If your children have reached their teens, you’ll have noticed a change in their habits. Whereas in the past they loved spending time with you, adolescence brings with it a desire for independence. Their friends take on increased importance and creating a space where they can kick back and relax takes on extra significance. Here’s how to design a den your teenager will want to spend time in.
Decorate to Their Taste
Teenagers have a unique sense of style, often influenced by friends and celebrities they admire. Take time to listen to their opinion about color schemes and furniture – remember, this is a space you are designing for their use, so they should be able to have a say in how it will be decorated. Use interior Home designers magazines or apps such as Pinterest and Instagram for ideas.
Comfortable Seating
Your teenager is probably spending more time than usual in bed with growth spurts and hormonal changes leaving them worn out. Give them a place to relax with a den containing a variety of seating options. Trendy options such as hanging egg chairs may fit with their aesthetic but it’s also important that they’ll feel comfortable, especially if it’s a place they’ll use to socialize. If sleepovers are popular within their friendship group, a sofa bed can be a worthwhile investment and bean bag chairs are ideal for crashing out in front of a movie or when gaming, with the additional bonus that they’re easy to move. Check out brands like Sumo Lounge for a range of bean bag chairs that’ll appeal to all ages – even teenagers!
Cater to Their Interests
If your teenager is going to spend time in the den, it needs to cater to their interests. If your child loves to read, build shelving for them to store their books or if they enjoy gaming, make sure there is a strong Wi-Fi signal. You may be able to go the extra mile by allowing their den to double up as a place where they can work out as well as chill out. If they like exercising, you could dedicate a corner of the room to dumbbells, an exercise bike, or a treadmill. The dancer in your life would love a wall of mirrors so they can practice their routines. Talking to your child about how the space can best meet their needs is necessary if you want to create the perfect den for your teenager.
A Television
Always a great addition to a den, a television is the ideal way to ensure your teen can watch the YouTube videos and Netflix shows they love without hogging the family television. A simple solution to all the arguments over who has the remote control!
Creating a den for your teenager shows that you value their place in the family and recognize their needs are changing but be sure they know that having a room for their own use is a privilege. Encourage them to take responsibility for keeping it clean and tidy and set ground rules for what is and isn’t acceptable behavior in the den.
