(1888PressRelease)
March 15, 2008 - The creation of unique spaces for kids is in demand and Masters Touch has been catering to the design whims of the younger set for some time now.
“Kids of all ages have their own idea of what they want in a space. When we sit down with the entire family to discuss remodeling or building, we listen to what types of fun, funky, creative and cool elements the kids would like in their own special space. Then we take those ideas and draw up a plan to incorporate as many of the features, within the family budget, as possible,” explained Doug Masters, founder of Masters Touch.
According to Masters, there are several things to consider when designing a unique kid space:
Look for "space opportunities". One of the best areas to utilize in the creation of a kid’s niche is the dead space underneath the stairs. You could create a small “club house” for a child which may have its own door. Other than that, the basement offers the best space opportunity because everywhere else in the home (dining room, kitchen, office, living room and so on) is designed for a specific function.
Balance the whimsy of the kids with the adults comfort level and budget. The best way to balance what the kids want and what mom and dad are comfortable with and can afford is to make a wish list ahead of time with the kids, review it and then set a budget. Then, the parents should present their vision and budget to the contractor. This is a very important aspect. You should always have a budget and share it with contractors during bidding and they will help you decide which elements you will be able to incorporate.
There may be details you would normally overlook which make a difference in a cool kids' space. What really makes a difference is when parents allow their kids to conceptualize and pick the colors and textures and have a say in what elements they would like in the space. Small children are looking for space for activities and to horse around so less furniture is needed. They also enjoy having a small area that is all their own, so the 3’x 5’space under the stairs is ideal for turning into a “clubhouse” that is painted with bright colors, is well-lit and has a cushy bean bag chair. That being said, keep in mind that if you’re renovating the basement, that space is going to be used by both young children and adults. So when planning an arts and crafts area or game area for the kids, it’s good to create it in such a way that it may be hidden or closed off when adults wish to use the room.
Balance the wants/needs of children of different age groups who will share the space. When there is a difference in ages among the children, you have to build it into the plans. Develop a list ahead of time of what the room will be used for now and in five to 10 years from now. Two children under five years old are going to be running around so there won’t be a need for traditional furniture but maybe a few bean bag chairs. They’ll also need room for toys and special designated areas for arts and crafts. Older children and teens will want to have a couch, TV, wiring for a computer and space for a game table. As you plan, be sure that what you intend to incorporate into the room- be it an arts and crafts area, sectional sofa or pool table –will all fit in the room.
Choose the right materials. Great materials to use for kids spaces are premium padding on the floor with very soft, plush carpeting (ideal for bare feet); washable paint; stain resistant furniture; chalkboard or chalkboard paint; small tables and chairs with washable surfaces; bean bags, floor pillows and wall shelves. It’s good to incorporate furniture that does double duty by providing storage space – maybe a storage ottoman or a coffee table with plenty of drawers to keep board or video games tidied away.
Masters continued, “Having an opportunity to interview the parents with their kids and finding out what they like is a lot of fun. When we designed a room for an older child who was a big baseball fan, we had a mural of Fenway Park painted in the room as well as baseball memorabilia all around. When we remodeled the main area of a basement for a family with children of various ages, we designed the space to include: a chalkboard wall; an arts and crafts area complete with washable paint on the walls; TV viewing area complete with surround sound; a computer station with all the needed wiring and connections; game tables and a mini-moonwalk. Creating a unique kid space all depends on the kids’ preferences, the amount of available space, and the parents’ budget.”
The Masters Touch
With a design, construction and installation team of more than 50, Masters Touch can handle all of a client's home improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks.
Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997. From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.
Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service. The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.
The company offers written warrantees on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA. For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info ( @ ) masterstouchweb dot com or visit www.masterstouchweb.com.
