Go bold

Blocks of strong colours give the space a hip look that won't date too quickly.

Create useful pinboard

Cover a section of wall in cork floor tiles, then paint it to create a pinboard where teens can swap posters as often as they like without leaving Blu-Tack marks. Use sealed floor tiles so they don't absorb so much paint.

Lay practical carpet tiles

They're quieter than laminate and the tiles can be replaced separately if there are spills. Why not mix them up to create stripes or a chequerboard pattern?

Get the look

For striking statement wallpapers, visit Harlequin and for great value home office furniture visit IKEA. Wickes stocks cork floor tiles and Homebase has a range of storage hooks.