Why not use some of her art work on the walls, in different size and style frames (natural, black, white & silver) - you can pick up some cheap frames in the op shop and the bargain stores - just buy some spray paint, and have fun - let your artist help....... you can even photograph some of her art work and have it blown up to poster size - the brighter the better. I'd suggest painting the walls white, with maybe a feature wall a timber bed head - one with a book shelf would be great - a double of course - the room is big enough. A rug to anchor the bed and some funky cushions. An Eames DSW white retro chair and a small white desk with some floating white shelves for odds and ends.... I'd probably get a white roller blind for the window, and paint the door, wardrobe doors and skirtings white, and a lovely large retro style light fitting in the middle of the room, or a hanging pendant next to the bed. A small bedside table - try Ikea - they have a great range, and not too expensive, you may even be able to get a great bedhead there - she sounds a very practical girl, so no frills. You want a young, fresh, modern look. Place the artwork randomly, in groups, on the walls - hang paper cut outs on the walls with blue tack, to see the effect, before you put up the art - Your artist could help with that too. What's her favourite colour??? Does she have any hobbies?? We need photos and more info.... What a lovely step dad you are!!! Good luck. I hope I've helped...

We have old Tasmanian Oak floors that are a warm light toffee colour and painted our walls in a slightly cool white (Caspar White Quarter) and to me it jars a bit as it makes the wood look more orangey. I wish I'd done a white with a bit of warmth (though stay away from daggy creamy whites!). Dulux Natural White I think is perfect and I've seen it used a lot and always looks perfect. (Though get Haymes paint, it's much better, the paint shop can mix it up in any brand's colour).

Hi Mikala, one downside to using a Dulux consultant is that they are only going to specify their own products. Going with an independent colour designer they will work and select from a range of suppliers. Even with 4000+ colours in the Dulux range, it sometimes just doesn’t have just the right hue. If you are looking at speciality finishes there are other brands that I go to first as they often have better depth of colour and finish. A consultant in addition to the selection of colours and products, will specify placement which is just as important. If you are updating other elements in your home then a colour designer can assist with colour selections (eg a dark blue sofa that you then shop for). An interior designer/decorator can also specify and source (this particular blue sofa with this fabric/size) as part of a fuller ranger of services they offer. They could also specify other finishes to the walls like wallpaper. All the best, Louise, Decoro Custom Interiors - Window Treatment Specialist, Sydney

I agree with Jan -- a lot is personal , and your lifestyles . You say neutral colours , so a wheat type colour for the carpet is a good middle of the road choice , but maybe not practical with kids who like crayons and facepainting and stripping down motorbikes haha . So in that case , maybe a burgundy or mid blue or similar 'solid' colour may suit better ( burgundy may tie in more with the exterior tones ) , but is still sort of neutral , but what about furniture and linen and artwork -- if you have royal blue or fluro green drawers and a brown chair and sunshine yellow duvet/dooner cover , and the room is for someone older than 4 , then burgundy carpet mightn't be the go haha . The existing wall colour works with most things , you can add artwork or posters or sports or academic certificates -- maybe back to front , but I'd sort out everything else ( carpet , furniture , etc ) before deciding on a wall colour , unless sticking to the existing or similar colour .