Designing your teen’s bedroom and organizing their closet can feel like a daunting task. I know first hand because I have two teenagers of my own! You have to think about storage options, organization, and space planning, but most importantly, you want it to feel like home for your teenager. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right prep and communication with your teen, you can create a room that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional! My daughter and I are both big fans of the trendy Wes Anderson aesthetic, so we’re pumped to get started!

Design Process

I’m here to help you through the process and share some tips for designing a bedroom and organizing a closet with your teenager. 

The first step in creating the perfect bedroom is identifying what your teen wants. Involving them in the decision-making process can make them feel more empowered and proud of their space, which will encourage them to keep it tidy. Ask questions such as their favorite colors, interests or hobbies, and provide some options for furniture.

 Let’s take action as a team and get things in order. The second step to getting organized is doing it together! Encourage your teen to declutter their belongings and sort through what they need and want to keep more easily. This will make finding items in the closet much simpler when it comes to getting ready or preparing for school.

I teach my kids how to use the Holding Box method from my Home Therapy book on a daily basis. The method involves identifying intentions for the items that need to be decluttered and then taking action by finding a permanent home or giving them to their intended recipient.

Closets and Drawers

Our closet used to be a total mess – so chaotic and disorganized. But then we installed the Elfa closet system and all of a sudden we were motivated to keep it tidy. It’s amazing how much difference organizing can make, isn’t it?

It’s important to explain to your kids or teenagers which items should be easily accessible and to consider the dimensions of larger, bulky items they may want to store away, so that everything fits neatly into the drawers and shelves. Purchasing smaller baskets or bins for organizing small items or jewelry is also very useful.

When it comes to organizing a closet, the key is to keep things organized in a way that makes sense for your teen. Utilizing different types of storage such as hanging racks, shelves and bins can help keep the closet neat and tidy while allowing them to easily find what they’re looking for. Additionally, labeling bins and shelves with your teen’s name can help them take ownership of their space and make it easier to keep things organized.

Now, Emily is more motivated to manage her own room, which is a win-win situation. We even grouped everything by category – shirts, pants, accessories – and invested in the best hangers and clear bins we could find. It’s made organization a breeze! Plus, using clear bins or drawers for items like jewelry and makeup will make it easy to find what they need quickly.

Bedroom Spaces

 We are always struggling for more SPACE in the kids’ bedrooms. Do you feel me? One solution has been to offer your teen double-duty furniture such as a bed with built-in drawers and shelves, or an ottoman that can be used for additional seating and storing items is a great way to maximize the available space. I’m a huge fan of using vertical space. So, hooks are also great for hanging clothing and accessories, and shelving units are perfect for displaying books, photos or other items.

Another great space-saving solution for a teen’s bedroom is a DIY Murphy bed. This type of bed is designed to be stored vertically against the wall when not in use, freeing up floor space for other activities. Building one from a kit is eliminates all the guesswork but you can certainly customize the doors to your exact specifications, incorporating features such as shelves and drawers for extra storage. And of course paint it a color that your teen chooses. 

Here are a few more tips for creating the perfect bedroom:

• Utilize natural light to make the room look bigger and brighter.
• Add wall art or wallpaper to add personality.
• Use an area rug as a focal point in the room.
• Create a seating area for studying and relaxing. I adore the new desk we got Emily! 
• Incorporate unique decorative items like plants, throw pillows, or wall hangings. The faux plants and wreath in Emily’s room is fuss free to take care of! 
• Get creative and incorporate different colors into the design to give it a fun, youthful feel!
• Finally, let your teen’s personal style shine through – it will make them feel comfortable and proud of their space. Emily’s grateful affect and huge smile made the process worthwhile!

Zones

Additionally, creating zones in a teen bedroom is an excellent way to encourage organization and help them maximize their space. For example, setting aside a specific area dedicated to sleeping can help them wind down and get the rest they need. Providing a comfortable chair and a good lamp will create an inviting place to read or study. A separate zone for hanging out with friends is also great, and could include a cozy sofa or bean bag chairs.

Using your teenager’s input and creativity when designing their bedroom is key. Encourage them to think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to mix-and-match different colors, patterns, textures, and styles. A good idea would be finding ways to repurpose items they already own — like a vintage dresser turned into a desk or an old trunk as a nightstand — to help add more individuality to the space.

Teen Aesthetic

Earlier, I talked about Emily’s love for the Wes Anderson aesthetic. After a few discussions, I was thrilled when she brought it up because it aligns with my own appreciation for the romantic French vintage style and mixing different patterns.

To create a Wes Anderson-inspired bedroom for your teen, start by incorporating vintage wallpaper that evokes the 50s and 60s era. Look for bold prints with bright colors to give a playful edge. Next, incorporate furniture with barley twist legs or other classic designs from the same period. You can also add green accents and lamps help bring out this unique style!

Designing a bedroom and organizing a closet with your teenager can be an enjoyable experience that will create lasting memories! With these tips in mind, you and your teen should be ready to create their dream bedroom! 

Happy designing! 🙂