We all need a space of our own, no matter our age. Children can thrive when there is a place in their home that nurtures their imaginations and their sense of belonging.

But the children's furniture and home décor industry is a multi-billion dollar business with such a staggering variety of choices that parents may feel overwhelmed. You may be tempted to let your child live with white walls and beige carpet until he is old enough to tackle the redecorating on his own. But a few of the same principals and techniques designers use can help you create a room your child will love.

Consider how the room will be used - Children's bedrooms have become multipurpose, like most spaces in our homes. It's likely your child not only sleeps in her room, but plays and does homework there as well. While a bed is the essential focus of any bedroom, keep in mind that you may need to incorporate play space, a study area and maybe even a seating area into the room as well.

* Get your child involved - By the time they've mastered speech, most kids are able to tell you what they like and don't like. How involved your child can be in the decorating process will depend on his age and level of development. A toddler may be able to tell you he likes blue but purple is "yucky." An elementary school child may be able to express a preference for a theme or style of bed. A high school student can be fully involved in the planning and execution of her room remodel.

* When it comes to a theme, keep compromise in mind - Maybe your child wants an underwater theme like the one he saw on a home improvement show, complete with the prow of a pirate's ship mounted on one wall. You, however, want something that will grow with him and not break the bank - or your back - to accomplish. Compromise is needed and can be as easy as placing a wallpaper mural of a sailing ship on one wall of your child's room.

* Adapt current design trends - Wallpaper murals are a hot design trend, with many home improvement shows using them to create focal points or accents in nearly every room of the house. They're a great option for a children's room because they're easy to install and offer thousands of images that will fit virtually any design theme you choose. Lowes home improvement stores across the nation sell kid-friendly wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics for under $100. Designs range from the sports themed like the stands of a baseball stadium as seen from the field, to jungle animals and underwater seascapes. To learn more and view kid-friendly mural options, visit a Lowe's store near you.

Designing a child's room can be fun for the whole family, and a great way to spend some quality time with your child. Following these basic principles can help ensure the experience will be rewarding, and the room something your child will love for years to come.

For more information about designing with Feng Shui, visit www.manobluedesign.com or email marie@manobludesign.com