Ask the designer: Decorating for children

Q Our new arrival is due this summer — any advice on decorating a baby’s room that will last?

A. Firstly — congratulations. As well as creating a soothing and tranquil space for your new arrival, a nursery should provide a practical space for storage, feeding and changing your baby. Consider investing in a cot that converts to a toddler bed in time, and a chest of drawers with a changing area on top that can be removed once baby is older. A wardrobe with lots of shelving and pull-out baskets is invaluable, both for sorting items and concealing clutter. In terms of decor, the easiest option is to keep the flooring neutral and paint the walls in your chosen colour. Accessorise with co-ordinating bedding, wall decals and blackout curtains or blinds.

Planned properly, the nursery should see your child right through the toddler years.