Paper or Paint

Wallpaper always looks lovely in magazines but It’s tempting to choose wallpapers and borders with obviously ‘childish’ designs like cartoon characters, cars or fairies. Frankly, your child will soon grow out of these and so will you. It’s better to opt for something that will grow with them. Small flower designs, simple stripes and subtle polka dot or gingham patterns are more stylish and understated.

Avoid using kiddy patterned wallpaper borders and stencils. Instead, add interest with unusual nursery accessories instead such as bed linen, rugs, lampshades and bunting etc.

Don’t overwhelm the room with patterned wallpaper; just add the wallpaper to one or two walls, or even smaller areas such as the alcoves or chimney breast. If you go for part wallpaper, part paint, decorate the other walls and the ceiling in crisp, clean neutrals or white.

Create harmony by using a backdrop of whites and neutrals, which prevent the overall look and feel of the room being too busy. Simple colours have the advantage of growing with your child, letting you inexpensively change the look by swapping accessories and fabrics. Simply by adding a bright pillow or rug instantly changes the look and feel of a space.

Lastly, unless you are truly a gifted artist, resist painting full wall murals, bad DIY murals are a design disaster