Tag: kids rooms

Jen’s lust list 31.01.17

I’m generally more of a plain linen girl but I could be persuaded to change for this Bluebellgray quilt set. The Scottish brand, which I’ve long been a fan of, is now available in Australia at Myer. Floral and colour fans, gets amongst it!

On the other end of the spectrum, the popular SMEG small appliances range (entry level SMEG as I like to call it!) are now available in white due to popular demand! I’m guessing that’s because people like me couldn’t decide which of the gorgeous pastel hues to commit to. Fret no more! From $179 for the 2-slice toaster, from all good department stores.

I discovered artist Annie Everingham on Instagram this week (don’t you love Insta for that?!) via those stylish folks at Fenton & Fenton (who stock her work). I fell for this limited edition print, An Abstraction of Patchwork Terrain ($699). Isn’t it gorgeous? Annie lives in Newcastle, NSW.

Pottery Barn Kids have some lovely new things in for kid’s rooms! How cute is this Ceramic Bunny Mirror ($129) which will give your little one a bunny nose whenever they stand in front of it?! Plus there are hooks to keep precious jewels and hairbands off the floor.

And I know Sebastian would love this Organic Mason Dino Friends Sheet Set, from $99 (not that he has a big boy bed for them yet). I’m a big fan of anything which is so cute that kids will like it, but not still erring on the muted side so mum will too. What do you mean their rooms should be all about them?!

I must be in a really colourful mood this week, eh?! How gorgeous is this trinket box ($55) from Marks & Spencer? Did you know they ship free to Australia for orders over $100? Yes, homewares as well as fashion! I have a thing for fancy boxes like this. How better to keep/hide all those little bits and pieces together? Plus, gold.

This new brass-look side table from Kmart is a snip at $29! They have a whole load of new furniture and homewares dropping at the end of this week which are bound to sell out fast.

Last but not least, I can always find something to add to my basket on Etsy! This magnolia wall hanging is great for so many reasons. It’s lightweight (great for renters who can’t knock holes in walls), you don’t need to pay for framing or worry about heavy frames falling off the wall (wouldn’t it be lovely in a little girl’s nursery?), it’s gorgeous, botanical and timeless. And who doesn’t love magnolias? $75 from My Bearded Pigeon via Etsy. There are other designs too, including cacti, which are definitely having a moment!

I’ll be back with more favourite finds next Tuesday!

Tags annie everingham, bluebellgray, etsy, jens lust list, kids rooms, kmart, m&s, magnolia, pottery barn kids, smeg small appliances, wall hanging

Designers Interviews Kids Rooms

Creating modern dollhouse furniture was this mum’s saviour

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 30, 2017
No Comments on Creating modern dollhouse furniture was this mum’s saviour

It was after the arrival of her daughter Holly, and the onset of a serious bout of postnatal anxiety and depression, that Stephanie Wallace started working on decorating a dollhouse – a therapeutic outlet that has now become a successful business called Mostly Miniature.

“Like for so many of us mums, having my first child changed everything. Unfortunately, along with my daughter came a dreadful bout of postnatal anxiety and depression that left me reeling. Creating things with my hands has always been my therapy so I began to steal small chunks of time to work on my dollhouse, setting myself the challenge of making every detail in the home myself,” says Stephanie who has always had a passion for interior design.

“I started creating tiny versions of the homewares I coveted in real-life!” She began posting her creations to Instagram, which opened up a lifeline of support through what was a rough period. “I discovered that making these tiny pieces and sharing them with my amazing Instagram community really lit me up inside and I began to find my way back from that dark, post-baby place.”

With a background in design and fine art, Stephanie used to own a small art gallery and has always enjoyed the process of creating. “Every day, I wake up and look forward to the part of my day where I get to create on-trend tiny furniture for my incredible customers. I currently work on my little business part time (thanks to a busy two-year-old) but it’s my aim to make gorgeous teeny accessories, that help create magazine-worthy dollhouses, my full-time focus,” says Stephanie.

