Although Berloni is synonymous with kitchens, in recent years it has diversified into other areas of the house. The Pesaro-based group have adopted the word Multiliving for the area of the house outside the kitchen, which takes in the sitting/living area, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Many parents approach me with questions on what to do and not do when designing their children's bedrooms, so let me start with a few practical dos and don'ts. Next time I want to discuss space-saving devices and the importance of colour, style and convenience in the children's bedroom.

Dos

1. Give the child his/her individuality. A child's bedroom is a den, a refuge, a play area and a study area all thrown into one. Depending on the age, you want to give your child the opportunity to express himself/herself through the bedroom's design and you want a room that is flexible enough to adapt to his/her constantly changing needs.

2. Use primary colours. Colour is important in a child's bedroom. It is a source of stimulation and promotes a certain dynamism and well-being. Go for colours that liven up the room and make it look young and fresh.

3. Ensure that glass, if used, is laminated. It is important to specify this with your supplier. You will only know what glass you have when it gets broken.

4. Plan for your child's growth and future needs, like a study area with space to put a computer, even if you have not bought one with the bedroom but intend to do so when it is needed.

5. Make sure the furniture is relatively scratch resistant. Choose a laminate and avoid gloss sprays.

Don'ts

1. Position plugs above children's beds. Any short circuit could result in the bed catching fire. Ideally plugs should be positioned behind a bedside table or desk.

2. Forget to include a safety bar in a bunk bed for younger children. This can easily be removed when the child gets older.

3. Overcrowd the room. When children are young, they need space to play. As they get older, they need space to move around and have friends coming over. Remember, this is a children's bedroom, not a box room.

4. Use sharp edges. Children will be children and safety has to be built in. Doors and drawer fronts need to be neatly shaped not only to look good but to ensure there are no accidents that can be avoided.

5. Don't choose cheap fittings. These, combined with poor quality chipboard means the furniture will literally fall apart before you know it. Go for the sturdier, longer-lasting good quality fittings because with many manufacturers this is what keeps the bedroom intact.

Mr Vassallo Cesareo is a director of Domestica Ltd, local representatives of Berloni. See the full range of furniture, including children's bedrooms, at the Berloni showroom in Valley Road, Birkirkara.

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