Masters Home Improvement

A lick of paint is an easy and inexpensive way to make a child's bedroom inviting.

Whether it's for a newborn, toddler, tween or teen, simple paint tips can create a cosy haven.

Perfect palette

Traditional colours of pink for girls and blue for boys never go out of fashion, but different variations can surprise and delight. For example, an off-white wall with a tinge of pale pink brings tranquility to a young girl’s room while a feature wall in electric blue appeals to a boisterous toddler – boy or girl!

It’s always tempting to inject a burst of colour that signals energy and playfulness. Bright colours can work well as a feature wall but it can also be introduced in creative ways, such as a chest of drawers in fire-engine red, or the back wall of a shelving unit in a multitude of colours to create a striped effect.

The colour palette in a child’s bedroom also depends on the amount of natural light. If it’s rather shaded during the day, a neutral tone can brighten the room. If the child’s room receives plenty of sunlight, it’s worth choosing bolder hues, particularly for older kids.

Colour coordination

To help select a colour palette, you may draw inspiration from other elements in the bedroom. Consider the tones of the soft furnishings in the room, such as doonas, lampshades, curtains and rugs. Even a much-loved soft toy can provide colour ideas.

Inspiration for any age

For the nursery: Serenity is key, so soft white and gentle pastels introduce a peaceful environment. Colour inspiration could come from a treasured artwork or a handmade quilt. By repeating these hues in different patterns and textures, it will help prevent the child from being overstimulated.

Toddlers: A bedroom needs to be captivating but calming, so the ultimate solution is defining different areas – even in a small space. Bright colours, such as sky-blue or tangerine orange, can be positioned in a creative zone where the child plays and explores. A feature wall, bright toy boxes or a vibrant rug can signal ‘play time’ for the little one.

Primary school kids: At this stage, it’s worth involving your youngster in the decorating process so you can create a space you’ll both appreciate. A much-loved soft toy, a footy emblem or a poster can signal certain colours that can be mirrored throughout the room. But don’t forget, children’s fads can change in a nanosecond, so make sure the colour palette will look just as good when current toys and posters are pushed aside.

Tweens and teens: Aged from 10 up, tweens and teens have tossed away their cuddly toys and are now enamoured with high-tech gadgets, sports gear, fashion accessories and piles of books and magazines to read and study. They love cramming the room with bean bags, scatter cushions and endless shelves full of knick-knacks. With so much going on, it’s hard to pinpoint a specific colour palette. A simple solution is getting the child to create a mood board, taking colour cues from their favourite photos, posters, computer game graphics and fashion items. And don’t be afraid of introducing dark colours in the room, such as moody blues or deep purple. These tones can turn a big room into a cosy retreat – and if that’s a little overwhelming, a dark feature wall is a simple alternative that will keep everyone happy.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.