The kids’ room needs a makeover, but before you even consider visiting hardware stores, make sure you discuss and involve the kids in the process. After all, it’s their place to sleep, play and study. The end result should be a combination of what your kids want now and what you know they will need in the future, as well as being a tribute to them.

For a ‘relatively’ stress-free experience, follow the tips below.

Theme

Crucial in providing the ‘blueprint’ of the design and reflecting your kids’ personalities. It can be as simple as deciding upon a colour (or colours), or opting for a more elaborate theme such as:

Focus – colour and depth

Consider a colour change before incorporating some of the ideas below for added interest and distinction.

• Create a colourful, painted border.
• Stamp a themed design using foam stamps from a craft store (or create your own!).
• Stencilling adds drama, creating a 3-D effect, especially around headboards, windows and doorways. 
• A mural can integrate your kids’ ideas. Stencils or patterns are available online, or seek inspiration from colouring books by pencilling designs onto the wall and then fill it with paint.
• Wall stickers are similar to stencils, however, they’re the low fuss, no mess alternative and can easily peel away when tastes change or removalists appear.
• A paint finish guaranteed to please is chalkboard paint, available in either black or green. Chalk creates dust, which may seep into carpets and is not recommended for anyone with allergies.An alternative is to attach either a magnetic board or a large sketch pad to the wall,with the necessary artistic ‘tools’ (magnetic letters and numbers, coloured pencils, pens and crayons) on hand to encourage your kids’ inner Michelangelo.

Also consider depth and texture by including 3-D effects such as:

• Material, felt, ribbon, foil (your imagination is the limit) and then position on top of the wall paint for heightened visual and tactile effect
• Colourful muslin draping from the ceiling for a dream-like, princess/Arabian nights theme. You could further extend this theme and effect by creating a ‘castle’ or ‘palace’ headboard (from plywood, cardboard or even foam core), paint or upholster and then add faceted jewels or decorations from the local craft store.

Diversity

If two diverse personalities must share one space; incorporate these creative and clever design principles.

• Use a different colour (or different shapes if a favourite colour is shared), to identify each child’s personal space.
• Room division can be achieved with cabinets placed back-to-back, a low partition, a ‘picket fence’ or cushions.
• If space permits, allocate individual corners of the room to each child.

Personalise

Effective yet relatively inexpensive personal touches you may wish to consider include:

• A simple throw pillow or rug with your kids’ name either embroidered or in fabric marker
• A personalised sign hanging on their door, made from available materials and fabrics
• Displaying your kids’ artwork or photos instead of buying prints.

Space

Ceilings are often overlooked in design makeovers, but if possible, utilise the room’s vertical height with bunk beds, or a DIY construction project of high beds with desks and living space underneath. Both IKEA and Stemik have some interesting designs (refer to the Shop ‘til you Drop listing below for contact details).

Storage

Kids are much more likely to keep their rooms tidy if a sense of order has been established. For mess-free days, combine some of the ideas below.

• A painted garden trellis attached to a wall can be an effective visual display and organiser for various collections of hats, bags, toys etc.
• Cover storage boxes with contact paper or gift wrapping and clearly label with words or pictures.
• Old suitcases make for excellent and convenient storage underneath beds.
• Large empty yoghurt and baby-wipe containers form cheap and practical storage for bits and pieces, including art supplies. You can further decorate them with contact paper.
• Vacuum sealed storage bags, which compress to a fraction of their original size, are ideal to safely store seasonal clothes whilst freeing up prime wardrobe real estate.

Growth

Space is generally an issue in Singapore, so it’s great to look to multi-purpose furniture and one such design is the Leander bed from Piccolo that ‘grows’ with your kids (from tot to junior age up to 150 cm in length).

Design utopia

If money is of little concern, visit kidtropolisbuild.com to inspire and satiate both the kids’ and your hearts’ design desires, with the tree house and princess themed bedrooms being two of the most popular.

Shop ‘til you drop