Every teenager is different and unique. However, they do have a few things in common, especially when it comes to their bedroom needs and wants. This is the point in their lives where they are figuring out who they are and want to express it.

Learn how to create a functional space that they will love by following these tips.

Teenagers are a mix of jaded and hopeful, stupid and smart, disinterested and passionate, clueless and driven, helpless and powerful, unsure of themselves and totally sure. They have no answers except for knowing everything.

M. BLAZONED, “The Beautiful Maddening Contradiction of Teenagers”, Huffington Post, January 31, 2017

Have Lots of Storage Space

Teenagers accumulate a lot of junk. From books, collectible items down to their clothing and shoes—it gets everywhere. If you don’t have storage solutions set in place, their room will slowly start to resemble a landfill.

One of the best ways to maximize space in their bedroom is to install a fitted wardrobe. With these, you can completely customize it to your teen’s specific needs. Add mirrors, drawers, shelves—whatever will keep their junk in its place and off the floor.

Generally, the cost of a fitted wardrobe ranges from $750-4000 depending on how fancy you want to get, but for a teen’s bedroom you may want to discuss what features they want and when to stick to the basics.

Go for Bold and Out There

Let’s face it-teens are full of opinions and attitudes. Why not decorate their room in a way that represents them?

Does your teen love colors and whimsy? Use bright colors, eclectic decor, and unique one of kind pieces to make them smile every time they enter their room.

Playful details keep them young and fresh yet add that sophistication they crave. You can do this by painting the ceiling, using wallpaper, or sticking fun wall decals on the walls.

Every Area in their Bedroom Should Have a Purpose

For some reason, most teens spend the majority of their time in their rooms, avoiding us parents. And, who can blame them? It’s their sanctuary.

This means that their bedroom is used for way more than just sleeping. They use it for studying, hanging out with friends, and relaxing. So make sure their room is multipurpose and can serve all these functions.

Set up a study area with a desk and storage space for their books and supplies. Who knows they may eat here too?

And, also, a cozy lounge area with a couch or fun chairs for video games or hanging with friends. After all, friends rank at the top of your teen’s most important list.

When deciding to makeover your teen’s bedroom, consult them first. It would be awful to fix up their room only for them to hate it, right? Talk to them and find out what would make their bedroom ‘lit’ in their eyes. Then brainstorm together, and the perfect creative yet functional space will emerge. Have fun, guys!

The older your teenagers are, the more they will have their own ideas and opinions. If you take them seriously, rather than assuming your ideas are always best and the only ones, you will begin to grow a relationship that will extend beyond the hormone-group years.

KEVIN LEMAN, Have a New Teenager by Friday