If you’ve been following our Interior Squad member Elise’s journey on her Instagram feed (@makemyhomepretty), you’ll know she’s been working tirelessly to transform her family home with an 18-month renovation. With her signature eye for detail and a focus on buying once and buying well, she’s now turned her attention to finding window dressings that perfectly complement the character of her property. As she moves away from temporary blinds and towards a more permanent solution, we couldn’t wait to get her advice on making thoughtful choices that balance style and practicality for a boys’ bedroom.
After two years of dust, delays, and living out of boxes, our home renovation was finally at a point where we could focus on the fun stuff - the kids' bedrooms. And for me, decorating my son’s room was a project filled with love, learning curves, and a lot of sports-themed inspiration.
It was important to me that his room not only reflected his personality but also felt like a space that could grow with him. I wasn’t interested in short-term style. I wanted something with longevity, a balance between fun and function that would work for everything from playtime to sleepovers, and eventually, homework too.
“We originally tried cheaper curtains and they didn’t fit properly nor did they block out the light. They just felt like a temporary fix."
The room itself was tricky. It has an unusual shape and the biggest window in the house: a stunning huge square bay window that lets in loads of light and makes the room feel bright and airy, but it also presented a challenge when it came to privacy and dressing it well.
I decided to create a sports-themed wall that showcases his favourite teams and activities. We also chose a bunk bed, with the top bunk doubling as a hideout and guest bed when friends come to stay. It made the most of vertical space and gave him an area that felt truly his.
When it came to dressing that stunning bay window, I knew curtains were the answer. There’s something so warm and homely about a curtain, especially in a child’s bedroom. I didn’t want anything too busy as the room already had a lot going on, so I chose double pinch pleat curtains in Huxley Moss, a muted green that complements the tones we’ve used throughout the house. To add a little twist, I went with a Mineral Blue blackout lining, which gives a fun flash of colour and a bit of personalisation.
“We originally tried cheaper curtains and they didn’t fit properly nor did they block out the light. They just felt like a temporary fix. I’m glad we decided to finally invest in quality, and you can feel the difference immediately.”
The practical benefits were just as important as the look. That big bay window is very overlooked, so privacy was key especially as my son gets older. And for light control, the blackout lining has been a game changer. With longer spring evenings and bright early mornings, he’s been sleeping so much better.
As we head into summer, I’m also planning to keep the curtains half drawn during the day to help keep the room cool. It’s these kinds of functional details that I think really matter when you’re designing a home for family life.
I hadn’t truly realised how much a difference curtains could make until they were installed. Suddenly, the room felt complete. The curtains add a softness and a sense of calm that balances out all the bright sports themed details. And my son? He’s so proud of them. He loves opening and closing them himself, it’s one of those little things that makes him feel really grown up.
“The curtains just elevate the whole room. They bring everything together and make the space feel finished, like a proper, lived-in bedroom.”
One of the biggest considerations for any child’s room is how to future-proof it. After a long renovation, I’ve become mindful of the choices I make. I’m less interested in trends and more focused on buying things that will last. That’s why I chose a calming colour palette that flows with the rest of our home and stayed away from trend-led themes.
Instead of cartoon decals or themed bedding, I added interest through artwork and accessories that can be swapped out easily as he gets older. The sports wall is dynamic and easy to update, and the curtains will still look beautiful even when he’s a teenager.
“I wanted something that would last not just physically, but stylistically too. Choosing colours and designs that work long term means I won’t feel the need to redo everything in a year’s time.”
The whole experience of working with Hillarys was smooth and genuinely enjoyable. With our home’s tricky period windows, I was relieved to leave the measuring and fitting to the experts. The result was a perfect fit and a finish that felt effortless.
Decorating your child’s bedroom is one of those small milestones in home life that ends up meaning so much. This room isn’t just decorated; it’s designed to support his growth, reflect his passions, and be a space where he can feel entirely at home.
“I’m so glad we waited and chose something we really loved. It’s made such a difference, and the room finally feels like it belongs to him.”
Take a look at more style inspiration and practical advice
Decorating a nursery or a young child’s bedroom brings the creative side out in everyone. As well as having fun with the styling there are some practical aspects to consider that will help make this a versatile space that will grow with your child.
From master suites to loft conversions, discover inspiration to suit any age, style or budget.
Our top five ways to create an inviting home that everyone wants to spend time in.
