TRADE SECRETS

Put the kids to bed in a solid, raised sleeping area by investing in a mid-sleeper bunk. It is accessed by steps and provides a huge amount of hidden storage space underneath. Get the kids comfy by adding cushions in different sizes and shapes to their bed. Turn it into a DIY moneysaving project by making your own, using old clothes and fabrics. Add warmth and colour to white, airy rooms with playful details. Try re-painting worn wooden chairs with a bright colour, such as blue. Eco-friendly bamboo furniture is more durable than a lot of woods, so can take a good beating from kids. Hang tab-top curtains instead of using curtain hooks. As they run on a pole, they are quick to put up and just as quick to shove into the washing machine.

Provide the perfect book storage by nailing floating shelves to a wall. It’s a great space-saving alternative to a bedside table.

Soften hard wooden furniture and flooring with a circular rug. Tie in the natural colours of the wood and opt for a shade that hides stains – browns and crochet patterns do this brilliantly.

Choose a bedside lamp with a dimming feature. This means that when kids are tucked up in bed, they can adjust the amount of light in the room to how they like it.

Upcycle old wardrobes by giving them a lick of paint. Soft colours, such as eggshell blues, will complement white walls.

Include interesting materials in children’s bedrooms, such as exposed bricks. Painting them white creates a bright appearance. If you don’t have a brick wall, you can fake it with brick- effect wallpaper.