Brown Residence, Week 18
Why is it that even the smallest remodeling project can take 3 times longer than originally quoted?  We are finally converting a den area in our home into our “Tween” daughter’s new bedroom.

No matter how small the project, planning the space to scale on paper first with a written scope of the work, allows you to budget for the necessary materials, furniture, fabrics and lighting you’ll need to makeover your tween’s space.

The drawing doesn’t need to be anything fancy – in fact here’s a quick sketch (to scale) of Andie’s bedroom floor plan which includes a furniture layout and construction notes.

Scaling the plan immediately lets me know the furniture sizes that best fit the space.  Knowing this in advance saves me valuable time and money allowing me to purchase the right pieces the first time.

After assessing my tween’s needs, we can then define scope of this remodeling project – which goes something like this:

Furniture Needs List:

• Full size bed with headboard and footboard.
• New bedding.
• Night stands or tables on each side of bed.
• 24”x48” desk with chair.
• 16”x 36” chest of drawers.
• Chair and lamp.
• Desk lamp.
• Bedside lamps.
• Area rugs.
• New window coverings.

Construction Needs List:

• Close over foyer entrance and match existing board siding.
• Add 2 extra outlets.
• Add new door from the hallway side to match existing.
• Repair random hardwood floorboards where necessary.
• Convert old TV unit to closet c/w new paint grade doors.
• Prime and paint throughout with low VOC paints.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Brown Residence, Week 18
I’ve been in the middle of a small remodeling project of my own over the past couple of weeks, and I’m happy to say my client has been a blast to work with!  Helping my “Tween” daughter design her new bedroom has been a real trip.

Spending more quality time together with my 10 year old lets me catch of glimpse of another facet of her personality – discovering her of her sense of style. I’ve been able to help guide her on how to research design trends, online and off and most importantly to notice what approach best appeals to her personality, ultimately creating a room that defines her personality (all with my approval of course).

There are 44 million tweens and teens from the ages 8 to 18 here in the U.S, and after scouring all the sources available to this market, the one that speaks to my tween the most is “Teen Bedding” from PBteen.  While the themes and trends they offer are limitless, I’m attempting to teach her that good design is less about trends and more about style – and to pull inspiration from multiple sources.  It keeps things interesting.

Re-designing a tween’s bedroom doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.  Sometimes it can be as simple as painting out the room in a vibrant new color, incorporating some new bedding and/or adding an extra lamp or two.

Keep in mind that even though tweens are growing and maturing, they can still be hard on their things.  Doing homework on their beds with permanent markers and the constant slamming of doors and drawers, consider durable fabrics and furniture to ensure they withstand years of use and abuse.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.