Mother And Baby

Whatever the motif, every child needs a special place of their own - some place that reflects their personality.

Creating a dream bedroom need not cost the earth providing you have the imagination.

While expensive wallpaper may look great in your child's room, chances are your child's taste will change in a few years.

Fix chests of drawers to the wall so they can't topple on to a child' Painting the room will make it easier to change in the future and will make it more durable than wallpaper.

You and your child can then create patterns such as stripes or geometric shapes or whatever.

Another easy way to create a custom look is to take simple patterns from colouring books or comic books and create stencils in bright colours.

But be sure to use a washable paint.' Little handprints can not resist clean walls.

Another way to make quick and easy patterns on the walls is to buy inexpensive sponges to cut into shapes.

You can make diamonds, stars, hearts, moons, squiggles and flowers. Just dip in paint and press the pattern on the wall.

Buy good-quality used wooden furniture if you can. These are obtainable quite cheaply from thrift stores, car boot sales or newspaper advertisements. You can then paint it to match the new patterns on the bedroom walls.

You can also paint the furniture to resemble buildings, trees or characters.

Another tip is to paint the furniture to remind your child of special times in his/her life. Use a non-toxic paint to ensure your child's safety.

Instead of wallpaper too, how about really going to town and nailing fencing to the wall? You can then create the background with outdoor scenes such as clouds, trees, rolling hills or, if you are feeling really creative, make the fencing resemble a Wild West fort for your favourite cowboy.

A great way to inspire a budding artist is to paint the lower portions of the walls with chalkboard paint.

Your child can then draw on the walls to his/her heart's content!

The paint is available at most DIY stores.