Every child is different... Some want to read or study, others want to blast their music at full volume. Traditionally, girls are supposed to like pink, and boys blue, but when planning or decorating a bedroom for your child remember they are individuals and that this space should be a sanctuary - somewhere special, even magical and definitely a place where they will want to be.

When planning a bedroom, consider your child's age but remember that what Johnny needs as a baby will be different when he is two, yet again when he starts school and not even on the same planet when he becomes a teenager.

If they are old enough, ask them what their favourite colours are. Colours are a personal choice, but if your son or daughter wants a purple and lime green bedroom and you know that you will be putting your house up for sale, it's not a good idea. Rather accessorise with things in these colours such as bed linen, throws, picture frames etc. Similarly if your little girl is into fairies and glitter at three, it becomes expensive and time-consuming to remove these from walls when she suddenly discovers horses or hockey at six years old.

The most important purchase for a child's bedroom is the bed. Buy the best you can afford, and unless the room is very large, a single bed will be adequate for many years. Shelving and drawers are more important than a wardrobe when a child is growing up. Kids are not naturally tidy, and wardrobe rails are too high for many little hands to reach. A comfortable chair in the corner of the room is essential; a place to read, study, watch TV or dream a little.

Consider the activities that will take place in this room and incorporate as many learning elements as possible. Does your child like to draw or paint? Does he or she prefer sprawling on the floor with lots of toys, or are they often engrossed in play station games? A desk and perhaps a swivel chair (gosh you can have fun on these when you're on your own) will do for the computer or TV, for homework or drawing. Make sure there are plenty of electrical outlets so that the bedside lights, clock, heater (or fan in summer) etc can be plugged in safely.

It can be fun to renovate a piece of furniture with your child. Often a new coat of paint, some decals, or a change of handles can revive an old favourite and this can be done many times depending on the mood or the fashion. Carefully placed lamps will create a relaxing and ambient atmosphere and even the most basic piece of art will look like a masterpiece when it is framed. An artistic child will love to have their favourite drawings and paintings taking pride of place on their bedroom wall.

Make the bedroom fun with a wide range of co-ordinating or themed bed linen and cushions. Children really enjoy changes in their bed linen, and aren't too bothered whether the thread count is 500, but remember that coloured and patterned linens do fade and become tired looking quite quickly. These are inexpensively and easily replaced and will add a new dimension to the room.

A great bedroom adds a whole new meaning to 'time out'.

Article by Jane Hill-Hayr

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