Children's Bedrooms are generally multi-functional - a space to sleep fundamentally but in the absence of a playroom, they will also be a space to play and to store toys. As children become older, their bedrooms become a space to relax, to read, perhaps to watch television or play games, to chat to friends and to host sleepovers. Therefore, it can be a good idea to plan them carefully when your child is young - to ensure that they are a versatile space that can be easily adapted, has good storage and space as well as having a design scheme that will not date quickly.
A carpet or rugs on a wooden floor are a good idea for children's bedrooms, providing a soft cosy surface for them to kneel on and play.
Colour
Children's bedrooms can become very colourful once their toys, pictures, bedlinen, rugs and curtains have been added to the scheme so it can often be a good idea to paint or wallpaper the walls in a neutral colour particularly if the room is on the smaller side. If the walls are very colourful, then it will not be a restful environment if there's a plethora of stimuli there with colourful accessories, books and toys. However, if there is a separate playroom where many of the toys will be stored, then you can afford to have walls that are more spectacular.
Girls tend to like pink but too much pink in a room can be overwhelming - calm it with the addition of some soft greens or aquas. Many new wallpapers and fabrics for girls now incorporate these colours within the pattern, thereby limiting the amount of pink that is used. Designers Guild's Primrose Hill range is ideal for young children and teenagers as a number of different colours are incorporated into most of the designs.
Children can outgrow themes very quickly so choose those that will last for quite a long time and then accessorise with small accessories with those the children will outgrow e.g. the Bob the builder or Barbie accessories. The Ostrich wallpaper by Turner and Pocock is gorgeous - an elegant cranberry in colour against a neutral background and with such a simple design, it will last for years.
Themes for Boys
The nautical look is a popular theme within boys bedrooms and one that can be adapted as the child becomes older. It is a look that is easily achieved with the additions of items such as nautically-themed pictures, sailor hooks, gingham checks, curtains and cushions with flags and boats, seaside colours of blues, beiges and whites enlivened with splashes of red.
Paperboy is a new wallpaper company that launched at 100% Design in London in September. They have designed a fabulous collection of elegant, high-quality decorative wallpapers for children - and more specifically boys. Their wallpapers are fabulous because they encourage creativity and imagination. They appeal to boys who have a sense of humour and an enjoyment of the scary or an attraction to the horrid. The Dya-think-e-saurus wallpaper is perfect for boys to imagine ducking and diving amongst dinosaurs, flying through the air with one, trying to hide from a T-Rex, lying down chatting with miniature dinosaurs - really different, funky and stylish.
Storage
Storage is essential for children's bedrooms. Toys, books and accessories tend to accumulate. Bookshelves at an easy reach from the child's bed are a good idea so they can choose their bedtime read before they snuggle down. Storage units with colourful tubs or baskets are excellent for holding items such as lego, bricks and vehicles. It is much easier persuading children to tidy up if it is easier for them, so having tubs to put designated items back into or having shelves with plenty of space makes it easier for young children to tidy away their toys. A bed with drawers underneath provides handy extra space for clothing or toys.
As children get older, having friends for a sleepover seems to happen more and more. Think about investing in a pull-out trundle bed which are perfect for smaller bedrooms as they contain drawer storage as well as the second mattress which can be pullted out when a friend comes to stay.
Lorna Sixsmith is owner of Garrendenny Lane Interiors, an online home, gift and lifestyle store at http://www.garrendennylane.com. She has a son and a daugher aged 8 and 6.
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