Tips on decorating a child’s bedroom from interior designer Emma Delaney

Decorating a child’s bedroom can be tricky. While they might like specific things and have certain needs right now, there’s no guarantee that this won’t change in a few years (or weeks, for that matter).

Interior designer at April and the Bear Emma Delaney has turned her expert eye to such a task with this project in Booterstown, Dublin.  

“Our client wanted to create a space for their daughter that offered up both a resting place to wind down in, along with a space that promotes creativity and inspiration,” Emma explains. “They were also conscious that the room needed to be flexible in relation to their daughter growing up. Essentially, they wanted to avoid installing a scheme with an expiry date.”

When planning a child’s room, Emma says, there are several key aspects she always keeps in mind. “I choose flexible colour schemes that work well with a variation of colour, and rely on textiles and prints to bring in bolder patterns and colours. This can be changed out when required. Finally, I select investment pieces of furniture that will last, while also being age appropriate.”

This can be seen in this design, which uses Pink Ground from Farrow & Ball, combined with delicate “Dot” wallpaper by Ferm Living on the walls.

Storage was an issue in the space, so this was a focus. “This space lacked storage so we maximised the lovely original recesses by building bespoke wardrobes into these nooks,” Emma explains. “We went for a contemporary micro shaker door which works so effortlessly to create a clean aesthetic.”

Colour and fun details are brought in with cushions, prints, and a mirror, while a favourite piece of Emma’s in the room is the Arum Wall Lamp beside the bed.

“It works so well with the pared-back scheme we set out to achieve with our client. This is a prime example of choosing clever pieces that will last in the long run.”

Photography: katiekavbrands.com