Teenagers are no longer children. They're morphing individuals who need their own space for discovery and creativity. It's time to say goodbye to canopies and stuffed animals and hello to an inviting space filled with productivity and fun. Teenagers are deciding who they are and need the privacy and space to flourish. Here are a few ideas to help create a space that affords comfort and plenty of privacy. Parents, please knock.

Color
A teenager needs a blank canvas to recreate herself as often as she wishes. A trip for two to the paint store is the first order of business. Be sure to pick a high-quality paint that will be able to withstand the pounds of tape that will be stuck and unstuck with the poster fad of the week.

Bright, bold colors are the trend today. Paired in any combination without rhyme or reason, the look is eclectic and lively... the perfect surroundings for a teenage girl to revel in her dreams. Just follow a few simple color rules to achieve a cohesive look.

If you choose bright bedding and furnishings, choose a more subtle color for the wall. If you prefer your walls to be overstated and bold, use more subtle colors on your furnishings. Pick one bold color to dominate and two to three others to complement. Stick within the same color tone. If you choose red in a vibrant jewel tone, choose your other colors in the same rich tone.

Visual space
Visually create private space to set areas of the room apart by hanging beads or sheer fabric or by grouping a few like items together to create places to escape as the mood strikes without ever having to leave the room. Add multi-purpose furnishings like a beanbag chair with an ottoman for a comfortable place to study, or a futon for the occasional sleepover guest.

Every room needs to have furniture that is functional. If you must have functional furniture, make it funky. Update older pieces of furniture with bright paints and designs. Use what you have or make a date to haunt those flea markets for the perfect eclectic piece.

Storage solutions for a teenager are bit more tricky than when they were younger. They still love to collect things, but the toybox is no longer appropriate. It's time to find creative solutions to the storage dilemma. No need to worry; the marketplace has taken teens into consideration with a variety of neat solutions.