Tag: children’s rooms

What’s new in kids room interiors for 2017?

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 13, 2017
1 Comment on What’s new in kids room interiors for 2017?

By Amelia Coote-Harris

When asked to picture a typical kid’s room, most people likely summon the classic pieces or themes – blue for boy, pink for girl, a rocking chair, a desk, and maybe a toy box. That would have been accurate a decade ago. Now, as we enter 2017, I’m pleased to say times have changed and kids’ rooms are no longer just about basics but are instead all about beautiful interiors.

The last decade has seen children’s bedrooms go from necessities to a designer’s dream space. Kids’ rooms have become extensions of a family’s excitement for their little ones, and their rooms are no longer forgotten as part of the greater home design. The dynamism of children’s rooms is especially exciting – whether it’s statement pieces hung from the wall, bold new art, or a twist on something vintage, kids’ rooms today are sophisticated representations of the bright minds living in them.

Key trends in the space will be on display at this year’s Life Instyle, Australia’s boutique trade event for anyone working in the interior design and retail space. With a whole section dedicated to the little ones, Kids Instyle, the event will showcase emerging trends, brands, and products on the cooler side of style and design. The following are a few trends bound to be big business in the next year – so count this as your sneak peek into the next big thing in the playful world of kids’ rooms!

Classic pieces, with a difference

We’re seeing a lot of designers holding on to the classic pieces you’ll find in nurseries or kids’ rooms, but adding a modern twist to them. Rocking chairs are a great example of this. This furniture item is still well adored, and incredibly practical for many nurseries, but they’ve undergone a transformation over time. No longer boring wooden pieces, rocking chairs are now modern staples, with a reinvention in style and comfort that provide a playful but perfect addition to any room. Hobbe Home create rocking chairs perfect for the modern home; made with longevity in mind, the style is elegant and fit for a kids’ room from toddler to primary school. This type of range proves that style is priority, and with matching ottomans and cushions, the most comfortable seat in the house will also, easily, be the most stylish.

Grey

Once maligned for being boring, grey is very quickly becoming one of the coolest colours to feature. It’s the ultimate neutral, not so stark as white, still with warmth to it, and absolutely modern. It provides a base for colour combinations to brighten up the room for smaller ones with pops of or yellow, and can progress to a palette of black and white, or modern navy and white – to will grow with children. Also a perfect gender-neutral tone, grey provides limitless design possibilities.

Animals

Animals have been, and always will be, a fun way to accesorise a child’s room. Each child has a favourite – the lion, giraffe or even a hippo, and featuring these majestic animals automatically brings excitement into a space. 2017 is all about animal expression, but the modern twist is to feature them as sophisticated images. Taylored Dots is the perfect example of this – with their handcrafted animal motifs the colours are neutral, but sophisticated enough so as to keep each feature modern and clean. Whether they’re statement pieces or the base for pairing complementary colours into the room, animals have never been more in style when it comes to creating a truly exciting room that will last until the little one is a lot older.

Wellness

Health and wellness has been a prevalent trend in the adult world for a long time, and while a child’s health is always a parent’s first concern, the ethos is moving from physical wellbeing to décor too. Accessories such as candles with relaxing scents, natural fibres for linen, and even crystals are accessories parents are choosing to build a child’s room. With more accessibility, these methods of restoring wellness are becoming increasingly popular. Stoned Crystals is a great example, offering an entire range of crystals to help centre energy, with display stands and jars too, bringing the dated concept of crystals into a modern room design.

–Amelia is event director for Life Instyle, in Sydney from February 16 to 19.

Tags buying, children's rooms, decor, design, interiors, kids instyle, kids rooms, life instyle, nursery, trade fair, trends

Kids Rooms

The hot list: The best new children’s interior buys

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 28, 2016
No Comments on The hot list: The best new children’s interior buys

There was a time when furnishing a nursery or child’s room was rather fraught – options were slim and altogether rather uninspiring. Thankfully, the same can’t be said for the market today so we thought it was about time we compiled a list of the latest and greatest children’s interior buys.

