Tag: kids bedrooms

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Bedrooms DIY Interiors Addict Jen's reno Kids Rooms

My DIY polkadot wall in the boys’ bedroom

I recently shared this DIY polkadot wall project I did in the boys’ new shared bedroom on socials but I thought I’d include here with a step by step too. It was so super easy and as a non-crafty/creative person, I was quite proud and smug with myself afterwards. If I can do it, anyone can!

Charlie and Seb loved it and thought Mum was really clever!

I do like to keep the boys’ bedrooms quite classic and calm as they have all the colour and all the toys in their playroom (where would this neat freak mum be without that?!) but I loved the idea of this fun paint feature on one wall, especially as it’s the one they see from their beds, and the one you don’t see as you’re walking down the hallway. Everyone wins!

All you need is some paper plates, a couple of big sponges (I got mine from Bunnings), scissors or a craft knife and as many sample pots of paint as you want different colours (I chose three).

Simply cut circles out of the sponge/s with scissors or use a craft knife. I drew around a glass with a Sharpie but you could choose anything from the kitchen that works for the size you want. It’s also up to you if you do all your circles the same size like I did, or mix it up!

I chose a white as one of my colours to contrast against the mid grey wall

The boys thought they were helping me choose colours at Bunnings but the truth is, I already had a pretty good idea of what we’d get (I’m keeping it real here, folks!).

I’m all for living life on the edge so I didn’t over think the placement of my spots. I took my time and did one colour at a time. Then at the end I stood back a lot, considered the wall as a whole and added extras here and there until it was just right!

These brass hooks for hanging school bags on are from Temple & Webster

I found carefully twisting back and forth with the sponge onto the wall helped with coverage. The edges of my circles were definitely not perfect but I think that looks deliberate and works well for a kids’ room. Another tip is to have a few paper plates available to experiment with how much to load the sponge up (or not) with paint.

The finished feature added some fun to the boys’ bedroom

I hope this easy DIY project inspires you to have a go yourself. I’d love to see what you create if you do! If you have any questions, pop them in the comments. And before you ask, the bunks are the Myer from B2C Furniture and we love them!

This idea came from British Paints and you check out their how-to here.

Baby number two’s modern and unisex nursery reveal

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Bedrooms Furniture Kids Rooms

Incy celebrates 10th birthday with re-launch of the Spindle collection

To celebrate Incy Interiors’ 10th birthday, founder Kristy Withers has relaunched the brand’s iconic Spindle bedroom range. Previously sold between 2015 and 2019, the Spindle collection was a common fixture in celeb homes and even made it into our publisher Jen’s son Sebastian’s baby nursery!

The collection consists of the Penny Single Bed ($999), Penny King Single Bed ($1,199), Jude Bookcase ($599) and Jack Side Table ($499), all handcrafted from New Zealand pine.

Flashback: Jen used the Spindle change table in son Sebastian’s nursery back in 2015 in a custom aqua colour. It has followed him through various bedrooms since as a dresser, until deciding to share with his brother Charlie this year.

Followers of the leading Australian kids’ furniture brand have long been requesting the return of the popular design and it seemed fitting to re-launch the range during a milestone year. The Spindle bedroom range extends upon the classic Spindle Georgia Cot and Lucy Change Table.

Faced with challenges from health restrictions during the pandemic and lockdowns, Incy returned to its roots to pull off this product launch, working outside locked down LGAs. The campaign was shot in Orange NSW, where Kristy and her family live.

“It was serendipitous that due to Covid lockdowns we were forced to do the photoshoot in regional NSW where we did the original Spindle shoot,” said Kristy.

Shop the Spindle range today.

Incy Interiors’ new kids range: so stylish you could steal it!

You know how there’s those kids labels – be it fashion, homewares or furniture – where you just need to have it all, except you’re an adult and alas, nothing…
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Bedrooms Before & Afters Decorating 101 Kids Rooms Reno Trends Shopping Styling

This cosy bedroom transformation is the perfect inspiration for winter

Warm, grounded colours that speak of security and comfort are set to dominate winter decorating trends, according to Dulux forecasters.

“There’s a collective yearning for reassurance and a return to simpler times,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager. “We want our homes to provide comfort, a sense of safety and to remind us of better days ahead. And this will be reflected in more than just colour in 2021 – expect to see a rise in plush, comfy seating, handcrafted furniture with an artisanal feel and a greater focus on ‘purposeful decorating’ rather than just decorating to make an aesthetic statement.”

The Retreat palette – one of three trend colour palettes identified in the 2021 Dulux Colour Forecast – captures the mood of this coming winter.

“These earthy tones and muted colours are all drawn from nature – think oceanic blues, nourishing greens, soft greys and touches of mustard,” Andrea explains. “They bring the outside in – ideal for a time when most of us are stuck indoors for long stretches – and plug into the growing movement for wellness in design.”

