If you hang a Noah's Ark mural, keep furnishings and linens simple.
Lions and tigers and monkeys -- oh, my! Just make sure there are only two of each. Your precocious child may hold you to the story of Noah's mission to safeguard pairs of critters when the rains came. Kids tend to want it all, but remind your little one that having two of everything on the planet would include creepy crawlers that could lead to nightmares. Ask for her recommendations so you know which animals she likes best. After all, she's the one who will be living in this adorable paradise. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Paint the room (ceiling included) light blue so the background represents the heaven and seawater that held the ark afloat during those dark days and nights. Use sponges or rags to roll clouds onto the ceiling and when the paint dries, affix glow-in-the-dark plastic stars that will "light" your child's night sky after you issue your standard reminder, "Lights out, please."
2. Create a headboard that symbolizes God's promise: a rainbow. There are several ways to tackle this so pick one that matches your budget and skill level: 1) Make a template of a half circle that's as wide as your child's bed, trace it on the wall and paint rings of color to make a rainbow. 2) Stitch a cloth rainbow using quilting or trapunto techniques on fabric stuffed with batting and mount it above the bed. 3) If you're a carpentry pro, cut a half circle of plywood, paint and seal the rainbow, and hang it over the bed.
3. Cover one of the four walls with a mural to make one bold statement rather than purchasing individual lithographs and decorative wall hangings symbolizing the animals making the journey on Noah's Ark. Myriad wallpaper companies market enchanting murals of varying sizes -- some are works of fine art, others are cartoon-friendly and there are plenty of wall-size photographs of undersea life and real animals roaming African savannas that will light up the room with life.
4. Buy furniture that complements the room. If you've used dramatic wallpaper and ceiling clouds, keep everything else simple. Roughly hewn furniture symbolizing Noah's expertise with a hammer and saw adds understated touches in the bed or crib, chest of drawers and other furnishings you'll use in your child's Noah's Ark room.
5. Finish the room with decorative accessories and linens chosen for their ability to bring harmony and reinforce accent colors in the room. Pay attention to the "stimulation factor." There's a delicate balance between a room that's entertaining and welcoming and one that's so cluttered that your child won't know where to look first.
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