Babyletto Lolly 3 in 1 cot in grey and washed natural: A relatively affordable alternative to the other mid-century inspired cots on the market, we love the classic styling of this gorgeous cot and the two tone detail. It’s available in plain grey, plain white and white/natural too. $749.

Petite + Peoni Crescent upholstered bedhead: Designed in collaboration with Petite Interior Co. we love the semi-circle shape and contrast double piping. $750 (single).

Bombol bouncer: This stylish bouncer features a removable harness making it suitable from birth through to the toddler years. $329.95.

Tinyme Diamond wallpaper in Frankie: Removable and able to be repositioned, this fabric wallpaper is a risk-free investment that is ideal for renters too. From $100.

The Timba Trend book shelves: Available in plain natural timber or with a contrast coloured trim (in a variety of delicious tones such as peach, aqua, pastel yellow and lilac), these handmade book shelves make the ideal library for a little one’s room. $30.

Hip Kids Benji activity table and two chair set: I can vouch for this table as my children have it! While the storage is handy, my favourite feature is the removable, reversible chalkboard table top. Who doesn’t love a multi-tasker? $249.95.

Devine Design by Derya Lion King wall rack: Made from plywood, we LOVE this for a boy’s room and at $109, it’s an absolute bargain!

Tags children's decor, children's rooms, furniture, kids rooms

Designers Kids Rooms Styling

Nursery basics: How to design a beautiful baby’s room

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 19, 2016

By Belinda Nihill

When it comes to a baby’s room, there are a few items that I recommend all rooms have if possible. Space and budget doesn’t always allow for everything, but it will definitely make life easier if you have a few basic necessities.

A place to sleep

This one’s fairly obvious, don’t you think? Cot, cradle, bassinette, it doesn’t really matter. Just be sure to remember that Australian safety standards are fairly strict and that vintage beds might not measure up. There are so many choices though – rectangle cots, oval cots, cots with sides that drop, cots that turn into junior beds. There are moses baskets, little bassinets, hanging beds and hammocks plus beds on wheels, beds on stands, beds that will join yours and beds that will grow with your baby. The list is endless. So choose one that suits your lifestyle and also one that you just adore!

A place for changing bottoms

Just like beds, the variety of change tables are never ending. I’ve made use of both traditional change tables and change mats on top of a set of drawers with my children and both have their advantages and disadvantages. I think change tables are important – they will save your back (especially if you have a heavy bub!) and they are also great for added storage in a room. The best choice is one that will fit with the space and the theme of the room.

A space for storing clothes

We aren’t all lucky enough to have built in robes so it’s great to consider cupboards, drawers and shelves when it comes to finding a home for your baby’s important things.

A place for showing off special things

Along the way we often find beautiful items, or perhaps they are gifted, and it just doesn’t seem right to hide them away in a cupboard Choosing and displaying those special pieces is definitely a bit of an art form and one way to ensure you have them showcased correctly is to make sure you have the right shelving or display units.

A place to sit and feed

This is a big one and many people underestimate the importance of a great feeding chair. I really splurged when I had my youngest baby and I really wish I had done that with baby number one! You spend a lot of time feeding and snuggling with your baby in those early months – especially in the middle of the night. Having a good quality chair to sit in (and sometimes nap in) is a fabulous investment!

Beyond these items, it really comes down to personal style and taste and really, the sky is the limit!

This is an excerpt from Belinda’s new book Beautiful Babies’ Rooms which is available to purchase now at Nest Design Studio.

Tags children's interior design, children's room, children's rooms, kids rooms, Nest Design Studio

Designers Kids Rooms Styling

How to create an original and meaningful nursery

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 12, 2016
2 Comments on How to create an original and meaningful nursery

If you’ve been designing a nursery of late, or even have a passing interest in children’s interior design, you’ll know that, while the scene is large and varied, there is unfortunately a lot of the same. After all, given every child has their own unique personality, shouldn’t their room reflect that? Children’s interior designer Sarah Coghlan, of Perth’s My Little Beginnings, believes personalisation and sentimentality are the key ingredients for creating a meaningful nursery that isn’t a slave to the trends.

