Laura Jackson on…
This month, our columnist wastes no time embracing new decorating opportunities after having her second child
How to inject colour and fun into a child’s bedroom, without compromising on style
At the end of 2020, we welcomed our son into the world and, ever since, I’ve been engulfed in that baby bubble feeling. It’s given me a new excuse to begin imagining the next interior overhaul for our home. The question is, how do I tackle child-friendly décor in a stylish way? Will the kids just draw on the walls anyway? If they do, I’ll just claim it as abstract art.
Many assume that children’s rooms have to be garish – think Peppa Pig wallpaper or Disney bedding – but there are ways to inject colour and fun that won’t fight with your interior aesthetic. When my little girl was born, I commissioned artist Tess Newall to create a mural in her nursery. It was inspired by botanical book illustrations, but the possibilities are endless. How about beach hut stripes and wave-like scalloped skirting boards? I’m currently obsessed with the unique wallpaper designs of Los Angeles-based brand Work + Sea.
If you’d prefer to keep the walls neutral, Tess also creates statement hand-painted chairs that are a practical treat perfect for bedtime reading. Another company I recently discovered is Forivor. It produces illustrated organic cotton bedding that is special enough to be handed down for generations to come. Each piece is designed to inspire storytelling and is reversible, with day and night sides.
Storage is always important, especially if you want to avoid a floor full of toys. I suggest upcycling a vintage cabinet. I did this for my daughter’s room by adding a coat of green paint from Farrow & Ball’s ‘Natural History Museum’ collection. It’s used to display her more beautiful toys, from the likes of Scandibørn and Molly Meg. As well as wooden and sustainable options like these, I also enjoy discovering old-fashioned toys and could spend hours sourcing one-off pieces, such as Victorian-style rocking horses, through Etsy and Ebay. They don’t have to be expensive and they add character to a room. If it’s slightly damaged, take a leaf out of BBC’s The Repair Shop’s book and show it some care and attention. As with antique furniture, there’s something special about finding a toy that’s been loved for generations.
Finally, I’m also looking to buy my own heirloom of the future: a wooden ‘Sleepi’ from Norwegian brand Stokke. This ingenious cot extends to a bed as your child grows. It’s pricey, yes, but it will stand the test of time. There’s nothing worse than having to say goodbye to an investment piece your child has grown out of in a matter of months! Trends will always come and go, but a minimalist style like this will last for years. See Stockists page for details of all the stores mentioned