So you've decorated the rest of the house in cool, muted shades for an uncluttered, minimal look that oozes calm and sophistication. What about creating a space for the kids? Children's rooms can be difficult, as they need to serve a range of different purposes, from sleeping and relaxation to play, creativity, homework and hobbies. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. The keywords are - easy, functional and fun! Make sure there's plenty of storage - whether it's built-in wardrobes and shelving or freestanding units that can double as handy room dividers

2. Interior organisers can be concealed in the wardrobe for loose items like shoes, hats, scarves and bags

3. Personalise your child's space with vinyl room stickers such as Fisher-Price's Animals of the Rainforest animal stickers. There are a wide selection of room stickers to choose from, including undersea animals, jungle animals, farm animals and even aliens! Some kids’ may prefer sport stickers, in which case a football or racing car theme may be just the ticket. Room stickers are available from FunToSee, Animals of the Wild and Blik Wall Graphics.

4. Use hooks on the back of the door for extra storage that helps keep the floor tidy

5. Cabin beds are ideal for children over the age of six as you can squeeze in a desk or futon underneath

6. If your children are of school age, you'll need somewhere for them to concentrate on homework so try to fit in a desk wherever possible

7. Position the desk in natural light, near a window, and provide a desk lamp and some office storage boxes for books, paper and pens so everything is within easy reach

8. A practical office chair is essential for good posture – you can find colourful versions for children in stores such as Ikea

9. Make sure they also have a dedicated task light for bedtime stories

10. Look for space-saving beds with underbed storage or a second bed hidden underneath for spontaneous sleepovers

11. A comfy chair in the corner creates the perfect environment for reading and relaxing. Pastel coloured room stickers add a subtle, relaxing touch to a reading area.

12. Be confident with colour. If you don’t want to go down the pastel route, consider a striking striped effect with blocks of red, blue, orange and green. Paint your own canvas to hang on the wall or frame sheets of wrapping paper or wallpaper for some instant art

13. Hang some string from one end of the wall to the other, well out of your child’s reach, and display their artwork with wooden or coloured clothes pegs

14. User room stickers to display your artwork, messages or even invites. Unlike pins and tack, room stickers don’t leave a mess on the walls and can be re-positioned time and time again.