“My top tip would have to be to inject some of your personality as parents into the design of your nursery. Think about the visual cues that trigger joyful memories of your own childhood, or special memories you have as a couple and use these concepts to begin designing a room that is special and unique to you as parents, as well as your new baby.” She also concedes that the days of sticking to one specific theme are long gone. “Don’t limit yourself and don’t be afraid to use a combination of bold colours, graphics and textures to create something really fresh and exciting.”

One sure-fire way to personalise a nursery is by bringing sentimentality into its design – it could be something like a meaningful quote on the wall, the use of an heirloom piece of furniture or a significant artwork. “I love getting to know my clients and their story, how they met, what is important to them and what they are most excited about for their future. Incorporating a part of this into the design concept creates something really unique and special for the family,” says Sarah.

But when it comes to nursery design, Sarah stresses that it’s not just about good looks – the space needs to be practical too. “I believe it is key to have a dual focus on aesthetics and functionality when designing a nursery. From a design perspective, it is important to consider your personal style and the look of the rest of your home. Think about how your nursery will connect to your other living spaces and what the similarities should be,” says Sarah.

Key items include a cot, change station, feeding area and storage. “If you have space constraints you can consider combining some of these — for example selecting a cot with storage underneath. On top of this it’s important to consider how your design will adapt and grow with your baby as their needs change. If you have a more generous area to work with, you can design in lovely details such as relaxing reading spaces and play areas for them to use as they grow.”

Check out more of Sarah’s work here.

Tags children's rooms, design, interior design, interior designer, interiors, kids rooms, my little beginnings

Homewares Kids Rooms Styling

The Little Pop Up Shop kid’s store reopens in Melbourne

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 19, 2016
No Comments on The Little Pop Up Shop kid’s store reopens in Melbourne

If you’re in the market for gorgeous children’s wares and you like to shop local, look no further than The Little Pop Up Shop in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton. Loyal readers may be familiar with the last incarnation of the store, and the latest version is a collaboration between the children’s décor brand Sprout and Sparrow and the children’s interior styling company Hello Little Birdie.

“This time we have brought in over 20 online brands to give them the opportunity to test the ‘bricks and mortar’ waters themselves. We have a beautifully curated collection of children’s decor, toys, homewares and accessories,” says the shop owner Adi Stevens. With a view to stocking a different array of brands each quarter, the mix of stock should always remain fresh and interesting.

“We opened our doors last month and we have signed up each of our current brands for three months with a view to getting some new brands on board for the next three-month period beginning in September. Some of our current brands will stay but we’re looking forward to getting some lovely new brands in as well to keep the shop interesting for our customers and to provide exposure for as many wonderful small businesses as we can,” says owner Adi who has been overwhelmed by the interest from brands wishing to come on board.

Situated within the kid-friendly Brighton café Tucci Brown, Melbournites (or visitors!) can browse the shops’ goods while waiting for a coffee. “We like to think the pop up is shopping heaven for mums. With a focus on kid’s interiors, we also stock quality toys, homewares and accessories and we even have a little area set up for kids to draw and play with some of the gorgeous toys we stock,” says Adi.

Photography: Rachel Winton & Spurlo Style Photography

Click here for more.

Tags children's decor, children's homewares, children's room, children's rooms, kids rooms, melbourne, the little pop up shop

Bedrooms Kids Rooms

Watch styled room sets come to life at Chatswood Chase in July

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 11, 2016
No Comments on Watch styled room sets come to life at Chatswood Chase in July

Fun & vibrant — we’re coveting this fabulous children’s room

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 6, 2016
5 Comments on Fun & vibrant — we’re coveting this fabulous children’s room

Photography: Carrie Young

A vivacious antidote to the Scandi-minimalism so popular at the moment, this children’s room is alive with fun and colour and we like it…a lot. The creation of Tess Beagley from Minted Interiors, the room belongs to her two little girls Lotte, four and Jemima, two – a bubbly pair that needed a room to match.

Jemima & Lotte

“I knew that I really wanted to do something fun and bright and being in the interiors industry, I wanted something very different to what I see every day. A lot of muted Scandi style is around at the moment but I knew it wouldn’t suit our girls’ personalities. They are so full of bubbles, fun and laughter and they love jumping around together. I knew this room would be a great match for them,” says Tess.

