Children ’ s Spaces
8 trends for 2018 and how to use them
Interior design ideas to enhance your youth ministry
Rebecca Calbert , AIA , LEED AP , NCARB
As we come into the New Year , we feel the need to freshen up our spaces and clean out our closets . The beginning of a new year is synonymous with change , self-improvement , and taking on new challenges . A typical resolution is to clean out and redecorate tired areas to offer a fresh start to a renewed program .
Our design firm has compiled a list of our eight favorite interior design ideas trending right now that will enhance your youth ministry and church as a whole .
# 3 : A warm hug
Blending earthy browns with rosy blush tones is like walking into a warm hug . The appeal of this color combination comes from its relationship to our natural skin tones , which lends itself to infant and preschool spaces .
To continue these colors into a teen center , give it an edginess with raw woods and shiny fabrics . Keep the gentlemen of your congregation from feeling out of place by limiting blush tones . Minimalistic-style furnishings also prevent this from coming across as too feminine .
# 4 : Raw materials
Using natural materials isn ’ t new , but try to combine wood , metal and stone in unique ways . Metals are making a comeback , but instead of metal and glass furniture , the current interpretation of this trend is metal with wood . Thanks to innovative flooring products , you can get the warmth of wood in a waterproof product .
Glass is never recommended in children ’ s environments unless it is tempered . Safety first !
# 1 : Fresh complements
If you are interested in invigorating colors , follow nature ’ s example from sunsets and use the complementary shades of blue and orange . Blue and orange can be used together in children ’ s and adult spaces alike ; the key is to pick the right shades of each color to fit the mood of each area .
In children ’ s spaces , an entire wall saturated with color might be the perfect way to cheer up a lower level classroom with few or no windows . In teen spaces , use strong , bright doses of the colors . In adult spaces , soften or deepen the shades for a more sophisticated experience .
# 2 : Bring the outside in
Another favorite color trend that seems to never go out of style is one that will give your facility a very comfortable and relaxing aura : the verdure trend . This trend focuses on the many shades of lush green vegetation . Combine your favorite shades of green with berry-infused purples , which symbolize health and well-being , and it will create a sense of comfort in your church facility , while still remaining interesting .
# 5 : Classic chic
For those who enjoy a strong , powerful and intense décor , we can testify to a color palette that summons strength and power : black and gold . These two colors will give any room a sense of luxury and exclusivity while causing quite the impression .
# 6 : Rec-room meets restaurant
You don ’ t have to be a restaurant to look and feel like one . The design elements of restaurants and cafés function well for teen centers . A mixture of seating types , loosely-defined zones for small group discussions , and moveable furniture to allow for sizeable group activities , will be a big hit with young and old alike .
# 7 : Large-scale graphics Inspirational phrases adorned on walls and artwork are on point right now . We can ’ t imagine anything more inspirational than bible passages . Wall murals are made from vinyl that can be easily installed and easily removed . Having the youth create the graphic art themselves is also a very costeffective choice , that involves team building as well .
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