kid's rooms - four ways to wake up your walls

Every now and then I do a little writing for Today's Parent magazine. A few months ago I rounded up some rooms for them (everything from babies to big kids) where the walls took centre stage. From stencils to murals to striped ceilings there are so many things you can get away with when it comes to kid's rooms that you just couldn't do anywhere else. Take a look.

Photo, Kristin Sjaarda.

Nursery - Soft Stencils

1. This stencil pattern is inspired by embroidered Mexican textiles, combined with woodland animals. The set comes with two big stencil sheets (about 3.5 ft. by 2.5 ft. each) and instructions. You’ll need a roller brush, paint, tray, drop cloth, and tape to secure the stencils while you work.

stencil, $64, stencilboss.storeenvy.com

2. Once you’ve settled on a name, monogrammed pillows like this one (also available in a frilly script) are a fun accent.

typewriter pillow, $58, serenaandlily.com

3. Shop online sites like Etsy and eBay for vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces that feel like family heirlooms.

wool rug, $60, etsy.com/ca/shop/jolimome

Photo, Roberto Caruso

Toddler Room - Magical murals (you might recognize this one!)

Children’s bedrooms allow for a little more whimsy than other rooms in the house. A tree mural that stretches from floor to ceiling becomes this room’s focal point, and is a fitting metaphor for a growing child. Bonus: this type of wall art won’t come crashing to the floor.

1. Much like a mobile, a dramatic, intricate light fixture gives your child something to gaze at when waking up from a nap.

artecnica midsummer light, $96, ellaandelliot.com

2. This Inke Heiland tree muraare made from precut vintage wallpaper. Use wallpaper paste (included in the kit) to glue the individual leaves wherever you like.

tree kit, $200, ellaandelliot.com; elephant kit, $105, galerie-co.com

3. Protect hardwood floors with a large area rug. Add a pad underneath to provide a soft landing for rough-and-tumble toddlers.

6×9 stripe rug, $282 dashandalbert.com

Photo, Kim Christie

Little kid room - Punchy Paint

1. Colourful stripes painted onto the ceiling add an element of topsy-turvy circus-style fun. (You’ll need at least one ladder, a level ruler or metre stick, a lot of painter’s tape to block out the stripes, and another person to help.) This vibrant hue of yellow is energizing for an active kid’s room.

sun-kissed yellow paint, $30 per gallon, benjaminmoore.ca

Photo, Scott Norsworthy. Design, MHouse Inc.

Big kid room - Fresh floral wallpaper

If your child demands pink (but the idea makes you cringe) choose variations on the commonly used pepto-princess shades. Here, peach, fuchsia and magenta are layered with a flowery, grown-up print to create a feminine yet sophisticated take on a traditional and pretty little girl’s room.

1. For a similar (but more affordable) look, try the “Countess” pattern by Graham and Brown.

wallpaper, $75 per roll, grahambrown.com

2. White shag might seem impractical, but flokati wool is durable and wears well. (Small flokati rugs can go in the machine; hand wash larger ones in the tub.)

rug, $129, landofnod.com

To see more of these rooms and to read the whole article head over here. And before we go, the winner of the Nayme necklace is Leah. Congratulations Leah! I'll be in touch with you soon.