Craft nook

The girls have shared a room since Jemima was three months old but when it came time to fit two single beds in there, as opposed to a bed and a cot, the design plan was hatched. “Jemima needed a big girl bed but due to the French doors and fireplace, there was no room to fit two single beds so we knew we had to put a bunk in.” Tess explains the room was desperate for a redesign given her girls’ growing personalities and needs too.

While the room has amazing bones – French doors, dado rails, high ceilings, polished floors and a fireplace – it was challenging to design for the same reason. “Given there was something on each wall it made it hard to lay everything out and we had to make use of awkward spaces,” says Tess, who designed a reading nook on one side of the fireplace and a craft table with peg board on the other.

Reading nook

One piece that survived the redesign was the girls’ beloved tallboy, an upcycled find that Tess customised a few years ago. “It was an old chest of ugly pine drawers with a nasty stain and big round pull-on knobs. We sanded it right back, repainted it and put the map inserts into the top drawers and then a varnish over it. We completely adore it,” says Tess.

Upcycled tallboy (right)

We’re particularly wowed by the gorgeous Zilverblauw wallpaper on the fireplace and the neon sign too – both add a retro vibe and make the fireplace the hero of the room. “The wallpaper is from Little Muse & Market and the neon sign is from Neon Poodle and it was a custom piece,” says Tess who installed clear Perspex Mint Rhapsody book shelves from Leo & Bella in the adjoining reading nook. “The little table and chairs was a thrift shop find and I repainted it,” says Tess.

Check out more of Tess’ work here.

Photography: Carrie Young Photography

Tags bedroom, children's rooms, colour, design, interior design, interior designer, interiors, Minted Interiors, styling, stylist

Designers Kids Rooms

Fruit salad alert! Meet Sack Me!’s new Paradiso collection

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 25, 2016
No Comments on Fruit salad alert! Meet Sack Me!’s new Paradiso collection

Fruity and fun, quirky kids bedding label Sack Me! is back with ‘Paradiso’ – a tropical inspired range of bedding (from cot to king size), accessories, novelty cushions and waterproof beanbags and cushions.

“We wanted to do something a little different this year. We really wanted to capture that laid back feeling of being on holiday, kicking back by the pool, somewhere warm and lush, so we’ve added waterproof indoor/outdoor beanbags and cushions to the range, and we couldn’t be happier with the result,” says Sack Me! founder and designer Li-Ann Scott.

The brand’s signature novelty cushions feature heavily too with a pineapple, banana and apple mixed back with monkey and flamingo prints. “Our cushions are definitely one of our most popular products. Mums love them because they complete the look and kids love them because they ignite their imaginations, and that’s exactly what Sack Me! is all about,” says Li-Ann.

One of the collection’s most covetable items is the reversible doona cover – one side features a bright, tropical print while the other features something more restrained so you can tailor the look to your child’s mood.

“We wanted this collection to channel a tropical getaway, it’s bright, relaxed and playful, but flip it over and you’ve got something a little more subdued. One of my favourite pieces is the Flamingo doona cover which features quirky flamingos on one side, and classic gingham pattern on the reverse”, says Li-Ann.

With the entire Sack Me! range designed to mix and match, we love the label’s flexible and economical approach. “Everything is designed so you don’t have to start all over again when new collections are created, you simply refresh with a new pillowcase or sheet here or there and the look is instantly updated”, says Li-Ann.

Shop here.

Tags bed linen, bedding, bedroom, children's bedding, children's rooms, colour, cushions, design, homewares, kids rooms, sack me!, styling, textiles

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

The 10 cult homewares for the coolest kid’s room

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 11, 2015
No Comments on The 10 cult homewares for the coolest kid’s room

We’re not ones for suggesting you buy things just because everyone else is or because they’re trendy, but there’s a reason these 10 great products are popping up in kid’s rooms all over the country. They’re not just fun but great design and they’ll help you create a space both you and your children fall in love with. Do your kids have any of these in their rooms?

