Inspired by their design-conscious parents, kids are becoming more and more demanding when it comes to their bedrooms, as Amanda Killelea discovers ITH designers like Kelly Hoppen and John Rocha creating interior ranges for high street stores, never before has room design been more accessible, with even kids getting in on the act.

And some parents are willing to spend thousands to give their children the room of their dreams...

Interior designer Sue Hanley has had dozens of requests for individually designed children's bedrooms – and sometimes money has been no object.

She says: “I have been asked to do fairy princess rooms, knights of the realm themes, outer space and even an army-themed room. Having murals painted on the walls depicting nursery rhymes or cartoon themes is very popular.

“And I have even been asked to create a bedroom with a railway track going right around the highest level of the room.

“The more affluent the client, the more they are willing to spend. Sometimes there isn't a budget to stick to and if the products are right then the parents will have the scheme.“Older children request more fashion-oriented themes – pink is obviously very popular with girls, as is the handbag theme.

“Plasma TV screens, music systems and games consoles often have to be incorporated, and if there is enough space, then children love a small sitting area or chill-out zone.”

Key trends Sue is seeing at the moment are bespoke furniture made to fit the room incorporating en-suite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes. Knutsford-based Mark Wilkinson furniture specialises in creating bespoke furniture for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and media centres.

But their children's bedroom furniture is really the stuff dreams are made of – and has caught the eye of several Manchester United players. For the little princess in your life there is the hand-crafted Cinderella carriage which doubles up as a bed – a mere snip at more than £24,000.

For the boys there is the Sir Galahad range to give his bedroom a truly medieval feel.

Richard Moss of Mark Wilkinson says: “We don't sell a lot of these, but that is the market we are in. We are dealing with people to whom money is no object – one of our kitchens can cost between £100,000 and £200,000.

“We have been approached by several Manchester United players.

“The Cinderella carriage is expensive – but it is completely hand-crafted. It can take a craftsman a week to make one of the wheels.”

Company founder Mark started designing children's furniture when his own children were born – using their tastes as inspiration for his designs.

Richard says: “We were recently asked to create a room for a 10-year-old girl that would last her 10 years. Mark took inspiration from how his own 18-year-old daughter's room had evolved over the years to create the design.”

But what if your budget can't stretch to the luxury end of the market? Sue believes it is still possible to give your children a functional and funky bedroom without blowing he budget.

She says: “Like anything, it is all in the planning. First, you have to set your budget – and stick to it. “Then, find out your children's likes and dislikes and work out what you need the space to provide for you. “Take dimensions of the room with you when you go to shop – there is no point buying something that won't fit.

“Have a good look around – Ikea and Next are good starting points, but many mail order companies have great ideas either online or in catalogues. “Buy your staple items, such as beds and wardrobes in a material or colour that will last so that you don't have to spend lots if your child is fed up with the room in 18 months' time.

“Add themed items using accessories so it is easy to ring the changes without buying expensive key pieces again.“You can keep costs down by painting the walls with wipeable emulsion instead of wallpaper. Use a rug to brighten up a plain carpet.

“You can re-vamp existing pieces by changing handles or knobs on wardrobes or doors – DIY stores such as B&Q have good ranges. And keep clutter tidied away by putting toys in storage boxes.”</text>

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