Sometimes by necessity, and sometimes by choice, boys and girls share bedrooms. In smaller homes space constraints might dictate this, but even in larger homes parents sometimes prefer to have both kids nearby. Plus, sharing is never a bad lesson to learn.

As for decorating this type of bedroom, there can be challenges. Generally speaking, girls and boys like different things. A Transformer and Cinderalla may have to share a shelf. Ballet slippers and basketballs might get thrown in the same bin.

As a parent of co-habitating brothers and sisters, you have a couple clear decoaring choices: you either do a “half 'n half” style -- his side in blue and hers in pink, for example -- or you take the "unisex" approach.

Both can work. It depends on your taste, on your kids' tastes and, possibly, on the room itself.

Today we’re looking at shared, unisex rooms. We love the color pallettes and furniture that suit both boys and girls. Many colors work well: blues, greens, oranges, reds, and whites. And the furnishings, if kept very classic or very modern, can be unisex as well. The lines on antique beds and desks are often strong and not overly frilly, and the clean silhouettes of modern desings are extremely versatile, too.

Those Transformers and Princesses will do the trick in adding each child's individual flair.

Here are some shared boy-girl rooms we really, really love. (We would have shared any of them with our pesky brother.)

Call on the design experts at CertaPro Painters to paint your children's room a delightful, gender neutral color. Or replace pink carpeting with beautiful hardwood floors with the folks from Floor Coverings International. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.

[Images: Apartment Therapy, Ohdeedoh, Giessegi, Cottage Living]