Tag: kids design

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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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RENO ADDICT Styling

7 key trends in kids decor

7 key trends in kids decor

Designing or over-hauling your little ones’ room? These days, there is no end to the cool, quirky and fun style parents can inject into their kids’ rooms. Designer and DIY parents alike are keen to add magic to their little ones’ special spaces and thesekey trends in kids decor, compiled with expert insight from Justine Wilson, Director and Principal Stylist at Vault Interiors, will give you plenty of food for thought.

7 key trends in kids decor

1. Pops of neon – Neon is back! We love the fun way in which neon accents can add zing to any kids’ space. But beware! Use in moderation to avoid overpowering the room. Think a pop of colour rather than a huge block of overwhelming brightness.

7 key trends in kids decorImage source: This is ladyland

2. Bunk buddies – Space is at a premium these days and whether you have decided your little ones should share for that reason, or merely for the fun that sharing with your sibling can offer, shared spaces don’t have to be rigid in design. There are so many different ways you can make each child’s area individual to them, but a cohesive space visually.

3. Quirky geo shapes – The geometric trend isn’t going anywhere! We love how these bold graphic prints and patterns are becoming a classic look but also add a playful but ordered style to the space. They can easily be adapted to any gender and also suit-shared spaces. Removable wall decals or wall art is a great way to add some geometrics!

7 key trends in kids decorImage source: Etsy

4. Monochrome – Monochrome is the new neutral! This palette is cool and edgy while also remaining classic in style. Using bold prints, beloved icons, like our friend Miffy or Nordic/wilderness influences, make this trend perfect for nurseries to teen rooms. One of the best things about this palette is pops of colour can easily be added to it. This trend has to be the most versatile of them all!

6. Playhouse Beds – Forget dollhouses! We love playhouses and cubby beds almost as much as kids do! No matter if it’s for sleeping or as a reading nook, playhouse beds are fun for any child. We love the DIY version of this teepee bed by blogger and mummy Sarah of Hello Bowsers.

7 key trends in kids decorImage source: Hello Bowsers

5. Outside In – The spirit of adventure is strong for little people, so it is only natural they love spaces that reflect this. The use of versatile wallpapers makes it easy to create a magical space. Bold wallpapers can be limited to one wall so it doesn’t overwhelm the room. For smaller prints, they can be used to cover all the walls for a seamless look. Layer with texture and quirky furniture solutions like tree stump side tables. We love the inclusion of the swing in these spaces.

7. Designer Furniture – When it comes to selecting furniture for any part of your home, well designed and functional is a must, so buying for your child’s room is no exception. For a long time kids’ bedroom furniture was limited to one or the other. Pioneers like Lilly and Lolly and Incy Interiors has changed that with beautifully designed, practical and functional pieces for big and little spaces (and people!)

7 key trends in kids decorImage source: Lilly And Lolly

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Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

The coolest cubby house. Ever.

Back when I was little I had the coolest cubby house on the street (think two storeys, a chimney and bright red shutters) but I’ve got to admit the VARDO HUT, by Doherty Design Studio, makes mine seem a little lacklustre!

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Half traditional gypsy wagon (or, in gypsy language, vardo) and half treehouse-esque loft, the design has utilised common garden materials, plus ledges and mesh for growing plants, to integrate the structure into the backyard.

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“We looked to the nomadic vardo for inspiration, harnessing the traditional shape to evoke a sense of adventure from the built form,” explains Mardi Doherty, director of Doherty Design Studio. “Common garden materials have been used to express bold playful forms, while we’ve allowed for children to create hanging gardens from the form to further integrate it within its surroundings and allow the children to craft their own experience.”

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Multiple points of entry and ladders engage the young mind and sense of adventure, while encouraging physical development through a use of co-ordination. For practicality, a clear roof allows in natural light (while also providing a visual connection to surroundings); entry points provide cross-ventilation and opportunities for visual supervision; while the overall design educates children on living sensitively within nature.

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The VARDO HUT was auctioned at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show as part of the Cubby House Challenge to raise funds for Kids Under Cover (a youth homelessness not-for-profit). It sold for $9,000 and won the people’s choice award.

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