Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1087907
By Lindsey Ward >> Does the fact that your kid's room looks like a battle scene from Toy Story prevent them from living their best life? Possibly. Kids thrive on structure, so if your daughter's room is in a constant state of clutter, chances are it's bugging her just as much as it's bugging you. "It's all going back to the fact that we're now realizing that physical clutter is giving us mental clutter," says Kelsey Kosman, designer and owner of Dollhouse Design. "We need to just really approach things with that minimalistic mindset." That's why ample storage is a must-have when it comes to creating a child's space in the home, says Kosman. Kids are actually very capable of putting away their toys, clothes and endless train of trinkets, as long as we give them a place to put them. That could be a row of open cubbies with baskets they can pull out, bookshelves they can reach, drawers or bins under their bed and floating wall shelves for keepsakes they feel are special. Since most toys and baby items come in bright colours, Kosman suggests neutral-hued storage systems (anything in white from IKEA is ideal) with wicker baskets and bins to add texture to the room rather than even more colour. The same goes for furnishings. Kids' furniture comes in all colours of the rainbow, but parents are better off sticking with classic whites, browns and greys – and should invest in pieces that will grow with their kids. Also, don't shy away from mixing and matching furniture. "Gone are the days that you have to walk into a furniture store and choose an entire suite," Kosman says. "Go ahead and find a nice headboard somewhere and a dresser somewhere else. That's where you'll get more of a personalized look. Mixing brown and a warmer grey, for example, those two are neutral and complement each other." Cont'd on page 112 IT'S ALL GOING BACK TO THE FACT THAT WE'RE NOW REALIZING THAT PHYSICAL CLUTTER IS GIVING US MENTAL CLUTTER. Parade of Homes Spring 2019 111