There is something special about a still clear summer night when you are standing in your back yard and able to see the stars clearly.
Many countries don't have that luxury because the population is too dense or the atmospheric conditions don't allow it. And the more populated areas don't have that clear view either because of the lights.
Ever since my kids were little we have had a love of glow-in-the-dark stickers. I coated all the bedroom ceilings in little glowing stars of different sizes, the main bedroom included.
Just because we grow up doesn't mean to say we can't have fun and dream as we did when we were kids.
Hamish also had dinosaurs, which I must admit were a little alarming when we had young ones to stay as they thought the dinosaurs were coming to get them.
As the kids grew, we moved houses and I put stars on the bedroom ceilings again.
I love the comments from guests when they realise they will be sleeping under the stars. It is such an inexpensive fun way to create atmosphere in a kid's bedroom.
There are so many options to have a bit of fun decorating kids' rooms but often we think "they will grow out of it".
Why can't we let kids be kids? We shouldn't be in a hurry for them to grow up - that happens all too fast these days.
If it is a budget option you are looking at, then add simple things to a room that will personalise it for whoever is using the bedroom. The trend for floor coverings in New Zealand is to lay the same carpet throughout the home. By adding a rug or fun, soft-sided storage boxes this will soften the room and bring it back to the right age group you are decorating for. Second-hand painted furniture is another way to create a younger atmosphere and as the child grows the colour option can change or furniture be replaced.
A lovely wooden puzzle that was given to my kids as babies.
If you have bought furniture to last the duration of your child being at home, then look at your options with bedding. There are so many fun things that can be done with good coloured fabrics and fun accessories.
Cushions and snuggle rugs are an excellent way to brighten a room.
Lamps and shades are another option, depending on the height of the ceiling. If you have pendant fittings, shades can be a fun and inexpensive way to accessorise. There are gorgeous inexpensive bedside lamps available, suitable for boys and girls, and as they grow they can be easily upgraded. You just need to be aware that the lighting must be adequate for whatever the task.
Walls are perhaps a little more difficult but that will depend on how you decorate. You can have a lot of fun with wallpaper, with some companies dedicated to dressing up children's rooms for all ages.
I love wallpaper because of the extra little it gives a room with texture or pattern and it is back in vogue. Paint, on the other hand, is often more cost-effective and can be painted out easily as the child grows.
You can add stickers, stencil, paint effects - the list goes on in making it a fun space.
You can also use blackboard paint so your child has his or her own chalk board. I'm not a fan of blackboard paint on bedroom walls as I prefer a freestanding blackboard. Fortunately, I didn't have kids who drew on walls but I had friends whose children did - and what a nightmare it was.
Window dressing can be kept simple, fun, light and bright. The style of window will determine what you choose. I often find Roman blinds for boys, because they're less fussy, but bear in mind blinds may not last as long as curtains. I choose curtains for girls, to soften the windows.
Other inexpensive accessories to consider are a brightly coloured kite strung across the ceiling, butterflies, bright art work, and bean bags to relax in if you have the floor space, and coloured or white tulle suspended from the ceiling over the head of the bed. This doesn't have to enclose the bed like a mosquito net - at times that is a bit claustrophobic - but just over the head of the bed. For boys, perhaps use heavier fabrics to appear like a wigwam.
The list is endless.
If you are interested in anything I have discussed, you can send me an email at terry@terrylobb.com or like me on Facebook - Terry Lobb Colour and Design.
