How can I redecorate my sons 1-room apartment?

Marilyn Harris
by Marilyn Harris

We built our handicapped son an 18x18 room in our back yard...with his condition ...this is the only independence he will ever have. He has been out there for about 20 years. He had a beautiful home when we got it all decorated. But now...it in dire need of resaving it to be a palace for him..he's worth it..can u help?

  5 answers
  • Marilyn Harris Marilyn Harris on Apr 23, 2019

    My son is handicapped. He is 42 but his mind is a 12 yr old. Its an 18x18 rm..help me decorate his room

  • Natalie Natalie on Apr 23, 2019

    Simple things like new paint, new bed covers and sheets, curtains, and decor can make a big impact. What is his favorite hobby sports team etc.? I would give the room a theme and find things that fit in that theme.

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Apr 23, 2019

    Marilyn...Use his favorite colors and let him pick out items he likes such as sports, horses, cars, etc. Use bedspreads and curtains of his choice. If I am totally off base send another message. Good luck!

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Apr 23, 2019

    Wash & clean everything then....New paint for sure and new furniture throws/covers(can be removed for washing). What is his handicap?? some forms of Autism need the spaces to be calm no patterns on everything & no bright colors,it creates confusion even to the point of panic anxiety. They cannot concentrate as they are drawn to the chaos on walls,curtains, bed spreads,can be same with bright colors.Most handicaps need Calming colors----Both boys and girls respond well to pale pink—Benjamin Moore’s Pinky Swear is a good choice—or other tranquil hues, such as pale blue, soft green. Avoid borders, stripes, patterns and prints, which can overstimulate, and limit your use of primary colours to lightweight toys that can be easily stored away out of sight.ORGANIZATION is key/calming for any handicap. Cabinets that are easily accesible for him to put his things in.Definitely no glass. Shelving for radio/music and place to put his most prized stuff so he can see it easily.(Clutter and mess can create anxiety in kids with autism. Using storage solutions that keep playthings out of sight eliminates the visual chaos that can be so stressful.. For special items that your child wants to keep out in the open, consider a well-designed display system where they can arrange and observe a few beloved objects.-----LIGHTING--Children with handicaps can be sensitive to bright lights, particularly fluorescent lights and over-abundant sunlight. Soft, natural lighting is best during the day, but in the evening, darker is better in the bedroom. For those who are sensitive to the light outside their windows from street lamps and cars, blackout curtains can be a good idea. Adding dimmer switches to the main lighting allows for a slow and easy transition from light to dark. For children who don’t like total darkness, Marquee-style nightlights, lamps and customizable LED letter lightboxes(his name) help take some of the worry out of saying goodnight.BEDDING--When you’re shopping for bedding, consider texture. Use your child’s favourite piece of clothing as a guide: Is it cotton or flannel? Soft or rough? Whatever type of fabric they like to wear is probably what they will like on their bed. Compression bed sheets stretch over your kid’s body and give deep pressure that can soothe children who have a tough time unwinding, relaxing and calming their bodies for sleep. A heavier comforter,thick cotton quilts, down-filled duvet or weighted blanket such as this microplush one from Gravid, provide hug-like pressure that can make a child feel secure.SEATING--For some children, cocooning is crucial to relaxation. A sensory swing is a great way to calm a child with autism and even, sometimes, put them to sleep. Hammock or pod-type swings, such as the JOKI hanging nest swing, offer a cozy nest where children can seek refuge. The inflatable Sensory Pea Pod sits on the ground and it’s great for kids with sensory processing issues who crave deep pressure to calm down and focus. Most children three years and up can get in and out of the pod themselves, but younger children would require supervision. The pod serves as a safe space to retreat for a kid who’s feeling overwhelmed, or as a place to get a comforting all-over hug while playing video games or watching TV.





  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 23, 2019

    have him pick out colors on a paint strip to paint his room. does he play with any toys? buzz light year? Disney theme? what grabs his attention? limit the amount of ideas so he does not get overwelmed. you know him best. you can get removable wall stickers to put up.