1. creating a sense of personal privacy for each child
   ensuring there is maximum natural light
2. lots of storage area for their toys

An important focus when designing a children's bedroom is making sure there is a lot of natural light. This helps prevent Vitamin D deficiency and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

1. They collect dust and encourage children to hang off them.
   They block sunlight.
2. They are too adult and austere for a child's room.

Heavy window treatments are not recommended for a children's bedroom; they collect dust and encourage children to perform acrobatic tricks off them.

1. Do not place furniture near the door; swinging doors could damage or scratch the furniture.
   Make sure there is a furniture-free pathway from the bed to the door.
2. The focal piece of furniture should be placed opposite the doorway.

For safety purposes, such as in case of an emergency or a nocturnal bathroom visit, there needs to be a clear, furniture-free path from the bed to the doorway.

1. no doors, just a curtain on a rod
   sliding doors
2. swinging doors

Either eliminating closet doors and using a curtain on a rod, or installing pocket doors, is the best option in a children's bedroom. Sliding doors can be difficult for youngsters to open and swinging doors take up a lot of space.

1. Paint the walls in vibrant colors.
   Use a lot of washable fabric to make curtains, pillows, slip covers, bedding and fabric skirts.
2. Have a professional decorator select matching bedding and window treatments.

By using coordinating or colorful washable fabric to create curtains, pillows, slip covers, bedding and fabric skirts yourself, you can add pizzazz to your child's bedroom.

1. dark colors to hide dirt and fingerprints
   bright colors to create a fun atmosphere
2. light, cool colors to make the room appear bigger and cooler

It is best to paint the walls in light colors or cool colors to make the room appear bigger and cooler, because an attic can get very hot and a basement can be dark and dingy.

1. carpet, to protect the kids from bumps and bruises
   vinyl tiles, to allow the easiest clean up from art projects and spills
2. wood, the most durable

Vinyl tiles make the ideal floor covering in a playroom, as it is soft and protects the kids and allows the easiest clean up.

1. its color co-ordination
   how child friendly it is
2. age and condition of the furniture

Coordinating the colors in a bedroom really enhances the look, so come up with a color scheme and keep to it consistently.

1. You can't, so assume that it is.
   Buy a swab testing kit from a home ware store.
2. Take it to a carpenter or home ware store and ask for their professional opinion.

You can buy a swab testing kit from a home ware store. When applied to a surface containing lead, the swab will turn pink.

1. Strip it, prime it, apply two coats of paint, varnish.
   Clean it, prime it, apply a coat of paint, varnish.
2. Clean it, strip off old paint, fill blemishes and holes with filler, prime it and apply two coats of paint.

It is time consuming, but cost effective, to refinish an olden piece of wooden furniture yourself. Clean it, strip off old paint, fill blemishes and holes with filler, prime it and apply two coats of paint. Let dry completely between each stage.

1. prevents rust
   removes blemishes
2. makes it easier for paint or other coatings to adhere to its surface.

When refinishing an old metal piece of furniture, coat it with iron oxide primer to prevent rust.

1. oil based paint
   latex (water) based paint
2. spray paint

Spray paint adheres best to plastic furniture and is the easiest to apply.

1. Paint the furniture in bold colors.
   Add a piece of furniture, like a bed, chair, storage container, that is made from another material, like metal or wicker.
2. Varnish the furniture to a high gloss.

A great and easy way to add more personality to a room full of wooden furniture is to add a piece of furniture, like a bed, chair, storage container, that is made from another material, like metal or wicker.

1. Go for a nature inspired scheme.
   Go for neutral colors like red, green and yellow.
2. You're unlikely to achieve it; boys and girls are distinctly different.

Using nature inspired schemes is the best way to create a gender neutral bedroom, especially in a shared bedroom.

1. Prime it.
   Strip off old paint.
2. Clean it.

Clean it first, so that whatever you coat it with will adhere smoothly and evenly.