Playful ideas for children’s rooms
CREATE A SPACE THAT YOU’LL LOVE As MUCH As THEY DO, FILLED WITH PLENTY OF PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS As WELL As FUN TOUCHES, CUTE COLOUR SCHEMES AND INSPIRATION FOR GROWING IMAGINATIONS
Bunk up
The pitched ceiling in this New England-style room is ideal for a bunk bed. ‘There are two key considerations,’ says Katherine Mitchell, Buyer of Beds and Bedroom Furniture, John Lewis. ‘The recommended minimum age for using one is six, and the top mattress should be no deeper than 15cm. Also, check the bunk passed British safety and quality standards.’
Country cover-up
‘Colourful wallpaper will inject a touch of fun into your little one’s bedroom. In a country home it’s nice to source nature-inspired designs such as this print featuring cherry trees, birds and butterflies,’ says Linda Swarbrick, Managing Director, Scandi Living. Pair with painted open storage furniture so the pattern can shine through, while books and teddies sit on display.
Pack it away
Encourage children to keep their rooms tidy by providing generous storage options in enticing colours. Pull-out baskets are handy for different types of toys as well as for transporting them to the play mat or living room and, hopefully, back again! ‘In a shared playroom or study space, white and grey with aqua accents will keep the room fresh and gender neutral,’ says Jamie Reeve, Chief Executive Officer, Great Little Trading Co.
Personal touches
Turn to your child’s toy box for decorating inspiration and curate a cute display using colourful books and nostalgia-filled wooden toys. Bookshelves that are designed to show the front covers, rather than spines, of books make it that much easier for children to locate their favourite bedtime stories. Complete the laid-back look with an eclectic mix of scatter cushions, throws and furniture painted in pretty pastels such as aqua, pale blue, baby pink and on-trend soft greys.
Flexible friends
to create a scheme that delights both boys and girls, use bright colours on key pieces of furniture and adorable animal prints. ‘the yellow and blue of our Dogs in Clogs bedlinen is vibrant and fun,’ says rebecca Craig, Design Manager, sanderson. ‘the playful aesthetic makes for a great unisex scheme and bedding is always easy to update as children grow and choose favourite shades and themes.’
All aboard
Children never tire of making camps and dens, so this clever cabin bed is sure to fire their imaginations. ‘the enclosed sleeping quarters offer a soothing night-time environment in which children can settle down, while shutter-style doors provide a fun play area during the day,’ says nathalie Davis, Director, Cuckooland. ‘Decorate with pretty bunting to boost the camping theme.’
There were three in the bed...
You can never have too many beds, especially when the sleepovers begin, and this triple bunk bed is the perfect space-enhancing solution. ‘there’s no more messing around with inflatable guest beds or unwieldy futons. this neat design allows you to sleep three very comfortably in a small space, and the ladder makes it easy to reach the top bunk, too,’ says alex tolofson, Director, noa & nani.
Chalk it up or pin it
Budding artists will love this crafty update to a simple white bed frame, which was created using self-adhesive blackboard film that is both easy to apply and can be cut to any size. Pretty patterned fabric swatches attached to a cork panel will make an inexpensive and colourful pinboard backdrop for party invites and school reminders. a simple desk with a mix of shelving units, cupboards and drawers provides plenty of storage space for homework, books and folders.