Contributed by Info Guru Terri Wallace

As your kids get older, the time comes to pack away the cartoon character sheets and freshen things up with a decidedly less “childish” charm.

Here are a few good things to do with kids to help decorate, or redecorate. Pick a few projects to spruce up their space, and have them help with the handy-work. Who knows? It might even encourage them to keep their room clean!

10. Mirrors

Add some glamour and glitz to a room with an eye-catching mirror decal. These decals allow you the chance to introduce a little peace or love into a room with minimal effort. And, unlike “real” mirrors, the decals are kid-friendly and there is no risk of breaking them and incurring seven years’ bad luck!

9. Kid Cave

Even kids need some quiet time, and this is especially true if they have to share a room with a sibling. Create a kid-cave that promises a bit of privacy with the help of a stylish room divider. The divider also folds away for easy storage when not in use.

8. Wall Art

Let your kids dream big — and tell them you think they’re something super-special by decorating their room with a personalized work of art featuring them as superheroes. Most photo editing software can easily turn your home photos into amazing works of art, but with a little more expertise, you can use it to morph your little ones into their super hero! Not only will it be a great addition to their room now, it will also become a treasured family heirloom when they have kids of their own. A win-win!

7. Store Some More

With toys, clothes, sports gear, and crafts, storage space is always at a premium. A classic camp trunk provides extra storage space with a retro flair. A sturdy trunk or storage chest can provide years of practical storage. As an added bonus, it can also transition with your child as he moves to a dorm room or first apartment and can serve as a stylish nightstand or coffee table! (Do make sure any trunk or chest used by kids is fitted with safety hinges to prevent injuries and lock-ins.)

6. Lighting

Lighting doesn’t have to be stark or utilitarian. Add extra lighting to study areas or reading nooks with a bold choice in illumination that is as unique and distinctive as your not-so-little one. Choose lighting that will transition with your child and can reflect his many interests and preferences.

5. A Box for Your Bling

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings…the trinkets and baubles can take over a room if you let them. Create a special spot for accessories with a jewelry box that can corral the bling. The boxes also work well to store iPods, earbuds, cell phones, and other small electronic devices.

4. Bed in a Bag

Dress a dashing bed with a sheet and quilt set that is a comfortable as it is creative. Fair warning: teenagers are notoriously difficult to wake up; bedding this cozy will not make that chore any easier.

3. Pillows

A cozy place to read or lounge will quickly become the most popular place in the room. Add the finishing touches to a comfortable bed with some throw pillows that show off her creative side.

2. Window Treatments

Forget plan mini-blinds or shades, a room this stylish deserves window dressings that pop! Whether her style is a classic stripe or a spot-on polka dot, dramatic window treatments will help block out the harsh morning sun so your world-weary tween can get her beauty rest.

1. Clock

Waking up might be a little easier if your sleepy-head has a clock that rocks! Look for novelty decor items like a funky timepiece to add the final bit of charm to a room and might even encourage them to get up and face the day.