This Little House cubby house/bed, $249.95/$499.95 from This Little Love

Available in a variety of colours to suit girls and boys and different ages, this is a super cool, simple design, which can be accessorised as much or as little as you like (think fairy lights, pompoms and more). It’s available in a cheaper cubby version and a more expensive cot-to-bed version too.

Armadillo & Co Dandelion rug in multicolour, $560 from My First Room

Introducing junior collections of their iconic fair trade, handwoven creations — shrinking them down to kid size and adding colour — was a super smart move by Armadillo & Co, because they’re constantly used by stylists in nurseries and little people’s bedrooms and playrooms. Any of these rugs is a safe, classic, hardwearing bet, which will last your child many years.

Le Sac En Papier, $15 from A Cup of Chic

Everything’s a little more chic in French, non? This monochrome paper bag (literally) is seen in the corners of the coolest nurseries. Great for tidying up toys or storing the less the decorative items like nappies! It’s in English on one side and French on the other. And it’s only $15! I don’t know why it works so well and has been so popular, it just does! Monochrome, typography, simplicity and affordability all add up to make this a must-buy! Paris and New York-based graphic design studio Be-Poles were onto a winner with this one.

Image via notonthehighstreet.com click for details — Image via Peastyle at notonthehighstreet.com click for details

The Umemi Notknot Cushion, $189 from Designstuff

We’ve seen these popping up everywhere lately, and not just on little ones’ beds! It’s pretty hard to do something new with cushions, but these really stand out. I have one on my own wishlist (for my room, not Sebastian’s nursery!)!

Image: Little Dwellings. Click for details

Fine Little Day Pirum Parum Print, $59 from Leo and Bella

You may have seen this Swedish fella’s apple and tomato friends in all the coolest nurseries too. A very affordable way to get art on your kids’ walls. A3 size so will fit standard frames.

Image via Baby Donkie, Click for details

Rokii animal and rocker, $499, top3 by design

As rockers go, this one is seriously design savvy and won’t look out of place in the stylish or minimalist interiors! Sebastian was very lucky to have been given one of these by some lovely friends who knew I might not love all the primary colours that come with parenthood! It starts off life as a rocker chair and later, when they’re older, you attach the animal (is it a sheep, is it a horse?!) and it becomes a fun toy.

Seb in his "Rockii egg" — Seb in his “Rockii egg”

Ubabub Booksee, $199 from Ubabub

Just like in grown up interiors, books are a great way to add colour and interest to a room. Even better, with this perspex bookshelf, your child can see the covers of their books and will be able to easily pick out which they want. Makes reading even more appealing!

Image via Spaces by Diana. Click for details

The Incy Interiors Declan cot, $699 from Incy Interiors

If not the Declan, then most Aussie first-time mums have one of Australian brand Incy Interiors’ gorgeous cots on their wishlist. Better still, most of their furniture comes with the option to have it custom coloured (pretty much any Dulux shade) to perfectly match your scheme. No subtle neutrals here (unless you really want them, of course)!

Klea Baby Teepee, $159 from Klea Baby

It’s official: every kid’s room needs a teepee these days! Great for a reading corner or a place for imaginative play and they look great too. there are many on the market now but we love this Klea Baby one because of its simple aesthetic which will blend in with any room scheme and can be accessorised to your heart’s content in any style.

The Scoop Bunk, $3,250 from Lilly & Lolly

Is there anything more exciting about sharing a room with your sibling than the prospect of bunkbeds?! These aren’t cheap but they’re certainly a good looking option. thanks to not being too ‘kiddy’ they’ll last you years. At this price point you’d expect solid Tasmanian Oak and Australian made. Meets all domestic safety standards.

Which must-have kids’ room homewares would you add to this list?

Bedrooms Competitions Kids Rooms

Win a bedroom set for your little one from Cotton On KIDS

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 6, 2015
No Comments on Win a bedroom set for your little one from Cotton On KIDS

Cotton On KIDS’ latest room range – their third stylish, fun and affordable bed linen and accessories collection – is possibly their best yet, and we have a set to give away to one lucky reader’s kid!

