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SEEING DOUBLE
5 tips for decorating shared bedrooms
CATHY HOBBS Tribune News Service
Matching twin beds, desks and artwork creates a cohesive shared
bedroom.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
A desk is used as a room divider and shared space in this
children's bedroom.
SCOTT GABRIEL MORRIS
A long children's bedroom is maximized by the placement of
twin beds opposite each other.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Two beds are dressed with fun, bright "candy colors"
to help create a festive feel.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
A large rug helps visually connect both beds in this space.
ADOBE STOCK
Matching lamps and linens make this room feel cohesive.
ADOBE STOCK
Designing a shared bedroom can be both a challenge and an opportunity.
A popular choice — and often a need — for families, shared rooms can pose different challenges, especially as it relates to configuration and furniture placement.
Twin beds often are the go-to choice for flexibility, but those with larger rooms may opt for full beds, which still provide flexibility, spaciousness and symmetry. To create a thoughtful, cohesive look, proper furniture placement can transform a complex or confined space into one that is balanced and elevated.
Here are five tips for maximizing and elevating a shared space:
1 Consider placing a desk between two identical beds. A desk centered between two beds can help create a focal point.
2 Match it. Identical design elements such as furniture, artwork, mirrors, bedding, pillows and throws can help create a cohesive and appealing look.
3 In a narrow room, place beds on opposite walls. Positioning beds across from one another helps create open floor space.
4 Use an oversized rug to visually connect both beds in a furniture layout. Rugs that are too small will make a room feel "shrunken," while larger rugs will help a room feel more unified, open and spacious.
5 Utilize vertical elements. From architectural elements such as molding or wall paneling to wallpaper and even decorative paint, vertical elements can help make a ceiling feel taller and a space feel more generous.
Cathy Hobbs is the owner of New York-based home staging companies Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes (cathyhobbs.com) and Highland Passive House (highlandpassivehouse.com). Her practical, how-to design advice also can be found in her book, "Home Design Recipes."
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