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With the summer holidays
underway it can be hard to find activities to keep your children
amused, particularly if bad weather means you can't go outside.
Why not take the opportunity to get them involved in a fun project
to revamp their own bedrooms?
 According
to Gaby Wood, Showhome Design Manager for Bryant Homes, kids' rooms
can be the most enjoyable to decorate - an area where you can have
fun with your children and really let your imagination run wild.
Here, she offers some expert advice on getting the most from your
children's rooms this summer.
"Children spend a lot
of time in their rooms - doing hobbies and homework, playing and
entertaining friends, as well as sleeping - so their bedrooms get
a lot of wear and tear. As they grow up and tastes change, it's
all too easy for their bedrooms to get worn and out-of date.
"If you're feeling particularly
energetic and creative, you may want to undertake a big redecorating
project for a completely new look. It's best to keep the main features
plain and then really go to town on the accessories. This way the
theme can be easily changed as and when necessary, without too much
expense or difficulty.
 "Often,
it's the little touches that count and small changes will transform
a room and really bring it back in fashion. You can make a real
splash with anything from new bedding and rugs to stencilling and
pictures.
"Either way, it's important
to get your children involved in creating a look for their own room
that they'll be happy with. Here are a number of projects which
children of all ages will enjoy tackling this summer and will make
a real difference to their bedrooms for years to come."
And so to bed
Fabric dyes are a quick and easy way to achieve a new look for old
bed linen. There are many different types available, so read the
instructions carefully.
- Try dyes you can use
in the washing machine for an easy, instant change.
- Have a go at tie-dyeing
by tying pieces of string tightly around the material before you
dye it.
- Use fabric adhesive
to stick on ribbons or fabric shapes cut out with pinking shears
to avoid fraying.
 The
light fantastic
Lighting can change the whole atmosphere in a room and there's no
reason why you can't add a bit of your own flair.
- Liven up plain lampshades
by sticking on fun and funky objects.
- Combine strings of
sequins with glass beads and jewels for a bit of sparkle.
- Add fun and texture
with fluffy feather trimmings.
Boxing clever
Keep desks and dressing tables clutter-free with funky boxes ideal
for storing small items such as jewellery or pens and pencils.
- Cover an old crisp
pot with coloured paper or fun fake fur fabrics.
- Draw your own design
with glitter pens or stick on coloured shapes.
- Keep the plastic
lid to store small items like hair clips safely.
Read all about it
A customised magazine file is perfect for adding a personal touch
to a desk and keeping all of your favourite reads neat and tidy.
- Liven up a plain cardboard
magazine file with a coat of paint.
- Draw your own design
with glitter glues and marker pens.
- Stick on sequins
or fabric shapes for shine and texture.
Music to your ears
Keep music collections in order with personalized CD racks.
- Give plain wooden
CD shelves a new lease of life with a coat of paint.
- Cut out a stencil
from an old cereal box and use it to paint on your own design.
- Add ribbons, sequins
or fluffy feather trimmings around the edges.
Material things
These days it's easy to create stylish soft furnishings without
being able to sew. Use fabric adhesive to liven up old curtains
and blinds
- Create a fashionable,
stripy barcode effect with coloured ribbons.
- Cut out fabric shapes
with pinking shears and stick them on.
- Add fluffy feathers,
beads or other trimmings to hems.
Sitting pretty
Spruce up your seating by giving old cushions a facelift.
- Use two squares of
material joined at the edges with fabric adhesive to cover old
cushions.
- Add trimmings secured
between the layers of material.
- Stick on fabric shapes,
ribbons or sequins to co-ordinate with your curtains.
Picture this
Give your picture, photo and mirror frames a special touch for an
eye-catching display.
- Remove the picture
and glass or block off with masking tape before painting the frame.
- Stick on coloured
shapes, sequins or fluffy feather trimming.
- If your picture has
a mount, glitter glue will add extra sparkle.
Upwardly mobile
Liven up your windows with a funky window hanging.
- Cut out shapes from
an old cereal box and roll up small balls of cotton wool.
- Cover the shapes
by sticking on foil or shiny sweet wrappers.
- Thread them onto
lengths of cord, tying a knot between each one to hold them in
place.
- Tie one end of each
length of cord onto a dowelling rod and hang it at the window
to catch the light.
For further inspiration
on decorating your children's rooms this summer, visit a Bryant
Homes' showhome at one of the 130 developments across the UK. For
further information, telephone 0500 500 002 or visit www.bryant.co.uk
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