Let your kid’s inner interior decorating skills shine! Get them involved in the styling and look of their bedroom to create a space they’ll love chillin’ in, be inspired by and one that truly reflects their personality. Oh, and it is within budget!
We’ve known for eons that colour can affect mood. So when you’re decorating your child’s bedroom and living spaces on a budget, it’s pivotal mood is positive and somewhere your child will be totes happy hangin’. So who better to get involved in the design process than, your kids! Styling queen Christie Blizzard, who is a designer and specialist in Australia’s children’s playrooms and nurseries, as well as a regular presenter on Channel Ten series, The Renovator, is changing the way we look at design so children will just love ‘being sent to their rooms!’
Her children’s design philosophy? To foster creativity in children from an early age and encouraging parents and children to collaboratively work together to help their collective visions come to life. “Creativity starts from an early age,” explains Christie. “It’s a time build creative confidence and celebrate our children’s BIG imaginations using a stylised selection process. If I gave my children the opportunity to completely redecorate their rooms they would wake up in a bouncy castle (not ideal to compliment the rest of the home). The idea is to select pieces that interest our children and create accents within their space. It’s a beautiful process.”
Here’s Christie’s tips for creating the perfect space for your little one without breaking the bank….
Designing mood boards give children a sense of ownership of the creative process within a safe and controlled designing environment.
10 Tips for Decorating Kid’s Rooms on a Budget
1. Keep it simple and add playful decadence
“A neutral colour palette is the key to a great child’s room because you can subtly or dramatically change the room by adding cost-effective accessories like bed linen, cushions and throws,” suggests Christie.
2. Try something new – rather than simply pink or blue
“Paint is your best friend,” says Christie. “Use it. Don’t be scared. It’s cost-effective, has loads of impact and can be modified over time. Think outside the square and embrace some new not-so-predictable shades. A playful orange tone is a hit with both genders and very on-trend is monochrome – so black and white is great for both boys and girls. If you’re not sure about making such a bold statement, a feature wall is a great way to inject some colour into a room while still playing it safe. To do this, simply map out your artwork on the wall using a soft lead pencil and get ready to splash some colour!”
3. Invest in good storage
“There’s a lot of paraphernalia that comes with kids so good storage is essential,” explains Christie. “Invest in something that can adapt as your child grows with shelves, drawers and hanging space so you can hide the contents behind closed doors.”
Use walls to store dolls, drawers and don’t forget under the bed!
4. Just add….. Wall Stickers!
“Create an artistic focal point in the nursery with wall stickers,” suggests Christie. “When they’ve served their purpose they can be removed easily and you won’t have to repaint the wall. Love Mae is a charming online store which has a great selection of fabric wall stickers – we’re particularly drawn to the ‘Little Critters’ and ‘Floating Feathers’ designs. I also love the team at Urban Walls and Vivid Wall Decals. Lots of simple options here that don’t lock you into a themed room.
Floating Feathers, available at Love Mae.
Forest Critters Earthy, available at Love Mae.
Glasses, available at Urban Walls.
Little Clouds, available at Urban Walls.
Large Triangles, available at Vivid Wall Decals.
Take me to Neverland Peter Pan Quote, available at Vivid Wall Decals.
Batman Wings Walls decal, available at Vivid Wall Decals.
5. Upcycle
“Markets and garage sales provide a day out for parents and children to explore charming pieces that can be brought back to life,” suggests Christie. “I recently sourced a beautiful wicker bedside for $4, sprayed it with gold spray paint and it is now a beautiful signature piece for the home!”
These 80s wall units are Star Wars cool again…
6. Frame it
“Art can be found anywhere,” advises Christie. “Special wrapping paper, tea towels or big sister’s painting. Different sized frames will add texture and dimension to the room – and inspire conversation.”
A vintage peacock chair and coloured frame = the perfect teen dream!
7. Go OTT (over the top!) with Layering
Have some fun with the bed and go OTT with throws, cushions and special toys which will add a punch of personality to their room.
8. Think ahead
“Future-Proof their space and make sure it can grows with them,” suggests Christie. “If you buy a throw for your cot linen, be sure it will match what you have in mind when they jump into their ‘big kid bed’.”
9. Choose versatile pieces
“Make your budget go further by buying key pieces of furniture that are versatile,” suggests Christie. “For example, many cot styles adapt into junior beds and the right chest of drawers can double as a change table.”
From play mat to pedicure mat…
10. Think Creatively
Blackboards are a novel way kiddies can draw on the walls (without being scolded!). Select one wall to feature (ideally opposite the bed) and cover. Such a dramatic injection will capture your little one’s personality – and art can be updated each day… All you need is the chalk!”
Have you recently decorated your child’s rooms on a budget? Tell us in the comments below!
