Teenagers need easy-to-use bedrooms where they can work, rest and play. Emily Horton does her design homework
Moodboard: 'teen study bedroom' by Verity Coleman
For most teens and students their bedroom is also their work space. Finding the right balance between a place where one can switch off and relax, and a calm, working environment that’s conducive for study, is a challenge. However, you can still have fun being creative and stylish, as well as satisfy the fussiest teenage tastes.
I spoke to Surrey interior designer Verity Coleman for her top tips:
1) Keep it simple: Ensure the room is changeable if your teen gets bored. Keep key pieces neutral; bring in colour with soft furnishings, accessories and bedding so you don’t break the bank if there is a redesign.
2) Storage: Hidden storage is a must: In-built wardrobes hide a multitude of sins – accommodate both hanging space and shelving. Get academic work organised and kept safe, but also readily accessible. It needs to be put away at the end of the day for a good night’s sleep.
3) Zone areas: Use a decorative tape to delineate the areas of the room (sleeping/working/chilling). Different spaces will hopefully help retain order. Luckily, these tapes are becoming more common on the market.
TIP: Kids these days don’t look for traditional sockets so install USB wall plugs to charge up electronic devices
Plug
4) Memo boards: Ideal for hanging up pots of pens, clipboards, and calendars so everything is collected together and off the floor. Coordinate to match colour scheme. Use leftover curtain fabric to create a noticeboard.
5) Upcycle: Don’t break the bank. With a small amount of supervision, get your teen to paint their own reclaimed furniture. Choose a chalk paint for minimal prepping.
6) Chill-out zone: Knitted floor cushions are today’s beanbags. Stylish and bring a splash of colour if required. Situate away from the desk with a spare socket for the phone charger and a shelf for a cup of tea. Perfect. Or get granny to start knitting those squares…
7) Get integrated: Look to integrated furniture to help make the most of space: from desks that are built into the side of a bed, or bespoke dressers with a built-in desk. Gone are the days where your only option is the bunk bed and desk underneath. If space is an issue, you could opt for a raised bed with desk below or a bed, which flips into a desk – sleek and clever and ideal for space saving.
TIP: Use the Dulux app to see what your furniture would look like painted in a new colour
Dulux app
8) Pull-out drawers: While most teens use their computers most of the time, being able to tuck the laptop away and keep a clean desk for writing or drawing means it’s less likely to get thrown on the floor or damaged.
9) Lighting: To help separate work and playtime, use side lights near the bed and in the ‘chill-out zone’. Place desks next to a window to maximise daylight.
GROWN-UP STUDY ROOMS
Moodboard, 'rustic study,' by Lauren Caisley
THE GROWN UP STUDENT SPACE: RUSTIC CALM
London-based interior designer Lauren Caisley was next to offer her tips on creating a more mature setting for grown-up students
“I like dark colours for workspaces and calm bedrooms. Peace and quiet doesn’t have to equal boring neutrals,” says designer Lauren. “Use natural textures like brick and reclaimed wood, and metals such as copper and bronze.”
Create this look: “The industrial and vintage look is trending so look to the high street for affordable pieces. Mix strong dark colours and wood with geometric patterns, wools and upholstery to bring a softness and a timeless design that won’t date quickly.”
Ooze personality: “Remember that a teen space has to be cool, so ask your teenager to help you design it,” Lauren also suggests. “Add their personal touches to let them ‘own’ the space and which will encourage them to spend their time in it.”
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LAUREN'S PICKS (as illustrated in the mood board): Lamp £68, Lumidora; desk £259, Swoon Editions; brick wallpaper, £8.48; Lancashire Wallpaper; throws, £78, Design Vintage; Farrow & Ball paint (Hague Blue and Babouche Yellow); print £9.49, etsy.com
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CONTACTS: Verity Coleman of Rascal and Roses is based in Camberley, Surrey. Learn more about Verity's work at rascalandroses.co.uk. Lauren Caisley is based in London; visit her website portfolio: laurencaisleyinteriors.com
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