Preschoolers' room should be full of fun

By Jura Konciusand Liz Seymour

Question: We have a back deck off our main floor, along with a brick patio from the walk-out basement, which makes for a shaded sitting area. My question is how to decorate under the deck. We were thinking of stringing solar-powered lights and getting a bistro- style patio set.Answer: Start with something like one fun pillow in a shade you would never have chosen. Go to a place like West Elm or Pier 1 Imports or Marshalls or Target. With brown and green, you might add touches of sky blue, red or even lavender.Question: I'm trying to figure out what shade of blue I should use for my front door. The house is red brick with white window trim and a cedar and white front porch. I've decided to paint the porch floor navy blue.Answer: I really like Ikea for kids' furniture, especially beds and dressers. I went to Anthropologie and got really fun drawer pulls that I used instead of standard ones on the dresser. I also got beanbags from the Company Store for my kids' rooms, and they love them.Reader: Why not have the preschoolers make the artwork themselves? Buy some sturdy paper or pulled canvas and a few different paint colors that match the color scheme of the room. Then have the kids go at it! Frame the pictures and update them every few months.The Washington PostAnswer: Would you consider a black door to go with what you describe as a very classic house?Question: The color palette in my home is very safe. Lots of neutral browns and greens. I would love to add bright and unexpected colors but have no idea where or how to start. Any suggestions for a decorating newbie?Answer: Buy nice planters and get small trees or bushes to put in them. Boxwood, camellia, hibiscus or oleander make a nice tall statement. An outdoor rug is also fun. What about a fire pit?

Answer: Start with something like one fun pillow in a shade you would never have chosen. Go to a place like West Elm or Pier 1 Imports or Marshalls or Target. With brown and green, you might add touches of sky blue, red or even lavender.