Walls

• Paint the walls in a color both boys agree on, or use a neutral color on two walls and give each boy his own wall. For example, paint one side of the room blue if one boy likes blue and the other side yellow if his brother prefers yellow. Use neutral colors if the boys cannot choose colors that go together. Hang block letters that spell out their names in their perspective space, such as above the beds.
  
  

Furniture

• Furnish the room with pieces that go together, such as the same color or style, for a cohesive look. Use the furniture to create separate space in the room, especially for older boys who may value their privacy more. For example, place the beds so the headboards are back-to-back near the center of the room along one wall. Alternatively, place two chests, desks with hutches or a large bookcase in the center of the room. Bookcases with open shelves can be filled with drawers or baskets that alternate between the boys to give them each storage space. Include furniture both boys can utilize in their common area, such as a play table and chairs for younger boys or a love seat and media center for older boys.
  
  

Textiles

• Give each child the freedom to choose his own bedding if the beds are completely separate from each other. Allow them to choose from a few options if the bedding needs to complement the other child's bedding, such as letting each child choose his own favorite comic book character for a comic book-themed bedroom. Alternatively, use solid bedding in the same colors but different sheets and throw pillows. Curtains and a play rug should be neutral.
  
  

Accessories

• Accessorize the room with items both boys like. For example, hang framed posters of a common interest, such as skateboards, bands, movies, cartoons or sports figures, in the common areas of the room. Let each child display his own pictures, trophies, awards or collectibles in his own area. Each child should have his own area in the closet, which could be separated with a slim shelf in the center and identical shelving options on both sides.