C&J: Creating Rooms to Grow

Never let it be said that interior design is an easy industry. But its when creating childrens rooms that things can be particularly tricky.Quite unlike adult bedrooms, junior domains have different rules and regulations.

Popular culture can dramatically flavour mood, but design should be tempered not only by whats cool for kids, but by a host of other factors such as growing older, sharing space with siblings and coping with the rough and tumble of childhood.The secret to a successful project is a clean and comfortable backdrop that can modify (without fuss or expense) as time endures and tastes fluctuate. Our watch word, therefore, is flexibility.

Kids passions alter more frequently than adults and the last thing you want to deal with is a complete gut down six months after your childs allegiance springboards from Batman to Superman, or from Barbie to My Little Pony. For the most part, adults can assess risks and live in such a way as to avoid incidents. Children, however, particularly young ones, need safety considered for them so they can get on with the serious business of having fun.

So lets have a look at health and safety.Wellbeing: An Eight-Point GuideTiny fingers are easily trapped in door hinges, so fit plastic safety mechanisms. Pioneered years ago for rest rooms in fast food chains, theyre easy to fit and make tremendous sense and, while not the most exciting element of design, we urge you to invest.

Ensure all window cords and blind chains are safely tucked out of harms way. Each year, sadly, there are accidents and deaths where children have become trapped in the workings of seemingly innocent window apparatus. Similarly, ensure there are no trailing electrical cords or flexes and that all plugs are covered with childproof fronts.

Windows should be fitted with secure locks that allow for good ventilation yet limited opening without adult supervision.While bunk beds are manufactured to strict safety guidelines, were cautious when specifying them (particularly in rooms where children are under 8) due to potential tumble risk.We never install open fires or gas fires in kids rooms.

We dont even need to explain why.If there are exposed radiators to contend with, wed counsel that they be kept on a separate thermostat so they dont become too hot. If this isnt possible, position a decorative safety screen in front to protect delicate fingers.

Rugs on hard flooring should have anti-skid mats below to protect against slipping.Avoid low level shelves. These might seem appropriate when scaling down design, but they can be hazardous upon collision with little heads.

Lets Start At The Very BeginningBlessed with a legion of nephews and nieces, were accustomed to spending time with a younger contingent who has some very set ideas about what they like and what they dont. Having worked, in the U.K.

, on a show called The Estate, we soon learned that children are more likely to protect their spaces if involved in design from the outset. This in mind, discuss expectations with your child and run through design possibilities before moving forward.Colour: As with grownup projects, we recommend using pale backgrounds and then accenting with bolder shades or indeed accessorising with artworks, textiles or wall stickers.

Temporary colour is wonderful because children change their tastes on a whim, so anything you can do to future proof will protect your wallet. When using paint, ensure finish is at least wipeable or better, washable so that crayon marks and pen scribbles can be easily removed. Matte latex, for example, is less durable than silk finish so study the manufacturers specification and find the most relevant product for your job.

Novelty products: Magnetic paint (harmless metal constituents provide grab) is a fun product which comes in a range of pre-selected colours. Tip: If you cant find a tone you like, magnetic paint can be applied below standard latex to create satisfactory results. Fluorescent or glitter paints are great fun too, although their appeal can diminish as your childs fascination with stellar configurations is replaced by a fascination with stars of a more earthly nature; how frustrating will it be when that glowing sun and moon imagery you so lovingly applied is suddenly usurped by Selena Gomez or Justin Beiber?

Yup, novelty products, while great at the time, can suddenly lose their appeal.Carpet: Berber should be tough enough to deal with the rough and tumble of junior life but, just like decor, it should be neutral enough to transition from one stage of childhood to the next. So forget Little Mermaid fitted carpets or their Batman equivalent!

As the backbone to your scheme (however colourful it eventually becomes), choose hardwearing product thats washable and stain repellent. Bright shades may date so make colour statements with less expensive elements. Its even worth looking at carpet tile which allows for damaged areas to be replaced should problems arise.

