Cheap and cheerful ... colourful accessories are an inexpensive way to brighten a child's room.
House and Home author Kathy McCleary offers her top tips for decorating your child's bedroom.
*Don't add your fantasy into theirs. Decorating a room provides a great opportunity for children to express their personalities, and can be a great opportunity for parents to learn more about their kids.
*Don't spend big money on trends. Only follow the trends if they work for you, your child's age and your home.
*Do get funky with accessories. Accessories are a great way to introduce a trend, because they don't cost a lot of money.
*Don't buy twin beds. Buy at least a full-sized bed if the room is big enough to handle it.
*Do consider built-ins. Often when a child goes off to university, the room becomes a home office or a guest room. Built-in shelves and even desk space are "great for a study or den," says interior designer Cathy Whitlock.
*Don't spend more than you can afford. Have your child make a list of all the things he or she wants for the room, from rugs to a lava lamp. Then, commit to the three most important and add the rest of the list as your budget allows.
*Do buy a few, high-quality items. Generally, there are three transitions in the life of a kid's room: the move from a cot to a big kid bed at age 2 or 3; the changeover from the toddler room to a kid's room from ages 6 to 12; and then another redecoration at age 17 or so.
*Do put kids to work. Give kids assignments, both to save money and to get them invested in their space.
SHNS
