Emyvale - Metal Beds collection from The Original Bedstead Company.

IT NEEDN’T BE a war-zone when the time comes for a teen room design makeover that leaves everyone feeling happy.

Quite the contrary, for it’s possible to have great fun coming up with themes that range from kitschy to contemporary to more classic design styles. Whenever tastes clash, just work on a compromise.

It’s usually easy to find.

The beauty of interior decorating styles, is that there are so many to choose from that it’s usually really easy to identify a theme or variation that is going to please everyone. Let’s face it, modern day teenagers have a far more sophisticated slant on interior design than previous generations. We are constantly bombarded by images on TV and in the media so it’s hardly surprising that we become pretty astute and demanding when it comes to getting exactly what we want.

Design choices these days are available at all price points in thousands of permutations, and this very same breadth of choice has meant that  parents are able to create living spaces for their offspring, that are decoratively appealing and yet at the same time, functional. These days teens can showcase their personality whilst the parents enjoy the knowledge that practicalities are catered for whilst decorative themes can be changed with relative ease at the whim of fad or fashion!

Beach themes, particularly at this time of the year offer a fun, relaxed decorative solution. The style usually features exotic flower or palm tree fabrics or a tropical theme with tiki material, bamboo or anything with a Hawaiian slant.

Images of surfboards or the real thing might prove to be the perfect centrepiece as a wall feature or even as an unusual headboard.

A low modern iron bed would also work well in this environment and a Milano in glossy silver finish would be the perfect partner for any beach theme.

Using camouflage fabrics as bedding or window treatments, also imparts a funky feel. Not necessarily in traditional earthy military hues of green and brown, but also in more colourful palettes where it would be particularly suitable for a girls room.

A mosquito net canopy would be a trendy addition to this theme and Army surplus stores make happy hunting grounds for cheap but effective accessories to make the look complete.

And for a room design that almost any teenager would endorse, it’s always worth considering a modern style room that that features a few arty and fabulously funky elements. Think Retro or kitsch, and you’re on the right lines. The theme can involve the brightest of colours and the most gregarious textures and geometric patterns and abstract shapes.

Metal furniture and particularly metal beds works well within this design style and nickel and chrome beds and furniture are a good choice.

Metal locker storage systems and metal shelves introduce an industrial functional feel, all complemented by vivid abstract prints or teen idol posters.  Girls are arguably the most demanding when it comes to getting the look “just right” and for them one highly fashionable theme right now is French or glam inspired with a touch of nostalgia and a hint of retro romance.

Curvy wood and iron furniture fit well into this theme with satin touches and velvet detailing for extra appeal. We think that a romantic Marseille bedstead in single size and finished in glossy ivory finish would make a pretty addition here complemented with glittery accents such as a small crystal chandelier, mirrored furniture pieces and beaded bed fringes.

For the finishing touch a faux fur bed throw might just be the ultimate in bedroom glam to satisfy even the most demanding teenager!