And while the modern dollhouse is a super-hot craze at the moment, Stephanie’s creations are particularly on trend – she certainly has a knack for creating the interior item du jour. “Because trends in interior design can change quickly it means there’s a never-ending stream of inspiration for making tiny versions. Standing the test of time however, lasting customer faves would have to be my West El- inspired four-poster bed and my Mark Tuckey-inspired couch – both have such gorgeous, clean, minimalist lines.”

She also produces wall and floor effect papers in herringbone, marble, tile print and polished concrete to name just a few designs. “They are a super easy way to create amazing designer spaces,” says Stephanie who is very excited about her upcoming kitchen release. “It’s sleek and modern with the most divine gold hinges and leather handles! It’s my dream kitchen!”

As for the construction process, Stephanie concedes that it’s a time-consuming process, the difficulty of which took her by surprise initially. “Before I began this journey, I had no idea that even the simplest looking item takes great skill and time to make. When things are so tiny there is nowhere to hide your mistakes! I recently uploaded a short, time lapse video of part of the process of creating my new kitchen range onto Instagram and my blog. It serves to demonstrate exactly how much patience is really involved in these tiny works of art,” says Stephanie.

With a rare generosity, Stephanie also shares technical tips that are appreciated by her loyal following. “I really believe anyone could and should create these experiences for themselves and their loved ones. If I can help someone bring a bit of the joy that these beautiful miniature spaces have brought to me, then I will!”

Shop online.

Tags design, dollhouse, dollhouse furniture, kids rooms

Bedrooms Furniture Kids Rooms

So Frenchy, so eco! Online store Little’s People’s Bedroom

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 26, 2017
No Comments on So Frenchy, so eco! Online store Little’s People’s Bedroom

With a background in environmental studies, a move into eco-conscious children’s furniture didn’t seem much of a stretch for French-born, Australian-based Virginie Delame of online store, Little People’s Bedroom. Hatched before the birth of her second child, it stocks a unique edit of kid’s furniture, all made in France.

“Before the birth of our second child Olivia, I started looking for a single bed for our eldest, Chloe, and got very frustrated. Coming from Europe, where you have a wide variety of choice, colours and styles, I found it very hard to find a bed that I liked. We ended up buying one that we found ok but we weren’t excited about it at all. The same happened when we had to choose a cot, a few years before. Everything looks the same,” says Virginie, who opened her online store in early 2015.

Stocking a range of French brands including Bébé Provence, Junior Provence, Loupiot and Sogan France, the product line-up is unlike anything available in Australia. “I needed to find a point of difference and potentially a niche market in order to offer something different here. We decided to choose French manufacturers as we believe they represent quality and originality. And in some cases, French and European regulations are more demanding than Australian ones and we thought this would reassure parents in search of absolute quality for their children,” says Virginie.

Medea chest of drawers, $689 and Medea baby change top, $225

Design aside, an environmental conscience is central to the store’s ethos. “Sofamo (one of the site’s main suppliers) has been working in the baby and kid’s bedroom furniture industry for years and they are committed to developing the eco-friendliest products they can possibly manufacture. Great care is given to the end products – they use water-based paints for no emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), wooden panels issued from sustainably managed forests (PEFC certified), eco-friendly MDF panels to reduce the emission of VOCs and recycled packaging.”

Altea single bed, $825, and trundle bed, $349

Bestsellers for the Little People’s Bedroom, and also Virginie’s favourite designs, are the Altea single bed and the Feroe toddler bed. “The Altea is a really cute and well-designed bed. Its head is the shape of a cloud and its foot is the shape of a moon which makes it absolutely gorgeous and unique at the same time!”

And with its safety barriers, the Feroe toddler bed converts to a full-size bed, making it a savvy choice. “Its safety barriers stop the child from falling out of the bed while sleeping and they are easily removed when the child is ready. When the child reaches three or four years old, parents can seamlessly extend the bed into a full single size bed, without having to buy anything else,” says Virginie of the clever design that is available in four colours and has matching under-bed storage drawers too.

