The ABC's of an A+ Kid's Room

(ARA) - Family bonding time that is both fun and productive is often rare. Redecorating your child's bedroom is a great opportunity to give your child a creative new play space while spending quality time together. Using the following suggestions, even inexperienced do-it-yourselfers can get a head start on creating the perfect kid's room.

To make your child feel included in this large-scale art project, consider creating a themed room based on his or her love of sports, music, outer space or the outdoors - the possibilities are endless. You can find pillows, wall stickers, lamps and scene-rugs that match your theme at local home and discount stores. To create custom pieces, like planets or trees that adhere to walls or a bed frame, use Masonite hardwood or foam core, materials that are easy to cut and dress up with paint. KILZ Casual Colors spray paint, which comes in a variety of kid-friendly colors, is a good option.

"Spray paint is a fast, easy way to get professional-looking results when doing your own decorating projects," says Lee Snijders, host of HGTV's Design on a Dime. "You can apply a coat of spray paint to a piece of furniture that one child has outgrown and it will look new again for a younger sibling."

After deciding on a theme and checking available options, your next step is to decide on a focal color. Kids often don't know what they want, but you can use a comforter or a piece of your child's artwork as inspiration for the perfect shade. Snijders recommends choosing the least dominant color in your inspiration piece for your wall color. Avoid plastering busy patterns on every surface - your child will quickly outgrow it.

Ceiling fans are another great way to add dimension and color to a child's room. Before installing the fan, use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the fixture's blades. Prime each blade to improve paint retention and use colored spray paint to create a distinctive look. Consider using multiple colors on the blades to create a pinwheel effect when the fan is turned on.

As pristine as the room may be when you finish redecorating it, anyone with kids knows the original perfection will not last long. For a fast fix when your child gets messy, it is important to use the right sheen to handle wear-and-tear. KILZ Casual Colors offers durable options in Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss and High Gloss sheens. You can scrub away at the crayon marks and dirty handprints without ruining the luster of the paint.

Kids who are proud of their rooms are more likely to take good care of them, and creating that space together is a great opportunity for quality family time. A unique, kid-friendly space can both inspire the imagination and encourage a tidy room. For additional inspiration and to find the best color for your kid's room, visit the KILZ Casual Colors Web site, kilzcasualcolors.com.