The collection, available now online and in selected stores, includes bed linen in a range of fresh and colourful prints and an abundance of new bedroom décor and accessories. Customers will be spoiled for choice with reversible quilt covers, matching sheet sets, decorative cushions, as well as timber wall hooks, plywood shadow boxes and cloud- shaped chalkboard wall decals.

Little girls will be delighted by pastel hues, polka dots and watermelon cushions, while boys can steer the ship of their bedroom design with nautical-themed cushions, bold prints and bright block colours. Or you could mix it all up and be less gender typical! In fact, all styles are designed to be mixed and matched, with items from the third collection mixing in perfectly with the first and second ranges, allowing kids and parents to re-create any bedroom and style it their way.

“The aim of the collection was to steer away from traditional girl and boy bedding options to ensure it was a combination of bright colours, fun patterns and most importantly, a collection that kids and parents will both love,” said Cotton On KIDS general manager, Natalie McLean.

The 100 percent cotton bed linen capsule is available in a range of designs suitable for single, double and queen size beds, ensuring everyone in the house, including toddlers, teens and even the big kids, can have fun revamping their bedroom.

Shop online.

WIN

We have a room set to give away including:

1 x Sweet spot doona cover

1 x Pop musk fitted sheet

1 x Sweet stop pillow case

1 x Midnight black pillow case

1 x Mike Monkey.

To enter, please complete the form below by 5pm on Sunday 11 January 2015.

[gravityform id=”13″ name=”Cotton on KIDS” title=”false” description=”false”]

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

Australian nursery ideas: with Bramwell Designs

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 6, 2015
3 Comments on Australian nursery ideas: with Bramwell Designs

It was only a matter of time before I started posting more about nursery decor since being pregnant. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Today, I’m kicking off a new weekly feature on nursery ideas and products from all-Aussie brands. There are so many out there, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve also come to realise that a nursery is one of the most fun rooms you’ll ever decorate. Not to mention how exciting it is, coupled with the anticipation of the arrival of your baby, especially if it’s your first. So, introducing startup Bramwell Designs, who are making a name for themselves with their organic and stylish baby and kid’s room linen.

[contextly_sidebar id=”7MCPl0IZrebdcsb0nnJxN3MbPmbYf1wC”]”Everything is created in our studio by the sea on the Sunshine Coast,” says founder Emma Bramwell, who was inspired to start the business after becoming a mum to two little boys. “My designs are inspired by my childhood and the children in my life; how their little faces brighten up to the most simple things and their appreciation for their natural surroundings. We all need to remind ourselves to simplify our lives, appreciate the little things and take time to play and have some fun.”

Bramwell Designs use soft, luxurious organic cotton for the bedding and organic canvas for the accessories. Many items are one-offs, however if clients love something they have seen, they’re happy to work on custom design bedding for them.

She adds: “We are a young company growing steadily, but enjoying the ride and not taking anything too seriously. The journey is better than the destination, that’s for sure.”

As a mum, designer and business owner, Emma is super busy. “I try my best to be super organised and allocate time for my designs and custom bedding orders, and when I’m with my boys, I’m 100% devoted to them. My bedding collection is an extension of them, being free spirits, having fun on the journey and taking some risks. My passion for business and design drives me to continue and always will.”

Trademark touches of fun fluro feature throughout the range and probably always will, according to Emma! Bassinet sheets cost from $40, pillowcases from $45 and cot doona covers from $130.

Emma’s latest product is a fun kindy sheet set, with the option of hand printed name badges. But there are plenty of new and exciting things planned for this year so watch this space! If you’re a grown up who loves these designs, don’t worry, they go up to king size in some cases! And they cater for kids of all ages too, not just babies.

Shop online.

See all our kid’s room posts.

Styling by Simone Barter | Photography by Elisabeth Harvey

Tags aussie made, australian nursery ideas, babies, bramwell designs, children's rooms, cots, emma bramwell, fluro, fun, kindy, linen, nursery decor, nursery inspiration, organic, sheet sets, startup

Bedrooms Kids Rooms

Kip & Co for babies’ cots!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 20, 2014
No Comments on Kip & Co for babies’ cots!

