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However, with the disappearance of open spaces and anarchy visible only in traffic jams, the urban child has hardly any sense of free spirit. Space can now be understood only in terms of shopping malls, fun means video games and learning is all that is there to know about computers. No wonder then, that for today’s child, being home is like being in heaven. Hence, it is every parent’s duty to make home as child-friendly as possible. With shrinking families and bulging wallets, parents are not thinking twice about splurging on children’s spaces at home. However, mere splurging makes no difference unless some thought and aesthetic consideration goes into designing a children’s room.

Areas in a child’s bedroom where one can be innovative include bed, study table, wardrobe, lighting, and wall décor among others. Depending upon the space and the number of children, things such as slides and toy stations may be included.

“The ideal design and décor of room depends on the age of the child too. Indian children normally live in parents’ rooms till they are seven or eight.

After that, till 10 to 12 years of age, they can have a fun-filled, colourful room. Later, the décor should be changed according to their changing tastes,” says B. Swathi, interior designer.

Even for tiny tots, the room should not be filled with glaring colours, which might be tiring to the eye. The hues should be bright, at the same time, pleasant. Delicate contrast should be maintained between wall colours.

Having comics or pictures painted on the wall is a good option. Already, paint brands have come up with their children collections.

A call to them will bring home a painter who will create your child’s favourite picture on the wall through a stencil. At a cost of Rs.10 a square foot, this may be affordable.

“We have an artist who can reproduce any image with free hand drawing. You just have to show him the picture and he will do the wall for you,” an owner of an interior design shop in Hyderabad says.

At Rs.60 to Rs. 80 a sq.ft., the effect will flatten you, he promises. Mixing of colours and intricate painting which will not be possible with stencils can be achieved through free hand painting, he says.

Creativity can go as far as money can travel in terms of furnishing a child’s room. Cots, for example, are available in plenty of colours and designs. Bunk beds with or without accompanying cabinets and desks are available at Home Town from a price of Rs.19,900 upwards to Rs.50,000. Separate cots with built-in storage/ extra bed will occupy lesser space at the same time, entertain any privileged guest of the child/children. The current favourite, however, is the one modelled after a sports car which comes in a package along with a wardrobe and bedside table at Rs.32,700.

After bed, comes the writing table/desk, which again has scope for choice in colours and design. The one modelled after a slate or with alphabets, months and numbers written over it is suitable for pre-school children, while for the elder ones, desk integrated with cot will serve the purpose.

“Points to be noted while choosing the furniture are the size and shape. The stuff should be scaled down in size to match the child’s height. Curved shapes are always preferable so as not to hurt the child. Smaller tubs and WCs in toilets go without saying and lively atmosphere to keep the child engaged is mandatory,” says Ms. Swathi.

Pin-up boards may be fixed to display drawings and snaps of the child.

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