To give you ideas on how you can use these comforting hues in your own home, Dulux worked with stylist Bree Leech to re-energise a child’s bedroom using colours from the Retreat palette.

Before and after

“You want your child to love spending time in their room – it should be somewhere they can escape, relax, read and play. The quickest and easiest way to switch up the mood is with colour,” Bree says.

Bree kept the big-ticket items in the room – the bed, bedhead and solid timber bedside table, and focused on updating the room with bold colour. She chose shades that worked with the neutral tones in the foundation pieces, adding plenty of textures to dial up the cosiness. She started by adding deep blue to the walls and a gentle neutral to the ceiling and window detailing.

“We opted for pale greige rather than a classic white for the ceiling and windows to soften the contrast with the blue. A sharp colour contrast can be very effective in a space, but in a room that’s all about relaxation, you want it to be a little less pronounced,” she explains.

“Inky blue works well here – it’s cosy and timeless and sits beautifully alongside the natural materials in the room, such as the timber and woven-rattan,” adds Bree. “A woven wall hanging adds accents of rust and quirky bedside lighting creates a playful mood, adding contrast against the deep blue.”

Artwork: “Fast Forward” by Liam Snootle

“To make the space feel more inviting, I layered the bed with cosy cushions and snuggly, fringed woollen blankets. Curvy furniture is a great addition to break the architectural angles in the room to make it feel more relaxed,” she says.

Bree created a place to read in a sunny spot by the window, complete with a velvet-upholstered armchair and a pair of side tables, perfect for keeping a book or two nearby. “Don’t be afraid to bring in pieces from another room, like this armchair, so long as they serve a purpose and fit with your colour palette,” she says.

Artwork (top): “Long Doggie Print” by Rachel Castle

“If you’ve been all about white for as long as you can remember, get a taste of using stronger colours by starting with a single wall – say the wall behind the bed,” says Andrea. “This can also stretch your new confidence into using colour elsewhere in your home.”

If you’re inspired by this amazing bedroom transformation, Bree has provided some tips for redecorating your child’s bedroom.

Bree’s kids’ bedroom styling tips

Invest in quality: Kids are tough on furniture, so it’s worth paying more for well-made pieces that will last. You can save money on smaller items, such as bedlinen, art prints and rugs.

Add an upholstered bedhead: It makes for a comfortable spot to sit up and read.

Size it right: As a guide, when choosing a rug for a child’s bedroom it should fit two thirds under the bed and extend at least 30cm beyond the sides of the bed – any smaller and it will look lost in the space.

Think multi-purpose: Children’s rooms are often small, so seek out flexible pieces that can be used in different ways, such as an ottoman that doubles as storage and seating.

Make storage easy: Add in baskets for toys and cupboards or shelves to hide mess away.

Wall paint: Dulux Winter Sea, Vintage Linen, and Five Fingers Peninusla.

Stylist: Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen

For more information.

Dulux colour forecast 2021: soothing colours for challenging times

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Homewares Kids Rooms Shopping

Kids’ room decor latest: Wallpaper, bedding and more!

Sage and Clare

Whether you’re creating or redecorating a child’s room or play area, there are more styling options than ever these days. To help you sort the wheat from the chaff, here’s our edit of the most fabulous kids’ room finds.

Sage and Clare Leheny Woven Wall Hanging: Part of the brand’s Alegria ‘high summer 2020’ collection, this statement wall hanging features a large-scale llama design in gorgeous on-trend shades. The blue fringed edging is fun final touch. $249.

Sage and Clare

Adairs Kids Heirloom blue storage trunk: Featuring a soft matte velvet design and gold detailing, these trunks are a great place to store extra blankets and cushions in a kids’ room. As a bonus, they look great stacked together. From $119.99.

Adairs blue cases

West Elm Mid-Century Play Kitchen: Possibly the most stylish toy kitchen we’ve come across, while the price tag is hefty, this beauty would make a fabulous Christmas gift. $799.

Custom Neon Dinosaur name sign: Featuring a UV printed dinosaur background with your child’s name written in LED neon flex, this fabulous wall light and signage gets our seal of approval. $350.

Wallpaper

Olive et Oriel ‘Blushing Swans’ and ‘In the Woods’ Wallpaper: Easy to install, this ‘peel and stick’ wallpaper range is available in an array of gorgeous designs. From $79.

Wallpaper
Wallpaper

Target Kids Lion Storage Basket: Practical yet stylish, this cute storage spot is made from water hyacinth and is ideal for a child’s bedroom or playroom. $30.

Target tiger basket

Hip Kids Concept clothes rack STAR: Perfect storage for a hallway or child’s room, the height of the stand allows for a child to easily manage their jackets and raincoats by themselves. $129.95.

