Dear Donna,

In the next couple of months, we're having an extension built with two bedrooms up top. One is for a bigger room for a little boy of eight who wants every colour in the rainbow, despite it only being 10' x 12'! As I don't want to ruin it first off, or go badly wrong on the decor - can you offer a colourful and space saving idea or theme?

Thanks!

Our Homes And Property Expert replies:

Hi there,

It all depends on your son's favourite colour and theme. Choose one or two background colours to use on the walls. Choose colours which can fit any theme easily - no doubt your son will have a new favourite bedroom theme next year. So purple is probably quite an inflexible colour compared to say, blue. If the room is small, it would be best to keep it white to give the illusion of space. You can add a rainbow of colour using accessories. This way, you can chop and change themes as often as you like.

Check out stores such as Ikea, Matalan, Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's for cheap and cheerful accessories that won't break the bank. Asda has single duvet sets at around £5.99. Build on your rainbow theme by adding a myriad of colours in the form of rugs, lamps, floor cushions, window dressings, wall posters, colourful window film etc.

You could paint any existing wooden or melamine bedroom furniture in rainbow colours. Adding colour in this way won't overwhelm the room or cramp its already small style.

As for storage, check out Ikea for a host of affordable solutions. Their Trofast storage combination is ideal for storing boy's stuff. The solid pine frame comes with six deep plastic storage boxes for £50. There's also the handy Ikea PS Fangst hanging storage for just £4.50 in white, blue or green; stackable Vessla plastic storage crates on castors in blue, white or green for just £3.90 each; and Ekorre net storage baskets that stick onto the back of the door and have zipped bottoms for easy opening and closing, £4.50 each. For your nearest store visit the Ikea website or call (0845) 355 1141.

Best wishes,

Donna