How to create a mom’s room

Get inspired

Whether your new mom's room is an actual bedroom or a designated area, this is your personal space to re-energize and focus on what makes you happy. As you're designing your special space, think about what inspires you. Is it the ocean? Your children's faces? Your trophy from elementary school? No matter what your source of inspiration, be sure to represent it somewhere in your mom's room. Also, think about what colors inspire you to achieve greatness. Soft blues and greens can be calming, while orange evokes excitement.

Have fun

Remember, this is your room! It can be absolutely anything you want it to be. It doesn't need to match the rest of your home, or fit any particular theme. The only requirement for your mom's room is that it makes you feel happy and relaxed the minute you step inside.

Comfort is key

When selecting furniture, keep in mind that you and your visiting gal pals will need a comfortable place to sit. If your mom's space is an alcove where you catch up on your reading, opt for a corner chaise. Or, if your room is all about gabbing with the girls, select a fashionable sectional sofa.

Efficient workspace

Your mom's space is the perfect place to sit back, relax and do what you love. Set yourself up for success by creating a workspace that fits your needs. If your free time is spent blogging on your laptop, opt for a fun bistro table and chair, or a comfortable and ergonomic desk set. If scrapbooking's more your style, splurge on a large table with space for your tools.

Organize, organize, organize

Avoid turning your mom's room into a clutter closet by keeping it organized and tidy. Be sure you have the right tools, starting with a bookcase to house your book collection, a basket to hold your magazine subscriptions and a file cabinet to hold important documents.

Turn it up

If your mom's room happens to be directly above your teenager's room, and he happens to be going through a heavy-metal phase, you'll need to pump up your jams to help you get in the groove. Set up your iPod into a docking station with speakers, or stream Pandora internet radio on your PC for free.

Set some rules

Last, but certainly not least, it's important to set some ground rules. Just as you respect your childs'/spouses' room, they should also respect yours. That means only entering with your permission. Also, schedule your alone time with your spouse so you can enter your mom's room with a clear conscience, knowing the kids are in good hands.