination.
Add space for accessorising and decor
When designing their space, make sure there’s always room for them to add their own unique flourishes. It might be fitted shelving for their favourite books or a personalised desk space.
If you’d rather not have posters on the walls where Blu Tack can make a stain, try things like cork boards and fabric memo boards as a fun alternative.
Help them stay organised
Some teens are naturally tidy, whereas others need a bit of encouragement! Providing them with ample storage is the best way to help them stay on top of the clutter and become more organised. Fitted wardrobes and coordinating bedroom furniture like bedside tables can be a game-changer, and for smaller spaces, look to overbed storage - it can make a huge difference.
Think about privacy
One of the most important things to consider when designing a teen space is the increased need for privacy. Some bedroom layouts might already have nooks or alcoves where they can relax in peace, but if not, you can always create added privacy by bringing in screens as a low-cost alternative.
Canopy beds or dividing curtains are also a big win for a dreamy, elegant bedroom design.
Teenage bedroom ideas to get you started
Right - now let’s get the inspiration flowing. If you’re not sure what style to go with, here are some fantastic teenage bedroom ideas to launch your imagination.
1. Revamp an attic space
Loft spaces and attics are the perfect place for a newly designed teenage bedroom. For starters, they fulfil that all-important privacy requirement with a space that feels tucked away from the rest of the house.
And it’s this secluded atmosphere that gives lofts an almost magical quality - very cool if you’re a teen looking to make your space into a cosy den.
To make it feel a bit more grown up, bring in high quality fabrics and maybe even some chic accents like throw pillows to make it extra cosy.
You could go with plain neutrals if your teen wants a space that feels extra calming but don’t be afraid to go with colour either. Pastels or bright pops of colour are the key to making a space playful and not too serious.
2. Level up with a gamer cloffice
For the gamer in the household, no teen bedroom would be complete without a dedicated gamer cloffice. It’s a smart and stylish way to incorporate tech into their space, while still having the option of storing it away out of sight whenever they want.
It can also double up as a desk space to do coursework, with the extra overhead storage making a great place for any textbooks.
Of course, it’s all about creating the perfect gamer setup, and there’s plenty of scope for customisation. They can add in lighting, decals, whatever they want to make it feel like it’s theirs.
And when it’s time for bed, just shut the doors to the cloffice and their space returns back to being a calming bedroom interior. What’s not to love with this amazing teenage bedroom idea?
3. Go monochromatic with greens
With schoolwork piling up, it’s not uncommon for teens to get stressed, especially when end of year exams are looming. For the perfect chilled out space where they can disconnect from it all, an all-green colourway can create the relaxing ambience they need.
Add to the tranquil theme with nature inspired wallpaper, or with materials like rattan, linen and organic cotton.
But why stop there? You can also add that elemental feel to their fitted wardrobes, drawers or bedside tables with our gorgeous Willow Green finish. Versatile and easy to style, this elegant hue is timeless and will stay in vogue even as your teen grows up.
4. Create a coastal inspired space
Staying on the topic of relaxing interiors, this beautiful coastal inspired bedroom is a fantastic option if your teenage girl can’t get enough blue in their bedroom look or if they’re in love with beachy vibes. It’s such an easy style to recreate, too. Mix in some fresh whites, ocean blues and a few stripes for good measure and you’ll be well on your way to that balmy coastal feel.
All you need to finish it off are some more beach house style textures, like shiplap walls, a woven headboard and a seaside style ornament or two. Note that the fitted wardrobes here are white so further down the line, it’ll be easy to blend into a new colour scheme. Psst - if you want to deep-dive into this aesthetic, make sure to check out our comprehensive coastal guide for more info.
5. Keep it cool with a concrete finish
Going with something more moody and modern, why not try a statement finish like our Fusion range in Urban Concrete?
This bold look is superb for creating a dynamic bedroom style and pairs up brilliantly with dark edging. And to make it extra crisp and minimalist, you can go handle-free on the design so that there’s nothing breaking up this clean aesthetic.
Great for teens who want something cool, crisp and maybe a bit unusual, finishes like Urban Concrete set the tone for the space and can be contrasted with a range of wall colours so that the space doesn’t look too grey. A fantastic option for a teenage boy’s bedroom.
6. Wow them with window seating
Seating and storage are a match made in heaven for teen rooms. Storage seats are practical, they can make better use of the space and they just look stunning, ticking a lot of boxes all in one go. Bay window seating is a super popular way to max out storage in homes that have this feature, but did you know it’s also great for loft and attic bedrooms?
Reduced height walls can sometimes be a challenge for bedroom furniture but not for a window storage seat. You can integrate it into a low row of drawers to create an inviting spot for a bit of reading. This teenage bedroom idea is one that has charm and personality in spades.
7. Upgrade their space with a cabin bed
Another fantastic space-saving option. Fitted cabin beds are brilliant at combining a sleep space and storage so you can do more even with less room.
You can have storage in the base, overhead cupboards or a mix of the two to maximise the potential of your teen’s bedroom. Stylish, practical and super comfy at the same time, there’s also a wealth of customisation to be had as well.
You can add a headboard in the fabric of their choice as a finishing touch to make it that bit more personalised.
And your teen can also style up the space around the bed with accessories, artwork or even extra lights to put their own spin on the final design.
8. Use bold prints and colours
If your teen wants something as energetic as they are, it’s always a good idea to embrace bright colours and vibrant patterns.
Sunshine yellows, apple reds, vivid violets… going for a bold colourway really lets them express their personality and create a bedroom space with a distinct atmosphere.
To bring in more patterns, a quick changeup of your fabrics is all you need.
Try adding new blinds, curtains, bed linen or rugs to instantly transform the look and feel of the space.
Take the next steps to transformation
If you remember what it was like revamping your bedroom when you were young, you’ll know how exciting the process is. There’s nothing quite like putting your own stamp on your new space and making a big stride into being a grown-up. And if you need fitted storage that’s going to support your teen right through to adulthood, we’re always ready to help at Sharps.
Together, we can help to reimagine their bedroom space to make it stylish, functional and - most importantly - clean and tidy! Book your Free In-home Design Visit today and let’s get exploring those big ideas.
