Sifting, as we do each month, through the international mailbag sent via our U.K. and North American agents, we’re forever staggered by the mix of communiqués contained therein.

Press events, product suggestions and invites are one thing (actually, make that three things), but it’s the design negative imagery we’re sent that really strikes a chord. As we mince and wince over snapshots of loathsome living rooms, bilious bathrooms and calamitous kitchens, we’re reminded that the world still has some way to go before design atonement is achieved.

And this month’s most frequently posted subject? Requests for advice on kids’ rooms and nurseries. Aye, it appears the stork has been extra busy of late and, consequently, making babies (babies’ rooms, that is) has become quite the C&J preoccupation.

Kids’ rooms; we have experience. And, over the years, we’ve created many, using colour as our starting point. Shade selection is clearly personal and, while we appreciate the market is predisposed to pink and blue, white is our top tip as it makes a great back drop against which to add drama via subsequent, flexible layering.

But white? Well, if you’re worried about wee fingers leaving crayon or foodstuff smudges, try this; add a decorative border at waist height and use matt emulsion above, and gloss below. Et voilà — offending marks will vanish courtesy of a damp cloth.

Another trick is to designate one area as a blackboard; simply paint with specialist product, allow it to dry, then give the little ’uns chalk and let them get stuck in. And when it’s time to clean up? Simply rub off the masterpiece and start again.

How about underfoot? . If choosing carpet, select product that’s washable and stain repellent. Bright shades date, so make statements with decorative elements or rugs. It might even make sense to consider carpet tiles; these allow for damaged areas to be replaced should problems arise. Just remember to buy a few extra tiles and store them away carefully.

Lighting, too, is important and should remain subdued. As well as visiting specialist outlets, raid the aisles of a big box store, which carry great ranges that work well in junior domains. The secret to making lighting work (in adult or juvenile contexts) is a simple dimmer; with the twist of a button, mood can be adjusted to suit circumstances. Night feeds, for example, are better given against ambient backlight so as not to wake baby too much.

In a nutshell, the secret to a successful project is a clean and comfortable backdrop, one that can be modified (without fuss or expense) as time and tastes fluctuate. Our watch word, therefore, is flexibility. Kids’ passions switch frequently and the last thing you want is to face a complete gut down six months after your child springboards from Batman to Spiderman, or from Barbie to My Little Pony.

Safety first — our guide

For the most part, adults assess risk and exist in such a way as to avoid incidents. Children, however, particularly young ones, need safety to be considered for them so they can get on with the serious business of having fun. This in mind, let’s have a look at health and safety:

Tiny fingers are easily trapped in door hinges, so install plastic safety mechanisms; these fit easily and can be found in DIY chains. Ensure window cords and blind chains are tucked out of harm’s way. Each year, sadly, deaths occur when children become trapped in the workings of ‘innocent’ window apparatus.

Avoid trailing electrical flexes and protect plugs with childproof fronts. Fit windows with secure locks that allow for ventilation yet limit opening without supervision.

We never install open fires or gas fires in kids’ rooms. We don’t even need to explain why.

If you have exposed radiators, we’d counsel they’re kept on a separate thermostat to restrict heat. If this isn’t possible, position a decorative safety screen in front to protect delicate digits.

Rugs on hard floors should have anti-skid mats positioned below to protect against slipping.

Avoid low-level shelves. These might seem appropriate, but they can be hazardous upon collision with little heads.

Fabric inspiration

Our design inspiration stemmed from the fabric we chose for the blind and the cushions. To save money, we reused the existing bed but padded the wooden frame with foam and then reupholstered it with the same material. We colour matched the paint to the fabric, and then created the magic with masking tape and a great deal of patience. The results speak for themselves and cost little more than a litre of each colour.

All white on the night

We went all-out white with milky emulsion on the walls and satin white on the timber floor. To properly paint lumber, first sand down the surface, remove loose nails and then fill problem holes and cracks. Next, vacuum, wash the floor with sugar soap solution and apply several light coats of paint using a medium sized roller; this practice avoids brush marks.

Roll out the rug

To soften proceedings, while adding a splash of colour at floor level, we opted for a huge tufted circular rug. Our specification is gentle underfoot and looks fabulous. Who says carpets should be rectangular? Karhani, our favourite Canadian rug supplier, carries a staggeringly good selection so hit them up for inspiration.

Stash in a dash

Don’t let your little ’uns become next generation clutterers. Choose trunk storage solutions and ottomans with concealed stash zones and lose old, broken toys to stop space becoming a dumping ground with no sense of order. Setting standards such as these from a young age will promote good habits later in life. Fact.