Ashley H. is full of creative family ideas, from fun Father’s Day tabletops and DIY back-to-school lunch bags to prepping for stylish and stress-free family photos. She’s back today to talk about the art of decorating a tasteful space that will grow with your kids.

Call me a mean mom, but I don’t allow themes in my kid’s rooms. I just can’t do it. We all know kids grow up fast and that their love for things changes quickly. That’s why I’ve tried to create rooms that can grow with them.

I stick to three simple rules for creating a room a kid can grow into…

1. Always go with a white bedspread.

You can update and add color with pillows, sheets, and accent blankets. White might scare some of you, but it is really easy to clean and it goes with everything.

I have bedspreads in both my daughter’s and my son’s bedrooms. As they grow and their interests change, pillows, sheets, and colorful blankets are an inexpensive way to update a room. Adding in pillows of movie characters and cute animals they love is also a great way to make the space feel personalized.

2. Display pieces that are fun and meaningful.

I have this thing about only displaying pieces you love and that mean the world to you. My daughter’s room has a troll collection from my childhood that is silly and provides a fun pop of color. Above her bed is my Grandma’s letterpress drawer filled with tiny trinkets. I have so many fond memories of this piece and my kids love the miniature treasures it holds.

My son’s room has a large collection of Hallmark’s itty bittys^® super heroes, as well as vintage toy cars that were my Grandpa’s, and moccasins that my husband wore as a child. Displaying things with meaning gives a room a warm feeling without even trying.

3. Let your kid be involved in the decision-making.

My daughter requested a pink room. I was hesitant at first, but I collected three pink paint samples that I liked and she chose the one she wanted from those. For the little pop of wallpaper that we added to her room I chose three wallpapers I liked and my daughter made her choice from the three options. It was a great tactic for compromising and let both of us feel like our thoughts were respected.

My son asked for super heroes and I was able to find vintage super hero posters to go above his twin beds. He thinks they are cool and I think they are easy to take down when he is over the whole super hero phase. Win! Win!

My kid’s rooms are just right for our home and family. How do you go about decorating your sweet little ones’ sanctuaries? Do you have rules you follow? Tag us on Instagram at @think.make.share to show us your kid spaces! See the rest of our Hallmark home tours here.

Photography by Jane Kortright. 

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— Ashley H.