There’s nothing more exciting than designing a child’s bedroom.
You can go wacky and wild, introduce bright colours, or opt for a calming room by using neutrals – but add in a little bit of drama for effect, says Catherine Watson, of interior design firm Bert & Wills.
Murals and wallpapers can easily and quickly change a blank canvas into an amazing space and never more so in a child’s room.
I’ve used freelance mural artists to create themed rooms (always bearing in mind the young occupants’ requirements as they can be demanding clients!).
I love Villa Nova’s wallcoverings and illustrator Noval Zommer has created some beautiful designs that are amazing, with bugs, butterflies and nature themed options.
You can buy co-ordinating items such as cushions, rugs, pompoms and braid (Dunelm offer a great range of more affordable accessories too).
In a recent show home I used ‘fetch’ wallpaper and ‘park life’ material from Villa Nova to create a lovely child’s room.
We made a kennel out of ply wood that was covered in fabric and pom-pom edging, complemented by a made-to-measure blind, lampshade and cushions by local company All Stitched Up.
It was finished with co-ordinating bunting.
Consider introducing a tent or tepee as they offer a great place to play.
I have wallpapered wardrobes to great effect and a ceiling wallpaper would work well – a twinkly star design would be lovely for this – or a night sky with planets – could be educational too.
When it comes to the bed, make sure you have plenty of storage for all those items left on the floor.
Bunk beds are a good option, especially if your child has friends for sleepovers (in my experience there was always more talking than sleeping!)
For a fairy tale bed choose one with a ‘house’ frame and add lots of fairy lights – the frame can also make a child feel more secure.
If you’ve got little ones, consider putting a textured bedhead around the bed walls to protect against night wriggling and bumps and it also adds a nice feature.
Finish the room with a soft carpet, perfect for little feet and cosy rugs too.
Side lamps and nightlights add atmosphere while also providing a small amount of light (choose a really low wattage bulb).
Older children/teenagers can be tricky to design for.
A Scandi look is a good choice for a sophisticated option with calming neutrals, woods and natural accessories.
If you’re going for a themed option, design around your child’s interests.
Remember less is more and add touches of a theme rather than a big impactful wall – your teenager will only get older and their tastes might quickly change.