Baby number two’s modern and unisex nursery reveal

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Kids room decor: What would Jono do?

Inspired by the latest The Block room reveal, each week, interior designer and stylist Jono Fleming shares his thoughts… I’m breaking all my rules this week and not even referencing…
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Bedrooms Expert Tips Furniture Kids Rooms Parenting

Designing children’s rooms: flexible spaces they won’t outgrow

Mum of two and founder of Incy Interiors Kristy Withers, knows first-hand how quickly children can grow and their tastes can change. While growth spurts can result in overhauling children’s wardrobes year on year, the interiors enthusiast shares five considerations parents should make to ensure their child’s bedroom stands the test of time.

1. Splurge on a larger bed

“If there is one furniture item that you are going to invest in, make sure it’s the bed!” says Kristy. “Investing in a high quality bed straight up can save you money in the long run. Of course, with a good quality bed you can hand it down to other children but if you really want to avoid having to upgrade your bed every few years and both your space and budget permit, consider purchasing a bigger bed from the beginning.”

Double beds are a great size for kids, not just because they give off the grown up vibes that kids crave, but you are almost guaranteed an upgrade won’t be required until they hit their mid-teens.

2. Choose convertible pieces wherever possible

When you are creating a space for a newborn, it is difficult to consider the functionality beyond those first few years, but there are some items that you can purchase that will still serve a purpose for your child as they grow. Kristy recommends looking for a change table that also doubles as storage.

“All of our Incy change tables either convert to a dresser or a bookcase so you can continue to use the product for many years to come,” she explains.

3. Keep sheets and linen plain

“I always recommend that people keep their sheets simple and stick with plain linen. It is not only difficult to ‘outgrow’ plain linen but a neutral, unpatterned colourway means décor can be interchanged without needing to overhaul every part of the room. It is much easier and more cost effective to update a bedroom with throws and cushions,” Kristy says.

Be sure to invest in quality bedding too – it’s essential for both comfort and assurance you’ll get to enjoy it (and not update it) for a while! 

4. Think about smart storage solutions

Regardless of age, you’ll always need somewhere to clear the clutter! A neutral storage ottoman or trunk is perfect for this and can store anything from stuffed toys to books. Kristy loves ottomans in particular, as they double as a place to sit and always look great at the end of the bed. 

5. Choose a plain, timeless colour for the walls

While it can be tempting to paint the walls in pastels for newborns, Kristy recommends keeping the walls in neutral tones that will stand the test of time. “Instead, add colour with removable wallpaper and decals,” she says. “There are so many great companies out there now that offer removable wallpaper and wall decals and they are a great way to set a theme or a room, but as they are removable, it’s only as permanent as you need it to be!”

A gender-neutral theme/colourway will ensure a bedroom’s longevity, but Kristy suggests complementing this with little personal touches, like artworks, drawings, mementos and precious keepsakes, turning your child’s bedroom their own personal haven. “Additionally,” she says, “updating the artwork allows personality to be injected, but it can be easily updated as your child grows and changes.”

Photography: Francoise Baudet/Minty Magazine, Styling: Madeline McFarlane

For more on Incy Interiors

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Bedrooms Expert Tips Kids Rooms

Children’s bedroom ideas: 4 timeless tips

Designing an ideal kid’s bedroom can be a task many fear due to the risk of creating a space that needs constant updating to reflect your child’s age and likes. Whether you are starting from scratch or building on an existing space, it is important to remember that you want to design a room that will grow with your little one. British Paints’ Nick Walsh, has pulled together five top tips for designing a kid’s bedroom that will stand the test of time and show your child’s unique personality.

Keep your main paint colour simple

Creating a base that will stand the test of time is the easiest way to give your child’s newly decorated space longevity. Lighter colours like whites and greys are perfect building blocks for a great bedroom and won’t date over the years.

If your child wants to customise their space, then consider creating a feature wall to inject some fun and personality through colour. When possible, position your feature wall behind the bed to ensure it catches your eye the minute you walk into the room. If you have opted for a warm tone colour for the room’s base, use a complimenting warm tone for a feature wall to make the room feel balanced. Ideally, select a colour that you will be able to add touches of throughout the room in your accessorising.

Opt for multipurpose furniture pieces

When selecting pieces of furniture to add to your freshly painted room, pick pieces that have multiple purposes and will be well-used. For example, a bed with pull-out drawers will not only allow for greater storage space but will also provide a clutter free space where kids can play.

If you have an old piece of furniture that you want to upcycle and add to your kid’s room, give the piece of furniture a light sand before applying one easy coat of British Paint’s Prep 4in1 Water Based. Once your paint is dry, two coats of British Paint’s H2O Enamel Gloss is the best way to keep the piece looking fresh and protect it from its young owner.

