Teenagers yearn for freedom and need more space. Individuality, expressing themselves and making their own decisions are some of the topmost priorities in this rebellious period of life. They are difficult to please, too.

Basic necessities

The bed, work area and storage are the essentials. A desk large enough to hold a computer and still has ample space for papers and books is ideal. A comfortable chair is more important than ever, as e-mailing and e-chatting have come to rival talking on the phone as favourite teen activity.

Storage is also more important now than when they were younger, as this is the age when kids really get into defining themselves by their stuff: clothes, makeup, sneakers, magazines, CDs, trendy electronic gadgets, and more clothes.

Functional furniture pieces with hidden storage space are the most appreciated ones.

Speaking of storage, don’t forget to include extra options in the bathroom for the vast assortment of grooming products teens often like to experiment with, and that includes boys as well as girls.

These days, it’s more than just deodorant and hair gel — now there’s a different paint-on hair colour for each day, body glitter, unisex nail polish and more creams and potions aimed at the teen market than you can imagine.

Seating

Extra seating for friends coming over for studying or watching movies can always be managed with big, oversized floor cushions or a window seat. If you have bonus space, you can create a private living room space by placing a sofa or an extra-long loveseat, which could double as a bed.

Round-cushioned comfy chairs with wicker bottoms can be used for a mix-and-match colour scheme. You can choose the stackable types that can be stored in a corner of the room, and gain more space. Fold-up chairs and bean bags are also big favourites.

Teenagers sharing room with their siblings will appreciate privacy by hanging beaded curtains or a canopy bed.

Accessories

Inexpensive accessories are the best way to jazz up the room — go for decorative pillows, throws, rugs, lamps, photo frames and wall hangings.

Bulletin boards and clip frames to create a collage of favourite photos, magazine cutouts and posters are a must for teenagers for their hero worship.

Cordless phones in trendy designs and bold colours for those long conversations are the first love of all teenagers.

Teens most definitely loves their loud music. To save your own sanity, and your ears, you might want to include a lot of fabric in the room to absorb some of the sound. But please don’t soundproof these rooms just because you can afford it — you won’t to be able to hear them call if something goes wrong.

The main thing to remember when decorating for a teen is to do it with his or her input. Create an environment for kids that expresses who they are. If you don’t cater to this need, it’s not worth it at all. And you may find it comforting to know that teens today are more design-conscious than ever before.

(The author is an interior design consultant, specialising in the design of corporate and residential interiors. As a senior faculty member at a Calcutta institute, she has delivered lectures, guided research and conducted projects in the field of ‘Housing & Interior Design’ for over two decades. She can be contacted at kusumsmail@yahoo.com )