Designing For The Tween Scene

Brown Residence, Week 18 Why is it that even the smallest remodeling project can take 3 times longer than originally quoted?  We are finally converting a den area in our home into our “Tween” daughter’s new bedroom. No matter how small the project, planning the space to scale on paper first with a written scope of the work, allows you to budget for the necessary materials, furniture, fabrics and lighting you’ll need to makeover your tween’s space. The drawing doesn’t need to be anything fancy – in fact here’s a quick sketch (to scale) of Andie’s bedroom floor plan which includes a furniture layout and construction notes. Scaling the plan immediately lets me know the furniture sizes that best fit the space.  Knowing this in advance saves me valuable time and money allowing me to purchase the right pieces the first time. After assessing my tween’s needs, we can then define scope of this remodeling project – which goes something like this: Furniture Needs List:

• Full size bed with headboard and footboard.
• New bedding.
• Night stands or tables on each side of bed.
• 24”x48” desk with chair.
• 16”x 36” chest of drawers.
• Chair and lamp.
• Desk lamp.
• Bedside lamps.
• Area rugs.
• New window coverings.

Construction Needs List:

• Close over foyer entrance and match existing board siding.
• Add 2 extra outlets.
• Add new door from the hallway side to match existing.
• Repair random hardwood floorboards where necessary.
• Convert old TV unit to closet c/w new paint grade doors.
• Prime and paint throughout with low VOC paints.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.