Home: A new bedroom in just four days!
Think transforming your kid’s bedroom is too big a project? Think again. Follow our step-by-step process and you’ll be done in no time.
When it comes to changing needs, there is no room in the house that needs making over more than a kid’s bedroom. From tots to teens and all stages in between, a child’s room needs to not only look good but also function in an age-suitable way. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when redecorating, but the key to success is having a plan. Here we show you how to create a whole new look for your beloved.
1 Clear & prepare
Create a concept for the room using either a physical or digital mood board. Get your child’s input and find ways to include things they love. Clear out the room, then create three piles: keep, donate, recycle. Remove curtains and rails. Working with your keep” items, compile a list of new pieces you want to introduce that suit your concept. An artwork or rug can give you a good basis for creating a cohesive space. Give your room a good clean, wiping down the walls, skirtings and trims. Fill holes and sand any rough spots plus skirtings, architraves and wardrobes/doors if painting.
2 Get sorted
Grab brushes, rollers and any other items for painting. Low-sheen and satin paint will hide imperfections so are perfect for a quick bedroom refresh. Semi-gloss and gloss are ideal for skirtings and architraves.
Find curtains: Readymades are easy and available in most sizes. Shop around for furniture, art and soft furnishings. Visit op-shops or antique stores. New linen instantly changes the way a kid’s room looks and feels. Cushions inject personality.
Time to paint: Start with the ceiling. Cut in around the architraves and, while the paint is still wet, paint the ceiling with a roller. Move on to the walls; do them in one go as keeping paint wet will prevent obvious joins between areas. Finally, paint the skirting and architraves with semi-gloss or gloss, taping them off first for a cleaner finish (just make sure the walls are dry before applying tape).
3 Make a statement
Apply a final coat to the ceiling, walls and trim. If you’re applying wallpaper to a feature wall, wait until your other walls are dry to avoid damaging the new paint. If you are creating a feature using paint, tape it up and paint once your base colour is dry.
4 Finishing touches
Make sure the paint is dry before you dress the room. Leave all the tags on purchased items until you have put the room together, just in case something doesn’t quite work.
Start with a rug, then position furniture, hang artworks and add soft furnishings. Allow your child to bring in their treasures, making it a special space for them. Install the new curtain rail and hang curtains.
Sit back and enjoy!