The Independent, Canadian Statesman Weekender, Bowmanville, Saturday, January 8,1994 15 Helpful Hints for Furnishing and Decorating a Child's Hoorn A beautifully decorated baby's room is always a perfect welcome home for a newborn. But, if you're at the point where it's time to replace the cradle with a bed and-pass the changing table onto someone else, you may want to consider converting your baby's room into a multipurpose multipurpose room that will keep your child occupied as he or she grows older. When decorating a child's room, it's important to think ahead to make certain the room will accommodate his/her changing needs. Planning ahead is particularly important when choosing a color scheme. For example, example, consider selecting neutral background background colors for walls and carpets. You can then use accent pieces such as cushions, comforters and curtains to brighten the room. This approach makes it much easier and less expensive expensive to adapt the room to your child's changing tastes. If you choose to use wallpaper, it can be a wonderful way to add warmth and character to a child's room. But, keep in mind that depend- Mortgage Credit Is Continuing To Edge Upward Mortgage credit outstanding continues continues to grow at a pace of 1.3 per cent, reports the fourth-quarter Mortgage Mortgage Market Trends (MMT), released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This marks the second consecutive quarter where mortgage credit has grown this slowly. slowly. "Subdued housing markets and weak consumer confidence have permitted permitted only a marginal rise in residential residential .mortgage, credit," said,- Tim Elliot, CMHC's Capital Markets Economist. "Mortgage credit is .still*, rising because the housing stock continues continues to expand and mortgages are a good instrument for both lenders and borrowers." Although growth in total residential residential mortgage credit is restrained, higher growth for banks led to continued continued gains in market share. This issue issue of MMT also reviews how the share of mortgage credit held by various various types of lenders has changed over time: Gains by banks have been made in both residential single and multiple mortgages. Bank acquisition of tmst companies was the main reason reason for gains in residential single mortgages. For residential multiple mortgages, banks have gained from all other financial institutions. Prospective home buyers spend an. average of five to six months searching searching for a home, according to a survey of CMHC insurance clients described in this issue of MMT. The survey also indicates that clients consider three to four homes before choosing one, and that they tend to buy existing existing single-detached homes most often. often. Also noted in this issue of Mortgage Mortgage Market Trends is the strong growth in NHA-Mortgage Backed Securities (NHA-MBS). The third quarter saw 109 pools totalling $1,983 million come to market reflecting reflecting strong activity in residential singles and record social housing activity. activity. The $945 million in social housing activity was driven by the largest ever social housing pool, $200 million issued August 1, and the biggest month yet of social housing housing activity with 17 pools issued in July for a total of $466 million. ing on the pattern you select, you may have to re-decorate more frequently frequently than if you stick with painted walls. When selecting wallpaper, make sure it is washable, durable and can be easily removed if necessary. Wallpaper borders have also become become a popular way to liven up. a room. Bold stripes, cartoon characters characters and zoo animals are just a few of hundreds of fun patterns to choose from. Once again, you may have to change the borders frequently if you choose patterns your child will outgrow outgrow quickly. Flooring Options More than likely, your child's room will serve as both a playroom and a bedroom. So, keep durability and comfort in mind when selecting flooring. If you decide to carpet the room, avoid coarse carpeting that can be abrasive to children who are still crawling or who will spend most of the time playing on the floor. In addition, addition, make sure you choose a dark color color since stains are more visible on light-colored carpeting. Cork tiles are ideal for a playroom since they are warm and easy to maintain. maintain. Vinyl floors, made of a thick, cushioned grade, are also durable. If you opt for wooden floors, keep an eye out for loose boards, splinters ôr protruding nails that could cause injury. injury. Choosing Furniture Planning ahead is also important when selecting furniture. Whether you're buying a whole new set of furniture furniture of just adding to existing pieces, pieces, it's best to select furniture that can be adjusted as your child grows. For example, there are many shelving shelving systems and desks that can be elevated elevated to keep pace with your child's growth. If you plan to install a shelving shelving system, make sure you secure it against a wall so there's no chance of it falling over. Sturdy and durable pieces of furniture furniture are ideal for children's rooms since they don't chip easily and can stand up to heavy use. Even though this furniture may be more expensive, it's worth it to spend a little more money on pieces that will last longer. Avoid furniture with sharp or rough edges that can injure your child. Special Special protective comer guards can. be purchased for added protection. Maximizing Storage Space If you're tight on storage space, beds with storage bins underneath are an excellent buy. Younger children usually need a lot more storage space for toys than clothes. So, keep an eye out for large plastic or wooden toy bins which are sure to come in handy, Stacking storage baskets and low- level cupboards will also help maintain maintain order in the room. Safety Precautions As with every other room in your home, make sure' all electrical fittings are shielded. Safety socket covers are an excellent way to ensure inquisitive little ones don't poke small metallic objects into unused electrical outlets. You should install safety latches on windows as well. Electrical radiators, light fixtures, portable fans and drapery cords can ■ also be very dangerous, so keep them well out of the reach of youngsters. For additional ideas on decorating your child's room, check decorating magazines and furniture showrooms or consult a decorator. ifsoip HOCKIN 123 KING STREET E. BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO 905-623-4115 Marg Bain HOME OF THE WEEK NIFTY FOR $124,750. 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