Colorful Kids' Room Design

Look up for colorful inspiration when you're accessorizing your child's space. Designer Mary Wadsworth recommends giving otherwise ho-hum chandeliers a bit of bling with crystals, ribbons and color-saturated shades, like this fun fixture from Dimples and Dandelions that will leave anyone feeling froggy.

"One way that I love [to bring in color], which kids love too, is bringing in their own art," designer Mary Wadsworth says. One way she likes to do this is find "fine art" frames at flea markets and garage sales and paint them in kid-pleasing colors. She then attaches corkboard to them so the children can change the art in and out of the "gallery" on their own. Another way to create a low-cost gallery: Wire hanging systems (like this one from Pottery Barn Kids) are easy to install and use, and kids can be in charge of what's on display.

For families looking for chairs that appeal both to them and their toddlers, the selection can be sparse; kid-sized seating decked out in yellow spongy cartoon characters and spunky childhood explorers seems to dominate the market. But designer Jennifer Delonge says adding color through seating is a way to bring in a little spice with a lot of practicality, and for parents who want a solution with style, the Ava seating set by Delonge will be a perfect fit. Delonge says she created it to be quality furniture just like the rest of the family's, but in the size and bright colors kids will enjoy. "Kids love it because it's about their height, but for parents, it has good aesthetics," Delonge says.

When the walls sport neutral colors, but the room begs for blasts of fun shades, transforming furnishings by painting or staining pieces can take a boring space and make it bright. Because the colors are more isolated, parents shouldn't be afraid to make a bold statement. Designer Marta Blair says being brave with splashes of color is a smart design move. "It's important to mix colors without being scared," she says, noting that parents can look to art for colors they might not think would work but that can bring life to an otherwise drab area. "Tones that you never might imagine would work well together, like purple and brown, can look just great."

Alyson McNutt English writes on a variety of topics, including parenting, decorating and home renovation, for several regional and national publications like Self, Kiwi and Parenting. Based in Baton Rouge, La., she is a regular contributor to HGTV.com.