People used to dream of living in a home fit for a king. Today, buyers are increasingly looking for homes fit for a kid. Though parents still have the final word on what new home they buy, children can have an impact on that decision.

The National Association of Home Builders' Sales and Marketing Ideas magazine ran a cover story this year on the popular trend of "themed" children's rooms. It quoted Suzanne Felber of The Casa in Tucson as saying, "If parents are torn between two homes, they may choose the one that most appealed to their kids." She says, "when kids come into the model and really come alive, it often sells the home."

With that in mind, childrens' rooms in model homes are taking on a new look. Forget the blue walls and cowboy prints of little boys past or the florals and pastels of little girls' rooms. Today's looks feature bold colors and a huge range of decorating ideas. The emphasis is on themes that appeal to kids -- movies, sports, theater and nature are among the starting points.

Builders are finding new ways of marketing space to draw on this trend. For example, Brookfield Homes, with developments on the East and West Coasts, is now advertising floor plans that feature rooms it dubs "children's retreat" or "teen suite." The children's retreat, which is offered on certain models, is a room located above the garage that can be used as a child's play area -- a retreat from the grown-ups in the house. The teen suite is an alcove above the garage that has a separate entryway and the option of a mini-kitchen.

Of course, what you're really talking about here is just some extra space. The rooms just as easily could be used for an upstairs family room, a computer room, or anything else you might need. What's new is the idea of marketing toward the kids.

The once-popular "in-law suite" in some homes is also getting a new name. Today you might be more likely to find that space being described as the perfect accommodation for a nanny.

If you're looking at homes already occupied by children, take a look at the back yard and you might also be surprised. Forget the rickety, old metal swing sets you may have played on as a child. Today's equipment is going upscale. Though backyards are growing increasingly smaller, parents seem willing to spend more and more on play sets that are growing larger and far more elaborate.

Childlife Inc., which has been making children's play sets since 1945, says its prices now range from $650 to more than $3,000. In addition to traditional swings and slides, its backyard equipment includes accessories such as a play telescope, a wavy bridge, a climbing ramp, or a $99 communications system that allows kids in the Childlife treehouse to talk to those on the ground.

Creative Playthings advertises play sets starting as low as $249, but prices can quickly climb as you customize the play systems. Among the add-ons Creative Playthings offers are a skybox playdeck, a spiral slide, a rock climbing wall, a clubhouse and a fireman's pole.

The trend toward larger homes, an increase in disposable income, and the move toward "cocooning" are among the reasons cited for the new emphasis on children in home building and design. Many parents, short on time to spend, also are more willing to spend money in an effort to keep their kids happy.

The important thing: keep the marketing strategies in mind as you and your kids start shopping for that new home.

Carol Ochs is a Washington-based reporter who covers new home trends.