As children head back to school after summer days spent outdoors, their lives begin to be focused indoors with hours spent working on homework and playing with friends in their rooms. Along with a fresh pack of crayons and pristine notebooks, your children will likely appreciate a fresh look for their rooms.

Decorating experts at Hunter Douglas, Canada's leading manufacturer of custom window fashions, have some suggestions:

A special place
It is important for your child to have a special space in his or her room dedicated to schoolwork – even if your school boy or girl does not have a room of their own, you can use moldings, a screen or even a curtain to separate the space from the rest of the room. Hunter Douglas Skyline Gliding Window Panels have a panel track system that allow them to be used as a room divider. They also coordinate with Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades and Designer Screen Shades, which have just added a battery-powered wireless motorization option.

A study area can even be fashioned out of a closet, with storage transferred to an armoire or under-the-bed containers. Wherever the area is, make sure it is equipped with a good work surface and outlets for a computer and task lamp.

Create an appealing atmosphere
Take a cue from your child's special interests to select a theme for decorating their room and creating an inviting setting they'll look forward to spending time in. Some examples:

Ocean
If your child thought their vacation at the beach was pure heaven they can return there in memory with a beach-themed-bedroom. Use watery blues on the walls and sand coloured floors. Wallpapers, posters and prints with beach scenes also add to the seashore setting.

Animals
For the child who is crazy about animals, select wallpaper, posters and prints featuring those they are most interested in. Whether inspired by the jungle or a favorite stuffed toy, animals can, with a child's imagination, turn into pleasing imaginary playmates.

Sports
Sports enthusiasts of both sexes will enjoy having mementoes of their favourite sports, whether in the form of trophies, room accessories or team pennants. Skates that have been outgrown can become decorative elements on shelves. For the child who has a passion for rowing, oars painted in bright colours can be transformed into wall décor.

Gardens
Stencil, paint or glue flowers on lamps, headboards and walls to help recreate the natural beauty of an outdoor garden inside the room.

Stars and moonlight
A little night owl will enjoy seeing the planets on the ceiling and perhaps a few shooting stars that decoratively land on walls and furniture.

Be safe
Above all else your child's room needs to be a safe haven. Use window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls, corner and edge bumpers to prevent injuries from sharp edges, and outlet plugs to prevent electrical shocks. Minimize the safety hazards posed by window covering operating cords with the LiteRise cordless operating system or other innovative Hunter Douglas lifting systems offered by the company for enhanced safety at the window.

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca or toll-free at 1-800-265-8000.

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While cheery and bright colours of green, red or yellow create a fun and lively look in the kitchen, for a more sophisticated look consider black. Not only does black add refinement and elegance but it's easy to fit into any existing colour scheme and doesn't show dirt as easily.

“Black in the kitchen can add refinement as well as a more contemporary style,” says Alexandra Marshall, director of marketing for Blanco Canada. “If used as an accent and not too extensively, black will impart sophistication without getting too somber or serious for the kitchen.”

The fashion world knows black can create instant elegance, as in the little black dress, but also that it can reflect a wide range of moods. It can be edgy and rebellious, serious or moody. Paired in contrast with white, the combination creates a dramatic and contemporary look.

In the kitchen, black appliances were once popular but less so since the introduction of stainless steel fridges and stoves. That's understandable since large, major appliances in black can create a heavy look especially for small kitchens. So how can we take advantage of versatile black in the kitchen?

One way is through the use of black accessories including light fixtures, paint trim or small appliances. Used this way, black will catch the eye and sharpen any decorating scheme.

“Our most popular Silgranit sink colour for the kitchen is Anthracite black,” says Ms. Marshall. “Silgranit sinks are made of natural granite and come in a wide range of colours. But Anthracite is a strong favourite and using black for the sink or faucet is an ideal way to add it as an accent without overwhelming the room.”

Silgranit sinks are made up of a composite material that includes 80 percent natural granite and is scratch-proof and highly durable. “Blanco makes matching coloured faucets as well,” adds Ms. Marshall. “So an Anthracite sink can be paired with a matching faucet for a highly coordinated look.”

If that's too much black for your taste, another option is to pair a Blanco Anthracite faucet with a stainless steel sink. Blanco's range of coloured faucets are also stunning when matched to the countertop, backsplash, cabinetry or cabinet hardware, as well as with their Silgranit sink colours. More information is available online at www.blancocanada.com.

Whether you choose to go black in a big way or just use it as an accent, you can't go wrong with this colour to create an elegant, sophisticated look. If you've gone too black, just add back that bright green toaster or yellow blender for an instant cheery lift.

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