Top tips to create a lively playroom

Before painting the walls in colourful hues, consider all the rainbow bright toys that will fill the room. Warm neutrals always make great backdrops and allow for fun expression with wall stencils and artwork.  Try Solver Talc or Silky Beige.

The floor becomes a huge focus, so lay down a pretty patterned rug to make it not only softer, but more inviting. Simple hopscotch or racetrack rugs are wonderfully interactive and allow kids to use their imaginations.

Set the scene for fun with wallpaper, removable wall stickers of willowy trees with birds or farm animals, hanging craft flags and vintage style maps. Alternatively, paint and frame an area in coloured chalkboard - paint available from Bunnings.

Children need to be free, safe, roll around and run a little wild. Kids love the floor; too many toys or furnishings will inhibit their imaginative play so keep their layout simple, clutter free and rotate toys between accessible, hidden or higher storage.

Lead your child away from the TV and into the magical realm of their imagination aided by some playroom props. We all know the best cubbies, tents and tree-houses are DIY, but encourage the adventure in the Winter months with an indoors teepee, tunnels or a curtained corner with floor cushions. A dress-up trunk is a must!

Give children the independence and opportunity to explore by using a variety of storage solutions, such as kindy bags and hats suspended from hooks on the wall, storage containers, mobile toy boxes and open shelving where they can retrieve and replace items themselves.

Use a low or no VOC paint to create a healthy environment for play. Check out Solver's environmental range at www.solverpaints.com.au

Good furniture should have more than one life. Think multi-functional items like benches that double as shelving, bookcases with baskets, daybeds for sleep overs - even a good toy box should do double duty.

A table and chair for craft time should be accompanied by a selection of comfy options for lounging, playing and reading. Floor cushions, a fold out sofa, an old armchair and plush beanbags with be guaranteed hits.

Children love to build or draw, so provide them with somewhere spacious for them to be creative and messy. A small table and chairs, paper roll built into the wall, blackboard, easel, or if you have the room - a whole wall!