How many 11-year-olds can say they have complete design control over their bedroom and the items that go in them? More and more, the answer is -- well, more and more. In the article, They May Be Young, but They Know What They Want, the Boston Globe's Suzanne Ryan examines this growing trend.
Blogging the Boston Globe: They May Be Young, but They Know What They Want
The article asks, "Who needs Martha Stewart? In an era bursting with home-design magazines, catalogs , websites , and television shows, Americans have gotten quite cozy with their inner designer. But while adults may focus on the kitchen or bathroom, a growing number of teens and tweens (8- to 12-year-olds) are pushing to have their space -- the bedroom -- made over as well."
Ryan writes that the reason for tween's desire to customize has been driven, in part, by technology such as iPods and MySpace -- all which encourage personalization and customization. And it seems as though these changes and room "personalizations" do not come cheap. One sixth grader in the article had a custom closet built and a flat screen television installed as part of her room makeover.
Although we can't imagine being able to convince our parents, at age 12, to paint our room lime green and follow it up by saying, "I thought it could set a different mood...I added texture to the wall with a feathered wreath" apparently, it is happening.
To read the complete article, visit the Boston Globe's Web site.
Comments (6)
Top Tours
- Norah's Sweet and Sunny Nursery
- Ava's Colorful, Handmade Haven
- Nina's Bright Vintage Room
- Mini Tour: Dylan's Teeny-Tiny Thunderdome
- Little P
Top Posts
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Why would most parents *care* what colors their children want to paint their rooms? Repainting is easy, and the parents aren't the ones who live in the room. Yes, yes, I know the old, "As long as you're under my roof..." bit, but it's not like painting one's room is comparable to going to school in fishnet stockings. I'm all for as much freedom as is safely possible, so my answer to why this trend is growing is, "Why not?"
Of course, a flatscreen tv would be a different issue. If my (future) eleven-year-old happens to start her own successful business and purchase her own television in cash, then we can talk... ha.
view hyacinthine's profile
I agree. A kid that age should be able to choose.
I know my mom picked for me and I had light pink walls and a pink gingham bedspread that I wasn't allowed to sit on.
I hate pink.
And as Randy Pausch says in his farewell speech - "Let your kids paint their rooms. It will not affect your real estate value."
Another point: Yes tween should be able to design their own rooms if they desire - and as a parent I would set them up with a budget. Pick what you want but your grand total can't go above $____.
view clickchick's profile
my 12 yo step-daughter thought of me as a god, when I once said that I would not care if our toddler draws on the walls in her bedroom, and that she later on can decide what color to paint her room with. They (step-kids) live with their mother in a 3br apt. She has a total control over all aspects of their lives (no judgement, though personally i think this is completely wrong). Also, because it's not a house, they have to have open door policy and kind of share all the rooms. So, I can understand why someone would not want to see funky kid's rooms when living in apartment.. We have a house and as our DD grows her room will be her bedroom. We have enough space to have separate study and playroom.
view Nudik's profile
Even with an apartment, I have to repeat: You can just repaint. Most landlords won't even know anything went on if you just repaint a wall white (or whatever color it came in) before you move out, and many will give permission for you to paint a room anyway.
view hyacinthine's profile
I want to add that no kid should have a tv in their bedroom. No matter the design decision.
no. no. no.
Nudik... I respect your open minded attitude... but I have to disagree with letting kids draw on the walls. Only because I think that disallowing it reinforces respect of property and what is okay in your house is not okay in every house. If your kid comes over and draws on my walls, or auntie's walls or gramma's wall it is NOT OKAY.
But if you are very clear that THIS is the only wall or only room she is allowed to draw on... then that's a proper reinforcement of boundaries.
view clickchick's profile
i think if a child has an eye for design you should encourage them. it's like taking a child who loves sports and allowing them to join a team. growing up i shared a room with my brother so it was the boys room blue and my sisters room was pink, but we rearranged the furniture everyway possible. i grew up went to design school, i work in investment banking but i am the designer among my family and friends. so have your children shoot for the stars, and help them aim a little bit.
view thedirtyshow's profile