by Catherine Conley

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: May 02, 2010

Decorating is difficult enough when you're doing it for your own room. Add in a client that has specific, ever-changing tastes and no concept of money and a whole new set of problems arise. Here's a list of dos and don'ts that will keep your child and your wallet happy.

Do create a utilitarian space. You have an entire house to store your things. Your child only has one room, so they have to make the most of their space. Wall cubbies are a perfect way to create storage without taking up too much precious floor space. Store things that your child doesn't need access to (like winter clothes) on higher shelves and store safe toys and games on lower shelves so your child can reach them.

Don't use trendy paint colors. Your daughter may really love fuschia now, but a tomboy phase could be on the horizon. Instead, stick with pale, timeless colors like those in the Champagne and Pearls collection. The less intense a color, the less likely it is that your child will hate it down the road. Accessorize with a border instead to save money and lots of time and energy.

Do add personal touches. Do you have a favorite item you saved from your own childhood? Whether it be a toy chest for a younger child or a rock poster for a preteen, your child will appreciate the sentiment. One of my prized possessions as a teenager was my dad's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club album cover. It still hangs on my wall to this day.

Don't splurge on nice carpet. Between paints, Silly Putty, mud and all the other things kids get into, you don't want to be replacing carpet every six months. If you'd prefer carpet in your child's room, chose something practical and durable that can be easily cleaned. The best is something neutral with flecks of color in it, to hide stains. Save the antique area rugs for your retirement home.

Do create separate areas for siblings. Sharing a room can be challenging, especially if the child feels like they have no space to call their own. Set aside a portion of the room to be shared (such as play or study area) and set aside portions for each child (such as their own storage units). The shared area will encourage them to play and work together while the separate areas will still give them their own space.

Don't go overboard on a theme. I wanted my bedroom decked out in my favorite cartoon character when I was eight. When I was ten I wanted pictures of my favorite boy band all over the walls. If you get too tied-down to a theme, you'll end up breaking the bank on accessories and wall art. Instead, keep it simple. If your child has a favorite cartoon character, coordinate bedding and curtains with the colors of the character and get a few themed accessories. When your child outgrows the theme, you can pick a new one together that incorporates some of the same colors.

Do let your child help you with creative aspects of the room. Help them paint a picture to hang on the wall or, if they're older, let them decorate a piece of inexpensive furniture. It will be something they'll be proud to show their friends and will probably keep long after they move out. My favorite piece in my living room is the coffee table that I decoupaged with pictures I cut out from magazines. I wouldn't like it nearly as much if I'd purchased it that way.

Don't take it too seriously! A child's room is an opportunity to have fun with decorating. Listen to what your child wants and involve them in your decision-making, even if you do hold executive veto. It's not about creating a space you think is cool, it's about creating one that meets your budget and makes your child happy.

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