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How to decorate a kids' room that’s fun, flexible and full of personality

Designing a kids' room is one of the most joyful tasks in a new home. It’s a space that can be as imaginative, colourful and creative as your child, and a perfect chance to let their personality

Whether you're setting up a nursery, refreshing a toddler’s bedroom, or giving a growing child a space of their own, these kids' room decor ideas will help you combine fun with function.

From eye-catching murals to clever kids’ room storage, we’ve rounded up some simple, budget-friendly ways to create a beautiful, practical space your child will love spending time in.

Colourful butterfly wall mural in a children's bedroom with playful decor and soft furnishings

Make a mural moment

We’ve recently captured a stunning kids' room at our Jubilee Gardens development – and one of the standout features was a beautiful wall mural inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The hand-painted design adds so much charm and personality, and it’s a great reminder that you don’t need to stick to neutral colours or traditional patterns when decorating your child’s space.

If you’re feeling creative, painting your own mural can be a really special project. Whether it’s a favourite book character, a woodland scene or a space adventure, murals bring the room to life and give it a real sense of fun.

Not an artist? No problem. There are plenty of peel-and-stick mural options and large-scale wall decals that can give you the same wow-factor, with a lot less effort.

Top tip: Pick a mural theme your child won’t outgrow too quickly – or keep it to one feature wall so it’s easy to change as they grow.

Kids’ room decor that grows with your child

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so why not keep your driveway looking its best. It’s important to note that your driveway can be damaged by your car’s power steering if turning the wheel while stationary – so please take precaution when driving on and off. To maintain the even finish on your drive, simply rake and sweep any loose gravel every couple of weeks.

If your drive is made of tarmac, it’s key to remember these surfaces are soft when laid and can soften again hot weather. In fact, it takes several months for a new tarmac drive to reach full strength, so avoid placing any heavy weights on it such as a skip or car jack.

Bright children's bedroom with soft pink decor, daybed, floral wallpaper and wooden wardrobe
Children's bedroom with woodland mural, house frame bed and soft pink bedding

Use lighting to create atmosphere and support routines

Lighting can completely change the mood and functionality of a kid's room. Layering different light sources helps make the space versatile — bright overhead lighting for playtime and homework, and softer, warmer lights for winding down before bed.

Consider installing a dimmer switch to adjust brightness easily as the day progresses. Nightlights or fun-shaped lamps can offer comfort during bedtime and add a playful touch to the decor.

If space allows, string fairy lights around shelves or a reading nook to create a magical, cosy atmosphere. Lighting that’s easy for your child to control helps encourage independence and supports a healthy routine.

Personal touches make it special

At the heart of all great kids’ room decor ideas is one simple thing: personality. This is your child’s space, and the more they feel like it belongs to them, the more they’ll enjoy it.

Let them choose a few colours or accessories and involve them in the decorating where you can. Maybe they’d like to help paint a wall, pick out posters, or even create their own artwork to frame.

Adding name signs, memory boards, photos, or hand-me-down items from family can give the room a sense of warmth and connection.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a magical space. Sometimes it’s the homemade touches – like a fairy light reading nook or a canopy over the bed – that become the most-loved features.

a bright children’s bedroom in the saunton house type at the valley park development in the wessex region, featuring colourful decor and a single bed.

Choose durable and easy-to-clean materials

Kids can be messy, so picking materials that stand up to everyday life makes decorating easier for you — and more comfortable for them.

Opt for washable paints and wallpapers that can be wiped down without damage, especially on walls your child is likely to touch or draw on. For flooring, consider soft but durable options like laminate or vinyl with rugs that are easy to clean.

Furniture with stain-resistant fabrics or removable, washable covers works well in kids rooms. And when it comes to bedding, breathable cottons that can handle frequent washes are ideal.

Thinking practically about materials from the start saves time and money — and keeps the room looking fresh and inviting for longer.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re decorating for a toddler or a teen, the best kids' room decor combines fun, function and flexibility.

Make it personal, get creative, and don’t be afraid to try something bold – especially if your child is excited about it.

And if you’re lucky enough to be moving into a brand new Persimmon home, starting with a blank canvas makes decorating even more exciting.

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