start off in style

By Gabrielle Fagan

New parents always want to give their baby the red carpet treatment when it arrives in the world and that means preparing a beautiful nursery. But design savvy parents are turning away from the tried-and-tested formula of pastel colours and garishly coloured murals or predictable bunnies and teddies.

These days that nursery is likely to be a stylish sanctuary that echoes the good looks of the rest of their home.

"Quite right too," says Andrea Maflin, an interior designer whose new book, Children's Rooms, is packed with inspiring ideas for creating imaginative, practical rooms for little ones. Remember that just because this is a room for a child it doesn't necessarily have to be traditionally childish," she says.

"You don't have to sacrifice your own taste and design ideas if you don't want to - there's no reason why this room shouldn't be decoratively as much part of your home as any other room. That way you will enjoy spending time in it - especially as for the first couple of years it will be a room where long hours are spent day and night! So, it needs to be comfortable, relaxing."

All you need is a little know-how, some imagination and not too much money to create a room that will grow with your child, and won't need expensive redecoration too often.

Rob Chambers, commercial manager for furniture at Mamas & Papas, also recognises that parents want to harmonise the look of their child's room with the other living spaces, so good design flows through the entire home.

"Many families are keen to create an individual, more eclectic feel in their children's bedroom or nursery these days and they also want furniture that will last beyond their children's nursery years."

"Oak is a popular wood finish and we are also seeing more interest in the crisp, clean look of white furniture, which reflects interior trends in other parts of the home."

Follow our guide to creating a perfect room for your child.