Kip & Co designers Hayley, Kate and Alex have brought their signature bright, bold colourways and prints to the nursery, giving in to the demand they’ve experienced since launching their much loved bedding label.

The first Kip & Co TINY collection is comprised of six designs in fitted cot sheets and three baby blankets. Three of the sheet sets feature a print collaboration with super cool kidswear label Munster Kids: Munster Leopard, Munster Mash and Munster Camo.

“We wanted to be challenge what traditional ‘baby bedding’ looked like,” the girls said. “Pastels and whites have dominated this market for such a long time and we felt that if older kids were really into their bright bedding, then we couldn’t see a reason why vibrant colours and cool prints wouldn’t work in a nursery as well.”

What do you think? Would you go for a brighter, bolder more fun nursery scheme or do you prefer calm, muted neutrals and pastels?

Shop online.

Tags baby, baby blankets, bed, bed linen, bedroom, children's rooms, cot, fitted cot fits, kids, kids decor, kids rooms, kip & co, leopard, munster kids, nursery

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

10 great finds for kids rooms you can buy online

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 11, 2014
3 Comments on 10 great finds for kids rooms you can buy online

I love the personalised name pillowcases from Little Louli. Hand screenprinted and $35 each.

Fromage La Rue’s new, smaller letter lights, Petite Vegas, are not quite available yet but you can get your name on the waiting list for your little person’s letter (or indeed your own initial!). They’re about 30cm high and with safe, low voltage LED lights, perfect for a night light. They’ll be $150 with free shipping.

The new Cotton On Kids bed linen is fun, very affordable and available to buy online.

Shop at Sydney’s My Bespoke Chair for a custom chair (and even coordinating cushion) for your little prince or princess. You can even design it yourself online with their clever tool. From $850 with free delivery.

If I had a child, they’d have one of these Incy Interiors beds. I just love the rose gold version as it’ll go with most colour schemes and I mean really, what kid wouldn’t want a gold bed?! From $649 for a single, it’s a great update of a classic shape.

I’ve been a big fan of Aura linen for a long time, so I was happy to see they now do all their quilt covers in kid-friendly single size too. The brand does mix and match so well, you’re bound to find a cool combo for your kid! PERFECT for tweens and teens too.

These gold foiled prints from Papier d’Amour would look great in a child’s bedroom. $30 unframed or $80 framed. Buy online.

Armadillo & Co are pretty much Aussie rug royalty and if you’ve got money to spend, you should definitely consider something from their Junior Collection. They’re not too childish so they could easily take a child from toddler to teen years. From $255.

These colourful wire baskets from Lilly & Lolly are brilliant for chucking toys or laundry into and come in a variety of colours and sizes. From $22.

The Booksee is a great way to display kids books, making reading appealing and adding colour and interest to their walls. $199 for a set of two from Ubabub.

What are your favourite places to shop for kids rooms? I’d love to hear about them.

Tags armadillo & co, aura, booksee, children's rooms, cotton on kids, fromage la rue, incy interiors, kids, kids rooms, linen, my bespoke chair, nightlights, papier d'amour, personalised pillowcase, rugs, teens, tweens, ubabub

Kids Rooms

Screenprinted-to-order linen for kids rooms

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 13, 2014
1 Comment on Screenprinted-to-order linen for kids rooms

I’m often told there’s not much cool stuff for kids rooms out there so when I find some, I make sure to share it!

Little Louli is very cute bed linen for children, screenprinted to order in Australia, by former women’s fashion designer, Lucy Miller.

Tags australian made, bed, bedroom, children, children's rooms, fashion, featured, kids, kids rooms, linen, little louli, lucy miller, manchester, pillowcase, quilt, screen printing, sheets

Bedrooms

10 fun ways to update a child’s room by PottyMouthMama

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date November 15, 2013
1 Comment on 10 fun ways to update a child’s room by PottyMouthMama

By Lexi Kentmann

I am a massive fan of colour. I think it helps lift your mood, makes life more fun, and in a kid’s room – it’s a no-brainer. Kids naturally love colour.

