7 Fun Trends for Remodeling Your Child’s Bathroom
For young children, learning never stops — even in the bathroom. Choosing a fun theme for your children’s bathroom can stir their creativity and stimulate their interest in the before-bedtime routine. For the best results, include your kids in the bathroom-design process, as it’s beneficial for kids to have a sense of ownership and pride in their space. Read on for seven children’s bathroom remodeling trendsthat will make brushing teeth less of a chore.
- Multiple-fixture bathrooms. For households with more than one child, turn-taking in the bathroom can be a source of family strife. If at all practical due to space limitations when you remodel your bathroom, install two sinks, more mirrors and the maximum counter space possible. Kids love having “their own” sink and counter space, and parents will have fewer arguments to contend with.
- Temporary themes. Encourage your child’s creativity by letting him or her switch out the bathroom theme every few months. Start with a neutral theme with accents in your child’s favorite colors (so you’ll be happy with the décor if the changing-theme project eventually loses its appeal), and let your child either make or select inexpensive items to go with the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is “princesses,” add a static-cling crown sticker to the mirror so every time she sees her reflection, she is a “princess.”
- Bedroom-bathroom matches. When it’s time to redo the bathroom, it might be a good chance (and a money-saver) to update your child’s bedroom theme as well. Matching the two rooms will give your child a stake in both. If your child is old enough, let him or her help with the painting and decorations to give him or her a feeling of accomplishment and pride in your home.
- Storybook bathrooms. If you’re going to choose a theme for your kid’s bathroom, other than colors or animals, it’s never been more fun to create a storybook bathroom. Choose your youngster’s favorite story and select design elements from it to use. Many newer stories have ready-to-buy merchandise you can incorporate into your theme, such as character toothbrushes. You can also customize plain products for classic tales. Incorporate your fixtures into your design: If your selected story is science fiction, round or square mirrors may feel like the portals in a spaceship, while chrome taps and railings add to the ambiance. A fantasy theme could use a vaulted or oval mirror, and brass taps and railings.
- Graffiti bathrooms. Be spontaneous by installing a kid-height chalkboard or whiteboard on one wall and letting your youngsters and their friends make their mark when they visit. Play an ongoing game of tic-tac-toe, write riddles or doodle to delight the next bathroom user. Magnetic words or letters can add to the fun, as can framed photos of your own, best graffiti. Protect back walls and tiles from becoming part of the project by selecting dark colors that aren’t fun to write on.
- Nature-themed bathrooms. Create household awareness about the environment by helping your child learn to appreciate nature. Use your remodeling choices as a way to teach your kids about the importance of water-saving toilets, taps and showerheads as well as the recycling process. Wooden cabinets and stone-tile floors also create a “green” feel to the room while being practical and having a low impact on the environment. Select an animal, like a parrot, to serve as your eco-mascot and feature accessories with images of the animal in its native habitat.
- Superhero bathrooms. What kid doesn’t want to be a superhero (or heroine)? Let their imagination run wild while they do their bathroom routine. The last few years have featured many superhero movies and spin-offs, so ask your child what character he or she most admires and center your theme on that character’s costume color palette and super powers. An example of the simplest kind could be blue walls with red and yellow tiles for a Superman theme, a red shower curtain to echo the Man of Steel’s cape, corresponding bath towels and a framed movie poster.
About the Author: Chrissy Delaurent is a stay-at-home mom who previously worked as a real estate agent in California and Florida. She blogs on crafts and home improvement projects.