Bring the space to life with some art

Wall stickers and murals may look stylish but they can be difficult to remove after a few years, often pulling off paint or causing cracks. Instead, bring the space to life with art and posters that you can easily switch in and out to match your child’s interests. Large poster frames are an ideal and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your child’s room and will allow for you to effortlessly change the feel of the room by swapping out old artwork for new, more age appropriate pieces.

Be playful in your accessorising of the space

Now that your walls are looking great and you have your new furniture pieces in place, it’s time to make the room feel super homely with some accessories. Rugs, cushions and throws are a great way to add pops of colour to a room, while making it feel cosy. Don’t forget that little ones love texture, so why not incorporate a shaggy rug, fluffy cushion or silky blanket into their space. Aside from soft furnishings, inexpensive touches like battery-operated fairy lights or glow-in-the-dark stars are an easy way to bring a sense of magic to the room and are guaranteed to have them spending hours in their new space.

-Nick Walsh is a Product Manager at British Paints, an Australian paint company that has produced high quality products for more than 80 years.

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Art Bedrooms Kids Rooms

Fleur Harris launches new Adairs collection: Adventureland

Adairs Kids have announced their seventh collaboration with talented multi-disciplinary artist, Fleur Harris. The highly anticipated Adventureland launched last week and is inspired by the joys of playing make-believe.

It features 12 stunning products including a quilt cover set, sheet set and three pillowcase separates for the bedlinen ensemble, complemented by two cushions, wall art, a teepee, sleeping bag, basket and flip-out sofa.

Every collection, Fleur and Adairs Kids have worked hard to bring their dreamy collaborations to life, transforming nursery and bedroom spaces, as well as inspiring the creative minds of young children.

Available online and in selected Adairs and Adairs Kids stores.

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Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

Organic bedding kids will love: meet Wriggly Toes!

Sponsored by Wriggly Toes

We’re lucky to have some amazing kids bed linen brands in Australia but while many of them look beautiful, how many can claim to be good for your health and the planet too? Wriggly Toes, started by parents Victor and Alex Cetinic, certainly can, with their ethically made organic linen for little people both Oeko-Tex and GOTS certified.

So what does that really mean and why is it more than just a marketing exercise or ticking a box for a unique selling point? “Organic bedding simply means that the cotton contained in the bedding was farmed with organic farming practices, not so dissimilar to the organic section in the supermarket,” explains Victor. “For any product to claim organic, there needs to be something to back up that claim.”

For textiles, there are a number of different certification standards, including the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and the Global Organic Textiles Standard (or GOTS) and the pair say understanding these is critical. “Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex covers all textile products including cotton and synthetic fibres, and places restrictions on  which chemicals are allowed and to what extent, to ensure safety. Seeing this label means that even chemicals suspected to be harmful are either not present or are at safe levels. Azo dyes are a good example of chemicals currently allowed to be sold in Australia that have have been linked to bladder cancer, but aren’t allowed on products carrying the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex label.” And with kids spending up to 40% of their time in bed, that bed being chemical-free is a pretty big deal.

GOTS is an organic cotton standard which only applies to organic products like cotton. “It really goes a lot further however, by considering the entire supply chain; from which seeds are used to grow cotton, which pesticides or insecticides were used, how the workers were treated (no child labour), the type of irrigation used, how pollution is dealt with, and much more,” Victor says. “Even the product packaging must be consistent with ecological and social standards to be GOTS certified.” So, while the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex provides comfort about the chemical impact textile products might have on consumers, GOTS additionally takes into consideration the ecological and ethical effects.

But we all know we want kids’ linen to look good, and be fun, too. It can even encourage them to go to (and stay in!) bed, with the brand’s tagline ‘wake up happy’!. When coming up with the look for Wriggly Toes, Vic and Alex worked with their designer, Marta, aiming for fun and quirky without the clichés. “Having seen entirely too much pink, baby blue, and unicorns, we liked the idea of more gender neutral designs.

“Animals surfaced quite a lot in our thinking and giving those animals more character just progressed naturally. Marta really took the inspiration we had and supercharged it with her own creativity. We loved what she created and wanted to give her illustrations a backstory, so we created a bedtime story to accompany each character which we bundle with our products.”

Each story is a magical journey involving the characters (Purdy the Penguin, Jeanette the Cat, Ron the Racoon and Debbie the Dog) from the bedding set, and each set comes with four stories! We just love the idea of doona covers with their very own bedtime stories! Single size sets ($139) come with a doona cover and one pillowcase, and double size ($159) with a doona cover and a pair of pillowcases. Not forgetting the accompanying bedtime story poems!

Victor and Alex’s backgrounds aren’t what you might expect (he’s a software engineer and she’s a pharmacist with an MBA) but it’s their experience as parents which has motivated them the most. Two years ago, they were upgrading their children (now aged four and five) from their cots and, because their youngest had eczema, it made them scrutinise what they were buying that little bit more.

