Kincaid
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Today's budding teenagers represent one of our nation's fastest growing
consumer segments.
Estimated at 31 million, this group is not only growing, it's growing
up. Although they are commonly regarded as Generation Y, when it comes to
decorating their rooms, tweens and young teenagers (ages 8 to 14) can be
described as Generation "I" - for individuality, according to the American
Furniture Manufacturers Association.
"Imagination, independence and individuality are the words that describe the
style of children ages 8 to 14," says AFMA Vice President Jackie Hirschhaut.
"Ready and anxious to branch out from their parents, these budding adults love
to creatively express themselves within the walls of their bedrooms."
According to AFMA's survey of 500 children ranging from the 4th through 9th
grades, America's tweens and teens are eager to express their personality.
Tweens and Teens in Transition
Lea
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Of the children surveyed, the youngest, ages 8 to 10, expressed the greatest
desire for more grown-up furniture, as well as a change in the colors and
accessories in their bedrooms.
Older children, ages 11 to 14, declared their need for additional pieces to
add to their rooms.
"Furniture manufacturers have addressed both of these childhood concerns,"
said Hirschhaut. "Not only is there a tremendous selection for kids, but some of
the most popular collections are those that offer additional pieces as the child
grows older, such as versatile storage pieces and armoires for housing
televisions and electronics.
Lee
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"Perhaps the biggest benefit for parents is that their child's furniture will
be practical and sophisticated enough to shift into a guest room or move to a
dorm room or first apartment," said Hirschhaut.
According to the AFMA survey, when asked what piece of new furniture they
would most like to add to their bedrooms, the most frequent answer among all
ages was a place to sit, such as a sofa or chair, followed by a new bed, a
computer workstation or desk, and a dresser.
The Difference "Tween Boys and Girls
The differences between boys and girls may first become evident when it comes
to decorating their rooms. According to the survey, girls get their decorating
ideas from magazines and at the mall, while boys get ideas from themselves and
from friends.
Other influences young people listed include parents and television. And,
when it comes to spending time in their rooms, the contrasts continue. Girls
study, read and listen to music, while boys watch television, play video games
and hang out with friends.
Stanley
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"When it comes to buying furniture for your children, be sure to consider
their hobbies and interests," said Hirschhaut. "It's important to reflect each
child's unique personal style in both the furniture and decorating scheme of
their bedroom."
Cool Room Trends
When shopping for furniture with their tween or young teenager, parents will
be surprised by the wide array of choices designed to meet the diverse needs of
today's families and youth. Some of the current trends include:
- Use of varied woods, veneers and decorative finishes resulting in more
style choices than ever for youth bedrooms
- Creative storage solutions to house computers, televisions, game stations
and the multitude of accessories tweens and teens love
- Upholstery scaled for youth rooms and available in a variety of colors and
fabrics, from bright, trendy suedes to soft, subtle toiles.
"It's a great time to be young," said Hirschhaut. "Today's furniture styles
will allow kids to grow up and feel independent, and please their parents at the
same time."
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