TeenEdge Style: Tweens, Teens and Cool Room Trends Budding Teenagers Termed Generation "I" for Individuality

Furniture World Magazine

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 (AFMA). "Imagination, independence and individuality are the words that describe the style of children ages 8 to 14," said 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 4h through 9th grades, America's tweens and teens are eager to express their personality. Tweens and Teens in Transition: 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. "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. "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 tones. "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." The American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) is headquartered in High Point,.N. C - the home furnishings capital of the world - and has more than 350 U.S. furniture members. These manufacturers represent a total of 400, 000 employees and more than 75 percent of U.S. furniture shipments.