“I would say that was the catalyst and led us on the path to discover Oeko-Tex and ultimately, GOTS,” says Alex. “Once we did our research on GOTS, and thought it resonated with our values, we saw a gap in the market and thought we could try something radical like get into the bedding business! Not to mention our desire to get away from pink unicorns!”

In terms of kids’ room trends, the couple think more neutral and simple designs are growing in popularity, and that’s something we’re certainly seeing at Interiors Addict. “I think it is really important to keep the magic of childhood alive for as long as possible,” Alex says. “Anything that indulges their imagination and creativity is a must, together with creating warm and inviting spaces for them to feel safe. We are not big fans of vibrant colours in the bedroom, but more of a soothing and gentle environment.”

SHOP WRIGGLY TOES ONLINE

Competition

Like what you see ? Enter below for your chance to win a Wriggly Toes linen set of your choice. Entries close 5pm AEST Friday 25 January 2019. Open to Australian residents only.

All entrants will receive a 10% off discount code.

The winner was Elysa Barrett

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More kids’ room inspiration | The best places to buy Australian bed linen (for grown ups) online 

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Kids Rooms Shopping

IKEA kids: new ranges explore endangered wildlife

IKEA Australia have launched two new kid’s collections with a difference – DJUNGELSKOG and URSKOG are inspired by our planet’s endangered wild animals and carry an important message about sustainability.

Available now in all stores, the jungle-themed collections feature some of the world’s most beloved beasts including, lions, tigers, pandas and elephants. The new range encompasses soft toys, educational picture books and textiles including rugs, duvet covers, curtains, cushions and towels all with IKEA’s notoriously affordable price-tag.

Developed using sustainable materials and production methods, the ranges mark IKEA’s new approach to promoting wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.

“We want to shed light on the wild animals which fascinate us so much, yet face extinction in their natural habitat,” explains IKEA Australia children’s range expert Rob Young. “Our aim is to educate and inspire younger generations to be environmentally aware at an early age by helping to bring them closer to wildlife and our planet through the products they use every day.”

 

The DJUNGELSKOG range (which literally means “jungle forest”) was designed with younger children aged three to seven in mind, while URSKOG uses bolder imagery on quilts and cushions and is aimed at tweens.

Jen attended the launch of the ranges at Taronga Zoo with Sebastian last week. He definitely gave them his tick of approval!

To celebrate the launch of the new jungle collections, IKEA Australia is offering a family the chance to experience Sydney’s ultimate sleepover at Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo. The prize includes flights, accommodation and a one night stay at Roar and Snore for a family of four. Head to the IKEA Australia Facebook page to enter.

More on IKEA’s new children’s ranges

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Kids Rooms

A baby girl’s nursery inspired by a dandelion art print

When former Interiors Addict journalist Lauren Ellis stumbled upon a watercolour print of Tillie – an adorable mouse with flower crown, wings and a dandelion double her size – she knew she had to have it for her future daughter’s nursery. Having grown up on acreage in northern NSW, some of Lauren’s fondest memories included collecting dandelions — just like Tillie — and blowing the seeds to make a wish. So it seemed only natural to replicate some of that childhood charm in her new home.

Positioning it above the cot, from there everything fell into place, with the colour scheme of dusty pink, magenta, grey and mustard all being inspired by the Sailah Lane print. Yet to meet baby number two (she’s due in February), Lauren designed the room with growth in mind. What a forward-planner!

“Having already designed a boy’s room for my 2-year-old son Harvey, I was excited to create a feminine space for my baby girl. Two walls feature tiny dot decals from The Lovely Wall Co, which can easily be changed to create a whole new look without the need for paint. And instead of a change table, I opted for a classic chest of drawers with a removable rubber change mat from Leander.”

Inspired by Pinterest and Instagram, some of Lauren’s favourite pieces came from trawling the web. “I love supporting small businesses found on Instagram and I am head over heels for the origami balls from Titt-tei that hang inside her canopy. Their creator – Olga Kovgar from Norway – sent me the most beautiful handwritten note with the parcel saying she does a little‘happy dance with each order, so they feel really special.”

Her other favourite piece is the embroidered letter M (her daughter’s first initial but shhhh, the name is a secret!) handmade by Lauren herself: “It’s the first time I’ve tried cross-stich and it took two full days to finish! It’s far from perfect but that’s exactly what I love about it. I hope it becomes an heirloom she treasures.”

When it comes to decorating a nursery, Lauren recommends buying items that make you smile, shopping small where possible — “It gives the room a more personal feel” — and picking a colour scheme and sticking to it! And her biggest no no? Impulse buying! “I could have filled her room three times over with beautiful purchases found on Etsy and Instagram.”

