Kids Nest Ideas

By Alex Brooks

Kids see the world from a different vantage point, and the key to designing a great room for them is to think more like them and less like a sensible adult. While a child's eyeline is a lot lower than a grown up's, their sense of fun, frivolity and interior adventure is waaaay higher.

IT'S NOT SIZE, IT'S THE FUN THAT COUNTS

The very best kids rooms have a sense of adventure wilder than Murder in the Dark, more thrilling than Musical Chairs and as exalting as Kiss Chase. That doesn't mean they need to be large, but they do need nooks and crannies that kids can be inspired by. After all, what child doesn't remember hiding under their bed or sneaking away into a cupboard where their imagination took over and the real world slipped away? Elevated beds, cubby houses and dress-up boxes are as crucial as chests of drawers and wardrobes. A kids' room should inspire and delight as well as be a sanctuary and place to play.

ART ATTACK

Just because they're kids doesn't mean they won't appreciate beauty. Hang prints, framed photos and paintings that little bit lower than you would in a living room or adult's bedroom - the kids need to see them from their level rather than as something hung up on high. Create a forum for your kids to change their own artwork by installing a magnetic board they can easily arrange with their own drawings, height charts of favourite photos. Consider painting a large area with chalkboard paint. This provides children with a creative space where they won't get into trouble for writing on the walls. As they get older, you can easily paint over it to match the remaining walls– after all, it is just paint.

STORAGE WARS

This is a room where it's crucial and finding versatile storage systems is the key to maintaining some kind of system as your child goes from nursery toys, to jigsaw puzzles, to blocks and up. See-through containers work well for toys, and it makes sense to use pictures rather than written labels on each box to make sure the child knows what toy goes where. A good storage system is the key to maintaining a tidy and organised children's bedroom. Divide items into such categories as ''used everyday'', ''used every other day'', ''used occasionally'' and ''seldom used''. Then store accordingly. For example, place most used items on easily accessible, open shelves and seldom used items at the top of cupboardsThose kindergartens and child care centres teach excellent packing away skills - so make sure you encourage them to do the same at home. IKEA always offers a great range of different storage ideas but it's best to stick to the grown up solutions like the LACK shelving system which don't scream "I'm-for-kids" and can be re-purposed as the storage needs change.

COLOUR RIOTS

While there's something to be said for bright colour schemes that stimulate developing minds, it's best to keep walls and floors neutral so the room's interior scheme can be updated and grow with the child. Rely on accessories and soft furnishings to create the look, which can  evolve as the child grows. Extend the life of furniture and rugs by choosing pieces that adults love too - that way the furniture can migrate from room to room as your housing needs change.

 SAFETY FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD

Rounded corners, sturdy ladders, impact-absorbing flooring and removing any finger-pinching furniture is a must in kids rooms.Cords hanging from blinds are literally a killer (not that you want to think about that) and it's important that all lamps and electrics are in kidproof condition. Ensure bunk beds are secured to the wall and have protective guardrails on all sides. Put beds next to a wall rather than in the middle of the room or under a window. This allows more play area and there is no danger of little ones climbing out the window from a bed.