Playful ideas

Simple ideas to make redecorating an enjoyable family activity

With preschool, primary and secondary students still home from school into the foreseeable future, it might not seem like the most opportune time to give your child’s room a makeover.

But it could be exactly the right time. It’s a doable project that could prove to be a wholesome family activity with a lovely end result. There are a few elements at play that you’ll have to be aware of. First, if your child is involved in their own room design, you’ve got to find a compromise between their wants, your taste, and what options are within your budget.

Second, you have to work within the constraints of what’s currently available for a DIY makeover, from paint to furniture and accessories. Paint is one of the first options you should consider; it’s easily ordered for collection or delivery at the moment, and offers one of the easiest ways to customise a child’s room.

Start with inspiration images. If you’re worried your child is going to request a unicorn mural or a Fortnite theme, pull together a Pinterest board with options they can choose from to head the theme in a reasonable direction. Allow them to choose certain elements, or even a few colours for the overall palette.

If you’re up for a simple pattern, try colourful polka dots which are almost impossible to get wrong. Choose a colour palette and cut a circle from a piece of cardboard for each colour, then paint on in a random assortment. Stand back often to check that the dots are evenly spread, and if you’re hoping to create a wallpapered look across the whole room, start in a spot that’s going to be covered by a bed or furniture so you can practice a bit for the rest of the room.

A large circle with text is another simple DIY project. Draw out a large circle with pencil, then fill it in with a cheerful colour. You can either letter a phrase yourself, or order a vinyl decal from somewhere like Etsy for spruced-up wall art.

A simple circle with a phrase written inside is a quick way to spruce up a room with paint (Cuckooland).

Multicoloured polka dots will add instant cheer to a child’s room (Sonya Winner Rug Studio) Painting a half-wall adds elegance to a space in a very inexpensive way (John Lewis & Partners)

A simple star stencil on a pale painted wall would work for a nursery or toddler space (Circu)

If you’re considering stripes, check out this modern interpretation with wide vertical stripes (Cuckooland)

Large blocks of colour painted on the wall in geometric shapes would add interest to a child’s room (Argos).