More kids bedrooms we love

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Bedrooms Interviews Kids Rooms

Australian kids room ideas: with Little Dwellings

Having designed her own home and helped her friends do the same; Kate Sparks found out very quickly that she had a passion for interior design.

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An early childhood teacher and a mother herself, it seemed like a match made in heaven to begin her business Little Dwellings, a styling service primarily for children’s spaces.

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With a range of styling packages from eBoard designs to full room instals, her most popular service is in-house styling, where she visits clients’ homes and goes through which products would best suit their space. And while Kate has now transitioned to also styling adults’ spaces, she will always have a soft spot for decorating nurseries and kids’ rooms.

“They are so much fun. Older kids can have an input as to what they want, whereas designing a nursery is so exciting as you watch the room come together and become a reality for the parents.”

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When decorating a room for your little one, Kate has many tips: “When decorating on a budget, I’d recommend a lick of paint, DIY, and being minimalistic. Then change the bedding, update prints and gradually introduce more age appropriate accessories. In terms of budget friendly, on trend pieces, think wall decals or wallpaper, funky beds and linen, storage baskets (felt and wire), rugs and prints.”

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While Kate’s personal style has a strong Scandinavian edge, she always puts her client’s taste first. “My house is very Scandinavian influenced, however Little Dwellings aims to provide a service that meets the needs and wants of each individual client. But in saying this, we always aims to be on trend.”

For more information.

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Bedrooms Interviews Kids Rooms Styling

Australian nursery & kids room ideas: with Hello Little Birdie

As an interior stylist for little people, Mel Spurling of Hello Little Birdie always encourages her clients to get their kids involved. “When I first meet a client I encourage them to bring their children, as it is a great way to gauge their little personalities and incorporate a little of them into their newly designed bedroom. In fact, you could argue that the little person is my client and they have to bring their parents!”

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Designing both nurseries and kids rooms, Mel is a lover of anything that is unique and original and pushes the boundaries. With an aim to design rooms that last a lifetime (or at least past the toddler years!) she believes creative thinking combined with clever shopping, can lead to rooms rich in detail and cheap to pull together. “It is definitely possible to put together a gorgeous nursery, which will work for many years to come. DIY should not be ignored; not everything has to have a dollar sign on it. You should always start with paint or wall decals; a new colour creates a whole new look. That means that you can spend the majority of your budget on furniture that can grow with your child, such as a high-quality dresser or side table, and save on items that they will quickly outgrow.”

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Mel also recommends places like eBay, Gumtree and garage sales for finding those cheap but good quality finds. “Take an outdated or damaged piece of furniture, give it a fresh coat of paint and all of a sudden you’ve given it a whole new life. You can finish off your entire new look by accessorising your room with inexpensive wall art. Try framing your little birdie’s artwork, or an image from a book, magazine or even greeting card!”

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Originally working in IT as a business analyst (“I am part geek too!”), Mel’s love for interior design began as a young child when she shared a room with her grandmother and longed for a room of her own. “As a little girl, I’d spend endless hours imagining what my room would look like if I had my own little space. By the time I had grown up and had my very first baby, I swore she would have the most whimsical, stylish and dreamy room. One like no other! But once I started looking into children’s decor, I found that most items were boring at best, and horrible at worst. That’s when I realised that I could put all of my skills and experience together to start creating wonderful, imaginative and fun spaces for little people.”

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With both online and on-site services, Mel designs for both boys and girls and in her opinion there are some key differences to remember: “We all know boys are boisterous and love to create clutter. Bearing this in mind, a boy’s room can’t go without storage. For boys, fresh white bedroom walls set a neutral backdrop that pair perfectly with any decorating style as tastes change. Add some bold prints and you are well on your way!”

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 And for girls? “Girl’s rooms are timeless and I always find decorating them with wallpaper will last for many years. We all know little girls like to call themselves little ladies, so I love creating rooms which incorporate on-trend furniture to give the room a more mature look. Once the foundations are set, adding a bunch of accessories and toys to the room, makes it come to life. I love adding lots of layers; quilts, throws and cushions.”

For more on Mel visit her website.

Categories
Furniture Kids Rooms

Best kids’ beds: our top 10

Having already had the challenge of narrowing our favourite kids’ bed linen down to 10, we thought the next best thing to do was to find the 10 best kids’ beds! After all, there’s no point having gorgeous linen if you have nothing to put it on. So check out the amazing ones below and get ready for some serious kid envy!

Fenwick Bedhead from Heatherly Design Bedheads: Offering a whole lot of freedom from the comfort of your own home, simply log on, choose your fabric and then tailor the cross stitching to suit. Available in a huge array of fabrics, colours and sizes (single to super king), you can also purchase an upholstered bed to match.

heatherly design interiors addict

Miller Bed from Incy Interiors: Classic, timeless and coming in the most gorgeous emerald colour, the popular Miller (available in single and king single) is expertly crafted out of sturdy and strong metal. Available in a range of Dulux colours, you can also purchase matching bedroom furniture to create the perfect restful space.