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Tags bedroom, feroe, french, french design, french furniture, furniture, kids rooms, Little People's Bedroom, sofamo

Bedrooms Kids 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

Hot trend: Stylish dollhouse furniture & where to find it

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 9, 2017
2 Comments on Hot trend: Stylish dollhouse furniture & where to find it

From miniature bentwood chairs to potted fiddle leaf figs, designer fridges and even abstract art, today’s dollhouse is certainly a much more chic affair than its retro cousin. Gone are the twee furniture and accessories of old and in their place is a collection of on-trend wares, many of which we wish we had in our own homes! Here are our top picks.

Tiny Bungalow’s Bondi tiny bungalow: For that pared back, chic and minimalist Australian beachside aesthetic, Tiny Bungalow have it covered. From this bungalow dollhouse to the complementary ‘Bondi’ lap pool, this is miniature hipster decor heaven. $249.

Whimsy Woods’ pink faux fur throw: We’ve only just written about the sheepskin trend and there we have it in miniature! Adorable. $5.

Mini Home Co’s dollhouse pallet couch: Beachy cool vibes embody the Mini Home Co’s dollhouse furniture collection and this on-trend modular sofa is just one of their great pieces. $30.

Mostly Miniature’s Maggi Macdonald mini print (framed): The work of contemporary abstract artist Maggi Macdonald (whose pieces have featured on The Block), this print is the perfect finishing touch. $14.

Mostly Miniature’s dollhouse four-poster bed: Perfect for Scandi lovers, this chic bed was inspired by west elm’s real life version. $43.

Mini Home Co’s dollhouse plant: No home is complete without a touch of indoor greenery so why should your dollhouse be any different? $12.

Tiny Bungalow’s furniture collection pack: From an aztec rug to breeze blocks, a SMEG style fridge and lots of boho finishing touches, this collection is everything you’d ever need to create a super chic dollhouse. $312.

Miniature Co’s bentwood chair: A design classic, they’re now available for your dollhouse too. $11.95.

Tags dollhouse, kids, kids rooms

Bedrooms Designers Homewares Interviews Kids Rooms

Fun new Christmas wares and more from Sack Me!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 20, 2016
No Comments on Fun new Christmas wares and more from Sack Me!

Exuberant Australian children’s bedding and soft furnishing brand Sack Me! has expanded its latest collection to include fabulous playmats, novelty cushions, slumber sacks, storage bags and an assortment of Christmas items too. Just in time for the festive season, this range is a whole lot of fun.

atelier-variation-2 — The new Atelier range

A standout from the new collection, the Pret-A-Porta baby playmats really caught our eye and we think we’ll be seeing them all over our Insta-feeds in no time. “It’s such a useful product to have on the go and it’s a very classy yet playful piece. Also, the waterproof backing makes it perfect for outdoor use as they are so easy to wipe down. They also double as a change mat as we love creating pieces that you can use in more ways than one,” says Sack Me! designer Li-Ann Scott.

halo-playmat — Pert-A-Porta ‘halo’ baby playmat

The black and gold novelty playmats are part of the brand’s new Atelier range – a more-high end outing. “The icing on the cake for us is our new Atelier range. It’s for those looking for something a little fancier, without the fancy price tag!’ says Li-Ann.

