You'll find that you probably want a neutral colour for the walls, but the term "neutral" doesn't need to mean bland. Plus, you don't need to hold back on other wall decorations. Here's an idea of what's possible: 

Paint: There are now super-scrubbable paints that can stand up to the rough-and-tumble action in a child's room. When choosing a colour, look for something flexible that nonetheless can extend a theme: for a forest or jungle theme, choose green; for the Wild West, try a warm sandy beige; for an ocean or sky, an appropriate blue. 

Mural: A mural can be the centerpiece for a child's room - but be forewarned that it tends to stick around a long time. You don't need to hire an artist for a mural - you can paint it yourself by using an overhead projector. Just pick an image from a book, magazine, or even colouring book, and photocopy it onto a transparency. Project the transparency onto the wall where the mural will go, and copy its outlines lightly in pencil. Then fill in the blanks with mural paint (available at craft stores). 

Stencils: If you want to paint something fun on the walls, but don't trust your artistic skills, try using stencils or sponge cutouts. There are also large rubber stamps available to imprint images onto walls. (You'll find that this is a fun project, so you might want to get the kids involved, too, if they're old enough to help.) Search for these items in paint or wallpaper stores, craft stores, or on the Internet. 

Wallpaper: Wallpaper comes in hundreds of children's patterns and can create instant decoration. 

Borders: Borders can be used on wallpapered or painted walls to add a low-key accent - animals, spaceships, flowers, or cars, for example that can stay in place for a long time. 

Posters: Kids love posters, and they're inexpensive enough that you can replace them according to changing interests. Posters can be framed or unframed, depending upon your budget and how long you plan to keep them. 

Bulletin boards: Bulletin boards can handle all kinds of changing themes in fun and inexpensive ways. Hang up your child's recent art projects, favourite magazine cutouts, or pictures based on a new hobby. 

Bedding: A new comforter and a few extra pillows can do wonders for refreshing a room. Add a lot of extra pillows to a bed, push one side against the wall, and you have a couch where it's nice to curl up with a book. Sometimes just getting new sheets can update a room. 

Stencils: Stenciled figures or even just a fresh coat of paint can update the look of most any furniture. And if you've already stenciled the walls, this effect can tie things together simply. 

Ceiling: Don't forget the ceiling! It can be a starry sky, an underwater scene, or filled with fluffy clouds. Freehand drawings, stencils, can help you along. 

Faux stained glass: A window with transparent decals can project brilliant colours into a neutral room or conjure fairy tale imaginings. Window decals work best with a room that's simply furnished. 

Pictures: Pictures hung on walls can extend any theme and are easy to change as time passes. 

Toys: Some dolls or stuffed animals are cute enough for display as well as play. Place them on shelves or on top of dressers or beds. 

Decorating a child's room can be as simple as changing the bedding or as complicated as painting elaborate designs on the walls and furniture. Whatever you do, make sure your child has input and the finished room provides a safe, fun haven for playtime, bedtime, and just hanging out. A floor-to-ceiling bookcase can keep current toys within reach and put things like trophies or collectibles on display but out of harm's way. A potted palm in a jungle room, or a stuffed acrobat doll suspended from the ceiling in a circus room can add to the final touches. 

(concluded)