Rossetto Interior Design | How to decorate with your teenager

A teenage bedroom is more often than not the only part of the house that your teenager can claim as their own.  It’s their sanctuary, and let’s face it, their private space, where parents are not always welcomed, and friends often end up staying the night at the last minute.

As an interior designer and mother of two young adults, I have first hand experience of the joys and tribulations of navigating the challenging teenage years.

One thing I have learned is that helping teenagers appreciate and enjoy their own space, and letting them feel valued and listened to, is one of the most rewarding feelings.  Let them express themselves and experiment, let them have their say.

Involve your teenager from the start

Can you decorate with your teenager?

Yes, and it can be fun! Let them show you the colours they love, the influencer’s videos on Tik Tok, the images from Pinterest, and the things that inspire them.

It gives you the opportunity to understand their evolving style and support them as they grow into their own identity.

Balance their style with every day function

While your teen might be dreaming up a neon jungle or minimalist gaming den, as well as being the bank (joys of parenthood!), you’re also there to make sure the space functions well. Think about their needs: a place to study, relax, sleep, and hang out with friends.

Us parents can be helpful by suggesting practical furniture which is multifunctional, pieces that can combine concealed storage and display space, like desks with drawers and shelving.

One thing that is guaranteed to make them feel grown up is to change their single bed for a double bed, if your space permits it.

Set boundaries together

Yes, it’s their room — but it’s still part of your home and budget. The key is setting boundaries together.

Decide upfront what’s flexible (paint colours, posters, soft furnishings), and what needs to stay (budget, layout constraints, existing furniture).

Keep the conversation open and collaborative, rather than dictating rules.

Teens are more likely to take ownership and care for a space they had a hand in designing.

Add personality with creative touches

We can collaborate with them in choosing loved artwork and create a gallery wall full of personal touches, from framed posters to photos and DIY crafts. And we can show them how easy it is to update a room by simply changing accessories and colour palettes.

You can suggest upcycling an old piece of furniture with them, as this encourages creativity and a sense of accomplishment, and it’s an easy way to personalise their space.

Lighting can also make a big difference: LED strips, fairy lights, or even a statement lamp can transform the atmosphere instantly.

Create a room that grows with them

Teenagers change quickly — and so do their tastes. So while it’s fun to indulge their current interests, it’s wise to choose base elements that can evolve with them.

Neutral furniture, adaptable layouts, and easy-to-swap decor like cushions, bedding, and wall art mean the room can grow and shift with their personality.

We can help them dream big! Decorating with your teenager is more than picking colours and furniture – it’s about giving them the space to be themselves, to grow, and to feel proud of their own sanctuary.

When done together, it becomes a creative, bonding experience that benefits both of you, and leads to a space they’ll truly love.

Thanks to Marzia Lawson of Rossetto Interior Design for contributing this blog.

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