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The Pop bed by Hardwick & Cesko: This made to order Tasmanian oak and pine number is currently sold out but due to be available early this year. We love the fun Australian design by David Hardwick, based on paddle pop sticks.

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Sleigh Bed from Lilly & Lolly: A real big boy/girl bed, this classic Sleigh Bed features curved sides to create a sense of privacy and comfort. Available in single, king single and double, a trundle comes as an optional extra.

lilly & lolly interiors addict

Kalon Caravan Divan Bed from Kido Store: The perfect big kid bed for your toddler, the Kalon Caravan Divan can also transition seamlessly into a couch, so you can have it for years to come! Small in size and low to the ground, there are six colour options.

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Madeline Canopy Bed from Pottery Barn Kids: It was my childhood dream to have a four-poster, so I know the Madeline Canopy Bed, with its intricate floral moulding and fluted posts, would have gone down a treat! As an extra, the mattress platform can be raised to accommodate a trundle or lowered to create a comfortable height for small children.

Pottery Barn Interiors Addict

Sunday Bed from Bednest: With its winged sides, the Sunday Bed is the perfect cosy cocoon. In single and king single (with tall and trundle options also available), you can customise the bed thanks to a wide variety of fabrics; from the neutral tones that will stand the test of time to the totally impractical but fun bright colours.

Sunday Bed interiors addict

Oeuf Perch Bunk from Out of the Cot: Incredibly versatile, the Oeuf Perch Bunk (in birch or walnut) can be configured as a traditional bunk to save space, an L-shaped bunk to fit into unusual spaces, or alternatively both beds can be separated; so you can set up the top bed in one room (with cupboard, dresser or desk underneath) and the lower bed in another — two rooms done! We love the flexibility of this one, meaning you’ll get use out of both beds for years to come.

oeuf perch bunk interiors addict

Nifty Junior Bed from Ubabub: Starting as a cot, the Nifty converts easily to a junior bed, the perfect next step for a toddler. With its ‘not-so-big’ size and close proximity to the floor, the solid and beautifully designed bed will provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

nifty ubabub interiors addict

Huckleberry Bed from Bedtime: Made from reclaimed pine, no two beds are the same. Ideal for the rough and tumble of a child’s room, this bed will be all the better, not the worse, for wear! Available in single and king single, there is a wide range of matching accessories, including trundles, bedside tables and bed guards.

 We hope you found this list useful. Please let us know which beds you’d add!

Categories
Bedrooms Competitions Kids Rooms

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!

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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Categories
Bedrooms Furniture Homewares Kids Rooms

Incy Interiors bring cool kids’ bedrooms to Sydney

Creator of cult cots Incy Interiors, have opened an exciting new store in Sydney’s Chatswood Chase. If you’re looking for inspiration for a cool nursery or kids’ room, look no further!

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Bathurst based since launching three years ago, Incy interiors, which has seen huge popularity and growth, is expanding to the big city. Their products are now stocked in more than 120 stores across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, as well as online.

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Founder and director Kristy Withers said its Sydney store opening was the next logical step: “We have received great support from our customers since we opened our Bathurst store in 2012, but were constantly asked if we had a Sydney presence. We’re really excited to welcome existing Sydney customers and also introduce ourselves to a new pool of Incy fans.

The 10 best places to buy Aussie kids’ line online.

“Many customers still prefer to buy from a traditional bricks-and-mortar store. They like to touch and feel a product before they buy it, especially if it’s for their child.”

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The new store is beautifully styled and full-to-the-brim with its award-winning furniture ranges. The timeless pieces include cots, beds, bookcases, change tables, dressers and side tables. Queen-sized designs (so kids don’t have all the fun) and the much-lauded Megan Morton limited edition beds are also available in store.

As well as Incy’s own full range, there’s an extensive selection of premium Australian brands including Kip & Co, Blacklist Studio, Armadillo, Down to the Woods, Aura, Ladedah Kids, Kate & Kate, Love Mae, and Seedling.

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Incy Interiors, Shop 219, Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre, 345 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW.

Open seven days.

Categories
Kids Rooms RENO ADDICT

Dark family room tranformed into two fun kids bedrooms

I love a bit of DIY renovation, because what’s more encouraging than seeing everyday people like you and me, transform their homes into masterpieces? It tells me that while I lack a crafty bone in my body, there’s still hope! So I was very impressed to see Adelaide couple Katie Vagg and Ben Spry’s renovation project that converted an old, dark family room into two bright and fun modern kids bedrooms.

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After: Tayla’s bedroom

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After: Mason’s bedroom

Built in 1965, their home had all the beautiful mid-century features they loved — a stone fireplace, architectural corner windows, polished wooden floors — but their was one catch: they were one bedroom short.

