Small but mighty: Teen suite upgrades

As summer vacation approaches, it's time to roll up our sleeves and invest some warmth and love into our teenagers' bedrooms.

  (photo credit: Itay Banit)
(photo credit: Itay Banit)

It's already a challenging age. They retreat to their rooms, with Instagram as their communication tool. Their private sanctuary is crucial. It's essential they feel at home in their house, especially in their rooms.

"Today's teenagers are highly influenced by their surroundings, including the design of their private spaces. Their rooms are given serious thought to perfectly match their personalities and needs," explains Nirith Frenkel, owner of an architecture and design firm. Frenkel further explains, "The approach is both practical and aesthetic. On one hand, the space should fit their character, schedules, and hobbies, and on the other, it should be a place for rest, work, studying, and hanging out with friends, while providing a good degree of privacy."

  (credit: Itay Banit)
(credit: Itay Banit)
  (credit: Itay Banit)
(credit: Itay Banit)
  (credit: Itay Banit)
(credit: Itay Banit)

Frenkel adds, "It's not a room we change every few years; it's a space that will grow and serve the teenager for several good years, with minor adjustments and adaptations. The goal is to create a stylish and pleasant space that offers a sense of security and a fun place to retreat when friends come over."

"It's important to create an experiential and multi-functional living environment that fits a wide range of scenarios: an effective study corner for homework with friends, a fun seating area, a multimedia zone, and more. Most importantly, the room should be personal and suitable for both solitude and socializing."

  (credit: Itay Banit)
(credit: Itay Banit)
  (credit: Itay Banit)
(credit: Itay Banit)
  (credit: Itay Banit)
(credit: Itay Banit)

She continues, "Choose soft, pleasant, and calming materials. Stay true to a design style that speaks to the teenager's language, ensuring the result is harmonious and pleasing to the eye, with the right balance and proportions in any style chosen. There's no need for monotonous and overly calm designs, but the choice should be interesting and exciting to the right extent. A neutral base is preferred, on which you can build a rich palette of colors and materials that will enhance the atmosphere and positively affect those in the room."

Frenkel concludes, "Of course, when space permits, you can design the area to include a small guest corner, a workspace, and even a bathroom, just like the parents' suite but more compact." In summary, "The most basic elements are, of course, a twin bed, plenty of natural light, ample electrical outlets in various areas, functional lighting near the bed and study corner, and soft, cozy textiles."