Kids' rooms: how to design one with staying power

CHICAGO — Dora the Explorer can undergo all the makeovers she wants — that Dora comforter is still getting chucked faster than last year's gym shoes when Hannah Montana comes calling.

And therein lies the quandary for parents trying to decorate their kids' rooms in a way that's both whimsical and practical: Do you give in to the relentless onslaught of characters, themes and eye-catching colors your child covets? (It is her room, after all.) Or do you insist on decor with a little more longevity and panache? (Child's translation: boooor-ing.)

Surely Spider-Man and style can peacefully co-exist. Here we turn to three experts in search of some middle ground.

Themes are for birthday parties. "If your kid is into trains, a lot of parents will buy the train wallpaper border, train bedding, train models to put on a shelf and so on," says Serena Dugan, co-founder and creative director for Serena & Lily children's bedding line (serenaandlily.com). "But chances are your child is going to be on to something new soon, so you no longer love the room and the child's over it too. A little goes a long way."

A little, in this case, can take the form of a single pillowcase, desk accessories, stickers on a bulletin board, even a throw pillow. Anything that you won't mind parting with in short order because it didn't cost much and replacing it doesn't require an overhaul of the room.

"My son was so into Batman when he was little," says Michelle Williams, founder of Michelle Williams Interiors (mwilliamsinteriors.com). "I got him one big pillow for the top of his bed. He thought it was terrific and I didn't feel bad when he was done with it."

Teach art appreciation. A fun way to sneak childlike accents into a room is through framed "artwork." For toddlers, this might mean framing flashcards, colorful greeting cards or their own masterpieces. For slightly older kids, this is a great spot for their favorite characters to find a home.

"If they're into Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella, buy a poster and frame it," suggests Williams. "Now it's elevated from a cheapo fad to 'Wow, look at this! It's art!' And when they get older, take the poster out and replace it with something else."

Williams framed some classic Barbie prints from Z Gallerie for her daughter's room. "Young at heart, but sophisticated at the same time," she says.

She also suggests hanging art lower on the walls. "By hanging a piece of art low over a bean bag chair, you are creating an 'area,'" she says.