Laying out a Kids Room for Two

Pick a theme that reflects both kids' interests and personalities, involving them in the process if they are old enough. For a shared baby and toddler, you might have to make something up. A theme doesn't have to feel contrived; if you aren't interested in creating a fairy castle or a magical forest; consider choosing two or three colors, or a focus on children's books. Having a focus can help you make decisions about wall colors, bedding choices and art for the walls.

Select matching beds, and dress them in similar sheeting and blankets for a unified feeling. A collection of quilts that can migrate from one bed to the other can find additional use in building forts and imagining shared picnics. Build loft beds to make the space seem bigger and give a treat to an older child who loves the idea of climbing up into bed. Hang canopies over individual beds to give two girls a feeling of privacy and drama. Add several beanbag chairs that either child can move around the room. For an older child sharing a room with a much younger one, put a lamp on the older child's bedside table and leave it on when you put the younger one to bed, so that the older child can navigate the room for a later bedtime.

Create an area for playing that is separate from the sleeping area by adding a table and plenty of storage for toys and craft supplies. Use a throw rug to designate this space and hang a pendant lamp to illuminate it. Mix a wall of clip frames where you can display both children's art with posters of the children's favorite storybook characters and original artwork that enhances the room's theme.