The subtle approach pays as US takes star role

As the excess of bulky, brightly coloured toys get put aside in favour of X-box and board games, this age-range need a room that is relatively smart and a little more mature, but which also reflects their childhood interests.

Generally, I would advise to avoid patterned character or theme papers (as these can date very quickly). Opt for a subtle wall colour (blue is fine, but avoid shades that are cold, bland or overpowering) and then dress the room with wall-hangings, pictures and accessories.

In this way you create a theme that can be changed with relative ease, but if done correctly, will last quite a few years.

This room in a house we recently completed was designed for two brothers who fitted the pre-teen category perfectly.

A flag theme based around the Stars & Stripes indulged their passion for all things Stateside and allowed the use of blue as a dominant, but not dominating, colour throughout the room.

The walls were painted in Zoffany La Seine, a subtle blue that is relatively light, but still has plenty of body. This was matched with a plain carpet, some terrific oak bedroom furniture from Aspace, and plain duvet covers and pillow cases.

Bunk beds are terrific space savers (providing room for those sharing or a sleepover treat) and always seem to be popular with children of pretty much any age.

The blinds and pelmets were covered in Calvi Lacquer Red, from Romo, a simple stripe which hints at the American flag.

I opted for chain-operated blinds, rather than curtains as they allow the more independent young adult to be responsible for opening their window covering without the need to dress them neatly. I find curtains also tend to be more at risk of being damaged by being dragged open from those operating them at a lower height than most adults.

This simple colour palette, furniture and blinds provided a basic bedroom design that could be adapted as tastes develop without any further major expense.

Flags were introduced in cushions and bed throws, a star-covered blue rug and the great square Stars & Stripes trunk from Halo.

The walls were dressed with US-themed art and a draped "antique" American flag (actually, a brand new cotton flag that was left in cold tea for a couple of days) to provided a final, strong focal point.

BLAKE BRINGS HIS MAGIC TO WALLPAPER

One of my abiding memories as a child was watching special episodes of Jackanory when Quentin Blake, the marvellous illustrator and children's author, used to tell a story while at the same time draw it across a vast expanse of wall.

So I was particularly thrilled to hear that he has just launched a wonderful collection of fabrics and wallpapers for Osborne & Little.

The Zagazoo collection features a host of lively and animated characters and all of the patterns are based on Quentin's original book illustrations.

The range includes butterfly meadows, jubilant musicians, playful dogs, skateboarders, a range of witty and unusual A-Z illustrations and, my personal favourite, a collection of colourful cockatoos perched in a big leafy jungle.

Each design comes in a variety of colourways from the muted to the downright exotic.

This collection is sure to appeal to children of all ages – indeed, as we go to press, one of my bedrooms is being redecorated specifically to accommodate those mischievous cockatoos.

Wallpaper is 31.73 a roll and fabric 31.73 a metre (www.osborneandlittle.com; 020 7352 1456).

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design and one of the region's leading designers. Contact him on 0800 0321 180 or visit his website, www.jamiehempsall.com