Lime green walls? Pink polka dots? A ceiling painted with 
daisies or purple dinosaurs (can they actually SLEEP with purple 
dinosaurs on the ceiling?) Whatever the motif, every child needs 
a special place of their own - some place that reflects their 
personality and their creativity. You and your child can create 
that space with a few dollars and a lot of imagination. 

* While expensive wallpaper may look great in your child's room, 
  chances are your child's taste will change in a few years. 
  Painting the room will make it easier to change and will be 
  more durable than wallpaper. You and your child can create 
  patterns such as stripes or geometric shapes. An easy way to 
  create a custom look is to take simple patterns from coloring 
  books or comic books to create stencils in bright colors. But 
  be sure to use a washable paint! (Little handprints can't 
  resist clean walls!)

* Buy good used wood furniture at yard sales or thrift stores 
  and paint it to match the new patterns on the bedroom walls. 
  Or paint the furniture to resemble buildings, trees or 
  characters. You can even paint the furniture to remind your 
  child of special times in his/her life. Use a non-toxic paint 
  such as milk paint to ensure your child's safety!

* Instead of wallpaper or wainscoting, try nailing fencing to 
  the wall. You can paint the background with outdoor scenes 
  (clouds, trees, rolling hills, etc.) Or paint the fencing to 
  resemble an Old West fort for your favorite cowboy!

* To make quick and easy patterns on the walls, cut an 
  inexpensive sponge into shapes. You can make diamonds, stars, 
  hearts, moons, squiggles, and flowers. Just dip in paint and 
  press the pattern on the wall.


* A great way to inspire a budding artist is to paint the lower 
  portions of the walls with chalkboard paint. Your child can 
  then draw on the walls to his/her heart's content! The paint 
  is available at most home improvement centers.

* Cover one wall of your child's room with corkboard. What a 
  great place to hang artwork, notes and all those special bits 
  and pieces that a child collects!

* Use washable sheets in bright colors for curtains, valances, 
  and chair covers. Then just throw them in the washer when 
  they get soiled!

Whichever theme your child would like: train, race cars, 
princess, construction, beach, spaceship, forest, garden or 
a favorite cartoon, use your imagination and perhaps more 
important, your CHILD's imagination to create a room that 
reflects your child's personality. You will be rewarded by a 
happier and more secure child. And take heart - lime green will 
soon lose its appeal and the purple dinosaur stage will pass.