For a touch of drama, this homeowner added black in various fabrics as well as in the plates and frames on the walls. Bold chevron stripes on the pillows mixed with a classic duvet pattern brings contemporary elements to the mix.

Painted walls are a practical choice at this stage of the game. Paint has a fresh contemporary feeling, and, better yet, it's the least expensive, fastest way to make a big change in a room. You'll want to tell your child that paint looks a lot darker and more vivid on four walls than in a tiny paint chip and that professional designers usually advocate choosing a color two or three steps lighter than the color you like best on the paint chip. That said, buy the smallest container you can of several colors in the running, and have your child paint an area about three feet square on one wall with each of the colors. Let your child choose the hue that looks best. (One big exception to starting with the paint color is if your child has already picked out a fabric. Then, you'll probably want to suggest paint to coordinate with the lightest color in the fabric.)

This room, with its mixed traditional furnishings and contemporary details, takes its inspiration from a Japanese garden. The furniture comes from a number of sources. Some pieces are antique or vintage―the original recycled product―and others are made from reclaimed wood, but the majority is from nearby furniture companies committed to manufacturing in environmentally sensitive ways. For flooring, a fast-growing yet durable bamboo with a dark stain was chosen to keep the room from looking too contemporary.

Perhaps your ideal way of getting ready for a new day is a refreshing shower. Indulge in the type with multiple shower heads, which can double up as a sauna after a workout. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of winding down in a whirlpool tub after a long day, or you’re a fan of the classic clawfoot tub. A designer can help you put together exactly what you are looking for.