描述

Color Samples

You thought that decorating was fun before? Wait until youstartrevamping a tired old guest room for your new baby, or givingthatnursery a makeover when baby is ready for a "big boy" or "biggirl"room -- the colors, patterns, fabrics, and wallpapers you gettoplay with are 10 times more exciting than "grown-up" decor. Youcanlet your inner artist free in a child's room, because themorewhimsical and colorful it is, the more they'll like it.

And the best part: There's no rule that says your child'sspacehas to match the rest of the house. So let go of the stylerulesthat have ruled your roost and decorate with abandon!

Wallpapering Tips

Wallpaper samples

Don't rush it. Wallpapering takes time. Plan on about fourhoursof wall prep, depending on the condition of the walls, and 10hoursto paper a small room.
Focus on preparation. Wallpapering over a painted wall? First,sandthe wall to dull the glossiness of the paint. Wipe with atackcloth to remove dust. Then wash the area with a stronghouseholddetergent, let dry, and start papering.
Create a smooth surface. Wallpapering over a bumpy or texturedwall?You have two options: Either cover the wall to be paperedwith athin coat of drywall (honestly, this is best left to thepros, or toan extremely experienced do-it-yourselfer), or simplyhang wallpaperliner. Follow manufacturer's instructions and you'llhave a smoothwall to be papered in a few hours.
Plan carefully. You want your last strip to end in alow-visibilitypart of the room, because it may be the one placewhere you cannotmatch the paper's pattern exactly. A good place forthe mismatch isagainst a window frame, where it may be obscured bywindowtreatments.
Get a good start. Use a plumb bob to ensure the first stripyouplace on the wall is perfectly straight. That strip locksinposition all that follow.

-- Written by Suzanne Morrissey

Chalkboard Paint Tips

KidsRoomsSum05_McCaugheyCampRoom_Chalkboard closets redtenttable

Use it everywhere. Chalkboard paint is best used onpreviouslypainted surfaces. It comes in cans or spray paintversions. Try iton walls, of course, but also on old play tables,backs of doors,or drawer fronts.
Apply it correctly. Plan to paint when the air andsurfacetemperatures are above 50 degrees. Make sure you have plentyofventilation, and wear a safety mask.
Plan on multiple coats. Chalkboard paint works best when youlayerthree to five coats painted in different directions (if usingabrush). When using the spray-paint version, spray back andforthevenly to produce the best finish. If you linger too much inonespot, you'll get ugly drips!
Make cleanup easy. A damp sponge cleans up the finished surfaceandcuts down on chalk dust.
Add a frame. Once you've painted a wall area, you can frame itwithmolding or paint a border around it. This can help veryyoungartists understand that not all wall surfaces can be drawnon.Stenciling or stamping the chalkboard along the edges is alsoagreat way to create a frame. Simply allow the chalkboard painttodry completely before applying the stencils or stamps.