Back-to-school is just around the corner and I fondly remember the yearly tradition of shopping for new clothes, shoes and school supplies as a kid with my grandmother. How about adding to your checklist of supplies a new bedroom makeover? Look at it as an opportunity to create a fresh environment to kick-off a new scholastic year.

Here are some tips to help you achieve an A+ makeover...beginning first with the most inexpensive change you can do, which is to give the bedroom a new coat of paint. Stay away from pastels and opt for more vibrant colors that can transition with them all the way thru their teenage years such as turquoise, lime, and orange. Accent walls can go a long way to infuse style and color in a room, so even if you only paint one wall, it will make a big difference.

If you're dealing with a small space or a bedroom shared by two children, it's important to choose furniture on a smaller scale and that does double-duty. For example, in the makeover featured, I used low-profile platform beds, and the desk in the middle of the two can also function as a nightstand for both. The beds up against the wall can also be used as a sofa during the day creating the look of a mini-studio. Of course, you want to create a fun environment for them to hang out with friends, but you also want to give them all the tools to hit the books and do their homework.

Keep them organized by providing them with a place for everything...such as floating shelves for their books and trophies; corkboards that can be painted the same color as the walls to display photos, diplomas and ribbons; and a storage chest at the foot of the bed is great to keep their book bags, sports equipment, even instruments from band class. The bedroom should be a reflection of the child's personality, so go ahead and let them express themselves and start a new tradition this school year by redecorating their space!