My approach to kids rooms? It’s pretty relaxed. I’m not matchy-matchy, and I love collecting bits and pieces that tell a story, or have a function. I am huge on products that do double-duty (like a stool also acting as a bedside table), I’m not a fan of treading on LEGO, and I adore storage. Because let’s face it – when you have kids – you need storage. And lots of it. I’m not into licensed kids products. Gosh. No siree. However my kids ARE. So where possible, I steer them away from that stuff, and into good stuff. Non-merch stuff.

1. Giant Corn Cob Stool from Third Drawer Down:

Look – I adore the big things Australia has. The Big Banana, The Big Pineapple, The Big Ram, The Big Prawn. For so, so long I have adored this! It’s fun, quirky, and certainly not something you’ll see in everyone’s home. What’s not to love about an oversized corn cob that you can sit on and do story time on. Plus I think just as it might appeal to a small person – I can easily imagine this being quite at home in a teenager’s bedroom.

2. Kip and Co pretzel sheet set:

These pretzels don’t make you thirsty – and if they do, don’t come out and ask for a glass of water 76 times stalling bedtime. As a kid I always loved having my own special sheets. These are SO on my wish list! Of course for my daughter’s room *cough*, and not mine.

Tags blogger, children's rooms, colour, decorating, fun, interiors, kids rooms, lexi kentmann, potty mouth mama, pottymouthmama

Kids Rooms

Big kids’ spaces

By Simone Lenneberg

Two things I remember being the most excited about upon hearing the news I was expecting: the first (obviously) the baby, and the second, the new design world opening up for me when decorating said new arrival’s room.

As keen lovers of design, particularly vintage and modern retro pieces, my husband and I couldn’t believe the number of cool pieces (furniture, lighting, artwork, you name it) that could meet our brief and that we also liked!

We steered away from the typically childlike options out there and set out to find a number of key pieces that would sit comfortably in a kid’s space, but reflected our own taste and eye for design. What’s more, we wanted to be able to reuse these pieces in other parts of our house when junior grew out of his younger space and progressed to the next stage.

The trick is to select a number of statement pieces that work well with children’s items such as objects, toys, bright patterned bedding and cushions, but keep the right balance of their personality and yours.

Here are a few ideas…

1. Vintage storage

The classic lines of this minimalist yet modern Henrik sideboard by Matt Blatt would be at home in any boy’s or girl’s room storing toys, books, even clothing, but could also feature in a dining space, hallway or study. Its clean lines, vintage shape and neutral colours make this piece a winner. A vintage sideboard or tallboy from your local antique shop would work equally well.

Continue reading “Big kids’ spaces”

Tags aura, children's rooms, furniture, kartell, kids rooms, matt blatt, petite vintage interiors, rugs, space furniture, vintage

Interiors Addict

IKEA 2014 catalogue preview: living with kids

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 23, 2013

Next year’s IKEA 2014 catalogue will have a real focus on living with children. Have a look at this quick video for an idea of what’s in store (or going to be!).

An IKEA spokesperson said: “This year at IKEA we’re turning our focus to the most important people in the world; children. Throughout the year, we’ll have tips and ideas about how families can spend more time together supporting the year’s theme, Living with Children. And we’re starting with the 2014 IKEA Catalogue. We’ve kept the same structure and we’ve packed it with the exciting stories behind our products and new ideas to help people love their homes even more. There’s also more engaging extended content available through the IKEA Catalogue app.

Tags children's rooms, design, family home, furniture, ikea, ikea catalogue, interiors, living with children, parents, swedish

Interiors Addict

Macrame neon bedheads, for big kids and small

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 19, 2013
5 Comments on Macrame neon bedheads, for big kids and small

These are a bit cool. And they’re tapping into two current trends: neon (yes, still not going anywhere) and macrame (tell me you’ve seen those pot plant hangers?).

The Neon Vintage macrame bedheads are handmade in Brisbane and stocked by Petite Vintage Interiors. Of course they’re not actually a bedhead, more a suggestion of a bedhead. They just look fab. No practical use whatsoever. But the same can be said of jewellery. Case in point?!

Tags bed head, bedhead, bedroom, children's rooms, crocheted, hot pink, macrame, neon, neon vintage, petite vintage interiors, teen, tween