At this age you should just ask for favorite colors, and then you pick the complimentary covers. Real privacy demand won't happen until about 11 - 13, so right now just concentrate on making it beautiful. If it is pretty and functional, they will love it! Buy furniture pairs so when you do split them up they each have basics. Advice about dividing the room generally is good, but you don't want big sister declaring any territory! There is a crown detail you can do over a bed that includes curtains down on either side - can provide privacy when you sit up in your own bed - consider this as they get a little older and won't pull it down while hijinxing. If it is beautiful and the textiles are in a color they love (or two colors that work together, like pink and lavender on a spring green or taupe wall &/or turquoise and spring green on a buttercream yellow wall ) - then they will see that they can also be different people who are harmonious together. At 7, she is old enough to pick a great color, but don't ask the 5 year old - her taste is changing daily - just surprise her with something all her own that works with sister's pick. I like the look when people select soft goods that match except for color and find one great print accent pillow that ties colors together for both beds. Stay with neutrals on furniture - you can paint out different stuff so it is tied together with pale gray paint. Think mostly about function - Add shelves and cubbies that hold baskets for stuff - stuff changes but they always have it. If you have room, give them each a desk as they approach 5th grade.

i would look at the McKenzie Childs catalog to get inspired. (http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/Furniture/)

Hi Domtay, Thank you for your comment. I can understand when it comes to heritage homes some feel its best to retain the history of the space and keep the original finishes. If you are interested I work with creating high quality 3d renders for residential homes and with this service you will have the opportunity to see your room fully furnished with paint and wallpaper options before renovation has even begun. This will give you the opportunity to try various decorating options and discuss these concepts with family and friends which will give them, as well as yourself confidence in your design ideas and finishing your home makeover. This is intended to be an interactive experience where you will be able to visualise your ideas through 3d programs without consequence. If you would like to know more about my services please visit my website: http://www.vizcor.com Below are some designs I have worked on where I have integrated eclectic furniture and wallpaper in traditional homes. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me: amanda@vizcor.com.

These houses were designed to look good from the street, regardless of what the orientation was for the Sun. Everything depends on your budget and how far your prepared to go. A friend's house in Queenstown faced the street, the toilet and bathroom had the best view of the lake and the Sun. They got a house removal Coy in, jacked it up put it on the truck drove out and turned it around and reconnected all the services. It then faced the North and West great views and warmth, doubled its value in 3 days!. I replaced my storage water cylinder with a outside gas one, picked up enormous space in our laundry. Another tip is to draw up your "dream" plan, then overlay it over the existing and see what you can really do, your then not influenced by what is already there, and often get a much better insight and removed from the existing. Good luck, its very rewarding and make it fun!