How to plan the perfect kids’ room

Older children soon need a separate place to do homework, and adding a plain white desk and chair instantly turns a corner of a simply decorated room into a study zone. Make sure there's adequate lighting to avoid eye strain.

A child's room needs a focus - something special that they are proud to show off to their friends. Hanging a curtain across the side of a bed is a great way to transform it into a cosy den in the the daytime.

Research shows that babies love striking patterns and black-and-white nurseries are where it's at. The added bonus to a monochrome children's room is that it can be dressed up or down with colourful accessories and patterns, and is a cool colour scheme for teens as well as tots.

Plenty of bed designs now come with divan storage - indispensible at any age, but particularly useful if the room doesn't have space for a chest of drawers. And if your child is ready for sleepovers, consider a bed that conceals a slide-out truckle bed underneath.

Instead of Barbie pink, pick a more sophisticated shade, complemented by a graphic pattern, such as the curtains shown here. A scheme like this makes good financial sense too as it will last from toddler to teens. For more bedroom inspiration, take a look at our brilliant bedroom paint ideas gallery.

For a cool, calming and streamlined children's room keep pictures on the wall to a minimum and try bold patterned and printed blinds instead. You could also choose a picture of your choice and get it printed onto the blinds, try newblinds.co.uk.

Wall panelling can withstand plenty of punishment, from toddlers to truculent teens. It's also an ideal surface to ensure Blu-Tacked posters don't leave their mark.

As an alternative to a night light or bedside lamp, a trail of fairy lights attached to a wall or bedstead provides a reasuring glow and still looks stylish for an older child. Always choose LEDs as they're cool to the touch.

Blues and greens are considered good colours for bedroom walls as they are soothing shades. A calming mural can provide the perfect backdrop to help a child's imagination soar, while age-appropriate accessories stop the room from looking too sterile. 

Not everything has to be matchy-matchy - encourage an eclectic look with a mix of fabrics and shades. Team florals, with spots and stripes, and mixture of shades of the same colour so it doesn't look messy.

Inspired to decorate the kids' rooms? Or maybe you're thinking about your own bedroom? Make sure you check out our DIY calculator, and watch our expert video on how to decorate a children's rooms for any age group.

Don't forget to join us on Facebook and Twitter  for the latest home and decor news, expert tips and competitions.