Special Spaces Inc, is on a mission—a mission to create dream bedrooms for children with life challenging illnesses. A child’s room is a place for them to find comfort and hope while coping with their unfortunate medical needs. One of the fulfilling attributes of being a designer is being able to share your passion in a platform that is beneficial to another. Being a part of something as rewarding as Special Spaces, Inc. is a true honor. Aside from being an interior designer at J. Hettinger Interiors, I am also a volunteer with Special Spaces, Inc., as a room designer.
I finished my first project and I could not be happier to work with the child that was selected for me. She is amazing, energetic and inspiring. Kaitlin was diagnosed with Leukemia/Lymphoma and regardless of this difficult medical situation, Kaitlin and her family are in high spirits and very excited about this room makeover for Kaitlin.
After speaking with Kaitlin in great detail about her “dream” room I discovered that she loves girly things, like pink and sparkles, but at this stage in her life she is looking towards the future and wanting a more grown up feel. Surveying her “likes” and “wants” made it easy for me to envision the finished product. 
There are several steps to making this makeover a reality: meeting with the child and discussing their style, raising money, designing the room, purchasing the materials, and the grand reveal. The design of this space is very important. The goal is to design a bedroom that not only embodies Kaitlin’s style but to create a place that she adores as well.
Here are a few things to consider when designing for a child:
Designing a child’s bedroom can be tricky, considering how quickly children change their minds about their favorite color or new fascination, dependent on the latest children’s movie or cartoon on TV. It’s hard enough to keep up with technology, let alone the latest in interior design trends. But with a few thoughtful decisions you can set a plan in motion that will allow for the growth and change from infant to teen and not spend a fortune in the process.
Start by choosing timeless pieces, as opposed to mass-produced furniture, such as the type found at store like Ikea. Choose thrifted antiques that can stand the test of time and endure juvenile tendencies. These pieces can transition easily throughout the “likes” of your child’s design efforts. You can change the feel of the space by painting or staining that particular piece or changing the hardware.
Life stages progress quickly and a child’s room needs to be able to adapt from a crib to a “big boy” or “big girl” bed with a few easy changes. An extravagantly themed room can be easily converted into a subtle playtime getaway for growing children by simply changing the paint or wall coverings. Window treatments can go from fun and themed, to simple and sophisticated, by adding panels—without having to change the hardware. Rugs have an added benefit of providing warmth and interest while protecting floors from toys.
Allow your child’s input when possible. Odds are they will feel a sense of pride when showing off a room that they’ve helped create. If your child has a new passion for sports or ballerinas, embrace it. Let their imagination run wild—get creative with wall decals, creative storage and handmade elements to add to the theme of the space and the perks are that they are easily replaceable.
More then anything, have fun with this space. Don’t under design your child’s room because you are afraid that they won’t like it in a few years. It is important for children to feel like they have their own special retreat. Create a multi-functional space that they can nap, play and study in and chances are you will have one happy kid!
I am currently fundraising for my next room makeover for Special Spaces, Inc. (these rooms are fully fundraised by the room designer) and would really appreciate your kindness. If you would like to get involved by donating a dollar amount for the materials needed, make an in-kind donation, or if you’d like to sponsor a room please go to http://specialspacessanfrancisco.org/?page_id=190 . Scroll down and click on Naomie Wert’s donate button.
It’s simple and here’s an idea of how your tax-deductible donation can help with these makeovers.
- $25 – I’ll buy 1 gallon of paint for the room!
- $50 – My donation towards flooring!
- $75 – Pick out some really cool fabric!
- $100 – Lumber anyone?
- $150 – Accessories galore – go to town!
- $200 – Be creative and get what you need!
- $500 – Furniture is always a wonderful thing!
- $1,000 – I’m signing the closet wall!
- $4,000 – I’ve got you covered…Just design!
Naomie Wert is an interior designer at J. Hettinger Interiors in Danville. You can see Naomie’s portfolio at www.jhettinger.com under or call 925.820.9336.
“Life isn’t about surviving the storm but learning to dance in the rain.”