It’s no surprise that children’s imaginations are stimulated most when surrounded by vibrant, invigorating colours. But practicality should play a part when painting your child’s room, too. For a decorating scheme that suits both boys and girls and won’t outgrow your child, choose peaceful neutrals for the walls, like a shade of soothing grey-green or a warm stone.

Your neutral base gives your endless opportunities to play around with colour. Try a feature wall decked out in muted pastel stripes or stimulate their senses with wallpaper, stencils or a pin-up board decorated with photographs and artwork. Add texture with patterned fabrics and textiles, such as a natural sisal rug, gingham cushions and a snug nursing chair. Patterned surfaces are perfect for nurseries as they help to hide inevitable stains and scuff marks, not to mention little handprints!

There's also Dulux Easycare as the ultimate defence against mucky little fingerprints and scuffs. It’s tough formulation is 20 times more durable than normal Dulux matt emulsion, so you can wash spills and stains off the walls without the colour fading. Select similar pastel shades in our tough new range on the Dulux Easycare product page.