Inspiration for children’s rooms

WORDS: Sam Scarborough

Kids are surprisingly passionate about their personal space and will be quick to tell you if they approve of your ‘cool’ choice of decor.

Sam Scarborough, author of Children’s Rooms – Decor Inspirations (STRUIK), gives advice on how to get it right:

– Give some thought to your child’s interests and imagination, and always involve them in the decision-making process.

– A classic room scheme with just a few colours often helps to offset the inevitable clutter that collects over time, and key elements including good lighting and soft flooring will pull the whole look together.

– Make space for their favourite things and create the biggest play area possible to encourage active play. Acknowledge  your child’s temperament and character and work around their needs and interests.

– Create storage that’s accessible and easy to reach. Look out for bright cardboard boxes, old tins, and even vintage wooden boxes and paint to suit your colours.

– One bright painted or wallpapered wall is fun and creates a focal point in the room, while a small area for a blackboard wall encourages drawing.

– Bookshelves are essential storage items – not only for books but also for puzzles and games. Always store a new pile of books near the bed so that children can find them easily.

– Freestanding cupboards offer the most decorating opportunities: look for old-fashioned armoires or try to find smaller, shorter kitchen cupboards. These have the added bonus of having shelving at an accessible height.

– Curtains are usually best left neutral because patterns and shapes magnify at night and can be very scary for kids. Use blackout lining for undisturbed sleep.

– A low table (and later a desk) is a good investment. Tables are needed for craft projects, drawing, painting and puzzles.