Just remember to buy a few extra and store them away.Cushioned vinyl, Karndean and Amtico: These make great sense as they deal well with spills or accidents. Cushioned vinyl is soft underfoot and, if you select a wood effect finish or a plain shade, you can add vibrant colour with washable rugs or mats.

Just remember to use anti-slip membranes below rugs to protect against unwanted movement as you or your kids navigate play areas.Timber flooring: Canadian homes were traditionally constructed with narrow 2-inch to 3-inch timber floorboards and while many of these are now covered in carpet or replaced with more indulgent options youre on to a winner if yours still exist as these can be sanded, refinished or painted to satisfy taste. With a growing range of specialist paints (we recommend International, which is fantastically hardwearing) it couldnt be easier.

Tip: Dont cheat to speed application; follow the manufacturers instructions and remember that several light coats are always better than one gloopy application. Even if you dont invest in a dedicated floor paint, you can use standard gloss or satin and then protect with a layer of clear varnish.Flexible furniture: Because kids furniture is considered niche market, its often pricier than adult design and, this in mind, we always steer clear of car-shaped beds or fairytale castle cots.

Its better to add personality through linens and duvet sets than be forever restricted by what was previously hot news for your children. Tip: Search out flexible intelligent furniture that will grow with your child. Ideal, for example, is modular storage that can be added to (or subtracted from) as and when required.

Anything with wheels or castors will allow for the constant adaptation of space. For maximum future proofing, avoid miniature chairs and tables which your young ones will find embarrassing as they mature. Opt instead for squashy bean bags or seating cubes which will have use further down the line.

Basket chests and trunks, too, are intelligent choices and the latter can be repainted as the years pass.From junk to funk: Make do and mend and lateral thinking will result in a collection of adaptable furniture that will serve a very useful purpose. As long as you dont paint over the family Chippendale, theres no reason why previously discarded junk furniture cant be brought to life with a lick of paint and a new set of knobs or handles.

You can even get the kids involved by reversioning items with their help.The specifics of gender: The traditional route of pink for a girl and blue for a boy can, from our experience, be limiting. Should you wish to swap children from room to room at a later stage, you might find a very disgruntled 10-year-old boy trying to make sense of a Barbie pink, ahem, paradise.

The secret lies in accessories as these can be changed as tastes shift. If you still want to add pattern, opt for stripes, spots or simple blocks of colour that will provide restrained personality while still keeping your kids well and truly stimulated.Choosing BedsDouble duty: With toys and other junior paraphernalia to be considered, we advise beds with hidden storage and drawers, or beds on legs that allow linens or games to be stashed on trays below.

Tip: If you have a redundant chest of drawers in your basement or garage, remove the drawers and add wheels to the bottom of each. Hey presto inexpensive roll out of sight storage.Futon: A traditional futon is a perfectly acceptable kids bed as long as you invest in a quality option with a good mattress.

Ergonomic to the max (by day they fold into deep sofas which free up floor space and by night into comfy, tempting beds), theyre traditionally low slung and have a trendy Oriental feel which can be utilised in a host of design looks from brightly coloured Chinese to loft living with a twist.Sofa beds: Foldable, like futons, these are constructed on a tension sprung base or built from dense foam. If you want to create a look thats more living room than bedroom, choose a sofa bed as a practical solution and a stylish way in which to adapt space as your kid gets bigger.

Divide and ConquerChildren need their own space (however small) to help them assert personality, so its important to find ways of dividing rooms if they have more than one occupant. Colour could be your perfect route to visual division, or it might be easier to apportion share with shelved storage to provide function and an answer to privacy. In the past, weve sectioned separate bed areas in shared spaces using floor to ceiling curtains (on curved tracks) which slide to create individual nests as and when required.

Trellis screens, too, can be hung on hooks between bed areas and this will provide useful hanging space. Whats more, its temporary nature means it can be moved or taken away as you and your child see fit.Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are the hosts of HGTVs Colin & Justins Home Heist and the authors of Colin & Justins Home Heist Style Guide, published by Penguin Group (Canada).

Follow them on Twitter @colinjustin or on Facebook (ColinandJustin). Contact them through their website,