And if the kid loves to make a mess, rubber flooring is an even better idea, since it easily wipes clean. If something so permanent doesn't appeal to you, a real blackboard hung on the wall or propped on an easel will serve the same purpose. It's nice to really do a room up, but bear in mind that kids' tastes often change pretty rapidly. That Barbie motif she likes right now at age nine will seem childish once she hits twelve or thirteen and wants to be Jennifer Lopez, so you might not want to invest in something as permanent as Barbie wallpaper. The same goes for colors.
Many little girls go through a lavender phase, but get sick of it after a few years.
Some people don't mind making frequent major changes, but for the rest of us, it's often wiser to stay somewhat basic with the features of a room that take the most time to change, like the walls and carpeting. And in the case of older kids, they'll probably cover the walls with posters anyway. When choosing furniture, many people find that regular grown-up furniture is just fine for kids. Flexibility is key, for the more effort you put into everything tying together in one theme, the more work you'll have to do to change it as the child grows up or gets a sibling to share the room with. But for those who'd rather take a more practical approach there's a wealth of accessories out there, in a variety of themes ranging from Pokemon to Peter Rabbit , that will help you make the perfect haven for the little pride and joy.