by Karen I Livingston

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: June 03, 2008

What High School Musical fan isn't ready to put it on the shelf yet? If your child isn't, and their room is ready for a redo, now may be the perfect time for this fun, energetic theme.
Those catchy songs and fun dances are hard to stop once you learn them. And, the curtain hasn't dropped on this production yet; High School Musical 3 is in the filming stages, so this theme may have some longevity.

Wall color and flooring can set the stage

A combination of red and white with a touch of gold on the walls is a good start. If new flooring is in order, a wood laminate or blue tone commercial tile will be an excellent choice for a foundation.

Wall decorations tell the story

Movie posters and a bulletin board are a must. Wildcats sports banners can be made out of felt. A full-length mirror trimmed out with theatrical flair will inspire the upcoming star within.

Windows plain or showy

Keep it simple with basic blinds in neutral colored wood, or if the floor is a blue tone, use blue. To play up the theater element - red velvet drapes to the window's size for a small room, or floor length for a large room. The addition of a white light tube strung around the red velvet will impart a Broadway feel. If you really want these to impact, attach them around the perimeter of the room at the ceiling.

Minimal furniture is wise

A red, blue, white, silver or gold bay of lockers will bring the school in while providing plenty of storage. Keep the bed basic with a solid color, to-the-floor, flat spread. For additional warmth use a wool varsity-look throw in theme colors. Don't use a footboard this will only serve to draw attention away from the theme and to the bed. If a headboard is used, keep with the textures and colors of the floor and window/s. Above this would be a good location to place a single book shelf. Use a plain metal shelf in the same color as the lockers.

Don't forget the desk

A simple computer station provides adequate space without drawing attention away from the theme. Keep with the bed, floor and window/s basics in color and style.

Room accents shouldn't clutter

Use the bulletin board to display movie paraphernalia; favorite star's photos, songs, trim it with a favorite line from the movie, etc. Be creative, this is the one place where a reasonable mess is allowed. Throw in a bean bag that has a wild pattern on it. Two or three solid red and gold pillows on the bed and a floor rug in a solid color will soften up the surfaces just enough. Lighting should be metal in a simple style. If there isn't a ceiling fixture, get a floor lamp. You will also need a lamp for the desk. If you're going to include a hamper, make it a pop-up/collapsible type. Also, a strip of metal, neutral colored wood or painted wood wall pegs for coats, hats and scarves is useful and can accommodate some show-themed gear such as dance shoes or basketball sneakers.

On your way out

Put a gold star on the door with your child's name under it. And, bop, bop, bob, bop til you drop!

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