With three children between them aged five, nine and 10, Katie and Ben dreamed of creating a room for each of them. So after deliberating over the floor plan they finally found a way, deciding to divide a family room into two functional bedrooms.

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Before: family room

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Before: family room

As a graphic designer, Katie’s experience in home and architectural design had been limited to paper, but with Ben being a production manager and quite the handyman, they had the confidence to tackle their project head on. The final result is two bedrooms full of personality; one for 10-year-old Mason, which features bold primary colours, teen furnishings and a long chalkboard wall, and the other for nine-year-old Tayla, which features a study nook, a built-in robe and a colour palette inspired by gelato and lollies.

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After: Mason’s bedroom

With a successful renovation under their belts, Katie and Ben share five renovation tips, which they wish they had known before:

  1. In the design and planning stage, make sure you know exactly what you want. Think about layout and the correct scale and measuring.
  2. Inspiration is very important and you need to visualise what you want to create. A Pinterest board is a great way to collect ideas.
  3. Budget is key, always allow a contingency for unexpected costs.
  4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it can be a great time saver in the long run.
  5. Make sure you are using the right tools, selecting the wrong equipment can cost a lot of time.

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After: Tayla’s bedroom

Katie and Ben were awarded the first Gyprock HomeStyle ‘Share your Style’ prize for this project. The competition celebrated the 2013 launch of HomeStyle magazine and invited renovators to showcase their home via Pinterest for a chance to win a share of $6,000 in prizes.

Categories
Kids Rooms

8 smart tips for designing the perfect kid’s bedroom

A bedroom makeover can be tricky. You have to consider theming, colour selection and personal style, as well as available space and budget considerations.

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Forty Winks Saturn Bunk

And when the bedroom you’re making over is your child’s, everything gets a whole lot more complicated!

Here are some top tips on creating a child’s bedroom that is not only a good place for sleeping, but for entertaining and working as well:

  1. When preparing for a makeover or update, it’s important parents include their child in the planning process in order for them to fashion their own individual style to create a room they’ll love spending time in.
  2. Encourage your child to choose a theme or colour scheme that is reflective of their personality and that they’ll love for years to come.
  3. Regardless of room size or budget, there are clever ways to update the bedroom without spending a fortune. If restricted by space, consider furniture or bed suites that feature clever inbuilt storage solution for those tighter room dimensions.
  4. There are various bed options available that will sleep a child from their first ‘grown up’ bed through to their teens. This means that they can maintain the same bed as they grow and will save money over the course of their development.

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    Forty Winks Aztec Cabin Bunk
  5. Bunk beds have become increasingly popular over the past 12-to-18 months with an even greater variety of styles and options available, including bunks with work stations and added storage.
  6. Innovative products such as King Koil Breathe Active and King Koil Breathe Energy mattresses, provide chiropractic support for your child. Endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia, they also feature breathable technology for added protection.
  7. For those children that suffer from bed wetting, Protectabed is an easy to fit mattress protector. It’s ideal in any situation requiring waterproof protection including bed wetting and toilet training. It also features hygienic and anti-allergy technology that is absorbent and breathable.

    Forty Winks Dakota Suite (linen by Aura)
    Forty Winks Dakota Suite (linen by Aura)
  8. To add the finishing touches, bed linen and accessories such as pillows, rugs and throws are a great way to introduce bursts of colour.

— Wayne Borg is Forty Winks‘ national merchandise coordinator.

Categories
Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

Cotton On Kids branch into homewares with first kids bed linen and room range

Cotton on Kids will launch one of its most exciting product categories yet on Monday — its first children’s bed linen and room range.

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The 100% cotton bed linen is available in a range of designs suitable for single, double and queen size beds, ensuring there is something for toddlers to teens, and even the big kids in the house who share the same passion for fun, bright, fashion-driven prints!

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The collection includes a range of stylish and fun sheet sets, reversible quilt covers and cushions, printed paper lanterns, removable chalkboards and other decorative accessories. All styles are designed to be mixed and matched, inviting kids and parents to explore their creative side and transform any bedroom into a space to dream, play, sleep, invent and, most importantly, have fun.

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The concept for the new range was born after Cotton On Kids design duo, Peta Baldacchino and Sarah Lawrence, discovered they shared a common frustration about the lack of affordable, fun and stylish homewares in the kids market. “The aim was to steer away from traditional girl and boy bedding options to ensure there was a combination of bright colours, fun patterns and most importantly, a collection that kids and parents will both love,” Sarah says.

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The pair were inspired by simple Scandinavian children’s designs, and then added the Cotton On Kids touch by adding a pop of colour here, there and everywhere.

The range launches online and in store on Monday 7 April 2014. Prices start at $19.95 for a single fitted sheet through to $69.95 for a queen doona cover.