finishing touches

Palette pointers

Colour is the first building block for a kid-friendly zone. Kids and teens have an emotional connection to colour and often favour one or two hues in particular. Look no further than their iPod, socks, backpacks and favourite toys for cues. And intensity matters; children are keen on bright and bold. For the most longevity, choose a tri-colour palette that includes a moderate wall colour and two other punches in accessories. Try a mod trifecta of pale blue with orange and lime, or a graphic statement of black and white with shocking pink. Storage boxes, a bedside lamp and curtains are ways to get a colour hit that can be easily updated in the future.

Theme - and tantrum - free

Give Dora her walking papers and focus your efforts on a versatile design style instead: modern, romantic, or geometric. Paint treatments create interest without breaking the bank and range from detailed murals to simple polka dots and stripes. Wallpaper gives a room focus with one feature wall paired with matching paint.

Tie a space together with art projects such as framed schoolwork. Gallery frames in solid colours give even the most primitive scribbles a polished look. For a touch of free expression, arm tots with paints matching your scheme and let them go wild on a blank canvas. Move over Jackson Pollock!

3-D may be all the rage in technology, but if space is scarce go faux with elements that don't take any room at all. Wall appliqués of chandeliers and even fake headboards make a larger than life impact and create more dimension in a tight space.

Storage matters

Take the chore out of tidying with smart storage solutions that are easy on the eyes. Open bins make dunking a cinch without having to hassle with lids (or make excuses for clean up). Double-duty storage furniture such as an ottoman or trundle drawer maximizes unused space under a bed.

Not all storage has to be seen: Cleverly designed wall mounts can handle a stack of the thickest books but disappear between the pages. Sleek floating shelves also keep the clutter off the floor without a space-hogging piece of furniture.

A message-centre magnet or corkboard gives all those papers and notes a home while letting kids express themselves with bold magnets or pushpins.

Tactile treats

Indulge little fingers and toes with layers of textures. Rugs, bedding and curtains also give you a canvas for creating visual interest with colour, print and pattern.

Layer a bold rug over wall-to-wall carpet to define a space or take the edge off chilly hardwood. An oversized area rug in a soft sisal-like material should sit just 1-2 feet from the baseboards. Carpet stock can also be bound as an area rug to your size specifications. Carpet tiles in various sizes, colours and prints are a great way to have the young ones involved. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, kids can design their own layout and divide the room into different zones with different patterns.

Curtains are prime real estate for savvy style. On their own, curtains lined with blackout fabric reduce the need for blinds. Have a climber on your hands? Blinds and shutters are a streamlined alternative and add privacy with light control. Honeycomb blinds are soft and airy while wooden blinds add great value and look consistent on the outside. Sheer curtains or drapes keep the light out when layered with a roller blind.

Have fun with prints and patterns in bedding by giving each layer its own look: striped pillow cases, polka dotted sheets and a duvet cover in a solid colour. Add a chunky throw blanket for a cooler night. Add a touch of luxury with toss cushions that let little ones play dress up with their bed.

Let there be light

Proper lighting is key for developing eyes and is specific for different uses. A bookworm needs directional light from a task lamp. An overhead fixture illuminates the ceiling without casting harsh shadows to supplement daylight or for work and tidy tasks. At night, keep the light low with a softly lit bedside lamp to cue the brain for bedtime.

Healthy choices

You can breathe a sigh of relief with natural and chemical-free materials. Invisible irritants known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), are most commonly recognized in paints but are also found in synthetic carpets and are an irritant to many. Go for no-VOC paints and wool carpets to minimize off gassing from new installation.

Today's organic cottons and linen materials are no longer a sea of neutral beige and brown. For all-natural sheets and curtains, there's a rainbow at the ready, sure to provide countless options for your decorating vision.

New textile technology has also been developed to prevent allergy flare-ups, delivering healthier bedding that mimics the cozy properties of down while deterring dust mites.

Vintage and hand-me down furniture have great bones and a sweet aesthetic but may be covered with harmful chemicals such as lead-based paints and solvents. Have them stripped by a professional and repainted with no-VOC products.

Furniture as fixtures

Versatility is key for furniture pieces. Invest in a classic desk and sturdy bed—constants through the years—and avoid kiddie-themed pieces that will get old before your child. Convertible furniture is a great investment for the baby of the family, expanding from a crib to a double mattress. However, if you plan on having more children you'll need to use the crib again.