It can be hard to walk the fine line between a boy’s room that is fun and appealing to your son and still meets your style goals. This bedroom has many features that work for both. Let’s take a look at this Malibu model from the Shoreline community and figure out how and why this room works.

Choose a theme: A nautical theme provides a way to introduce bright colors and interesting accessories. The art and pillows echo the feelings of semaphore flags, and the matching lamps look like large fishing lures. The brightly-striped bedspread brings the look together without pushing the nautical feel too far.

Buy good furniture: The matching chests of drawers provide plenty of clothes-space and can follow your son into his first apartment, or work well for a conversion to a guest room later. The simple red wicker chair adds a touch of whimsy to the room, but it is flexible enough to find a good location later somewhere else in the house. The only piece of furniture with limits is the single bed, but it’s a good decision because it provides plenty of floor room for play.

Choose neutral options: They beige carpeting and walls work great for this design but leave space for completely changing the look later. While the art is set in blocks contrasting colors on the walls, paint is easy to change. Add simple wood blinds under the window valances and this room is ready to work as a boy’s room or anything else.

With careful planning and design choices, you can make a child’s room that will grow with him and your family’s changing needs.