The new Christmas collection is pretty fun too, and all the pieces are designed to complement the core Sack Me! range. “We wanted to create something fun for the holiday season, but stylish enough to be used year round, so we’ve included new cotton canvas drawstring sacks and Christmas stockings in our popular prints, but with a cheeky festive twist,” says Li-Ann of the sacks and stockings that will make for lovely photo ops on Christmas day.

swag-sack-b-box-carousel — Christmas swag sack

We’re loving the new slumber sacks too – lightweight, durable and machine washable they fold up into their own reversible pillowcase making them easy for kids to tote. “We spent a lot of time developing a product that would grow with the child and is compact and easy to store away. The pillow compartment can be flipped out for extra leg room and it’s fully reversible so you zip them either way you like. It folds up into a compact size and the pillowslip is the actual case, so there’s no need to worry about extra casing, or losing them for that matter. They also come in all our favourite prints,” says Li-Ann.

pretzel-blanket-biscuit — Pretzel blanket and striped ottoman

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Tags bedroom, cushions, homewares, kids rooms, sack me!

Designers Homewares Interviews Kids Rooms

Nostalgia alert! The May Gibbs x Kip & Co collection is beyond

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 18, 2016
1 Comment on Nostalgia alert! The May Gibbs x Kip & Co collection is beyond

A child of the 1980’s, I just about choked on my turmeric latte when I heard about the new Kip&Co collaboration with May Gibbs. As iconically Australian as Vegemite, May Gibbs’ characters are etched in my memory making this collection a wonderful, nostalgic treat that was created to mark the 100-year birthday of Snugglepot and Cuddle Pie. Kip & Co have called it their “hand on heart, proudest collaboration yet” and I can see why – the stylish collection could so easily have ventured into cheesy territory but it’s anything but.

“Our May Gibbs x Kip & Co collaboration has been bubbling away since the beginning of the year when we were approached with the opportunity to license some of May Gibbs’ images in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the gum nut babies. May Gibbs was really big in the 1980s when Kate, Hayley and I were kids, so there was an enormous amount of nostalgia about the whole thing. We were swapping memories of Banksia Man and Rugged Blossom,” says Kip & Co’s Alex van der Sluys.

The collection includes kids and baby bedding, blankets, swaddles, cushions, playmats, sleepwear and Santa sacks. “There are limited numbers of each item as we wanted this to be something very special that you could pass down to your kids’ kids. I think the Santa sack is my favourite – it’s really beautiful and something you’d keep for decades,” says Alex.

“I read once that these were Australia’s first non-indigenous fairy tales which is a super nice idea. Like all good fairy tales, they are passed down from one generation to the next and have just become part of Australia’s DNA!” says Alex.

May Gibbs is something of a hero for the Kip & Co ladies too. “She is a seriously inspiring and impressive lady boss. Against all odds, May found a way to tell a story of conservation and environmentalism, defied expectations and became an unconventional, savvy businesswomen, and created our first, local non-indigenous fairy tales. We think she is one of the great untold female artists who shaped the Australian artistic and children’s literature landscape,” says Alex.

Wonderfully, before her passing, May bequeathed the copyright for her designs to two charities – the Northcott Disability Services and the Cerebal Palsy Alliance. “She ensured those in need will continue to benefit from her entrepreneurialism long after her passing. Hats off to May, right!?” says Alex.

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Tags bedroom, cushions, design, homewares, kids rooms, kip & co, May Gibbs

Bedrooms Competitions Designers Kids Rooms

Giveaway: Win a quilted baby play mat & more from Goosebumps!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 13, 2016
No Comments on Giveaway: Win a quilted baby play mat & more from Goosebumps!

If you’re into stylish Australiana, the latest collection from quirky bedding brand Goosebumps is sure to tickle. Titled ‘Dreamcatcher,’ it features a plethora of whimsical, colourful prints alongside some spanking new product lines including fitted bassinet sheets, round quilted baby play mats and a giant Bubble O’Bill novelty cushion too. How fun!

birdwatch_adults_lifestyle_web — ‘Birdwatch’ bed linen

“This collection was inspired by the Australian landscape, life and culture. It’s also a trip down memory lane to my childhood hence the Pac Mate, Birdwatch and Billie prints. The designs are quirky and echo the past in a modern way,” says Inga Rodd, Goosebumps designer, of the limited edition collection.

“As we’ve added new categories this season, I’d have to say I adore all the novelty cushions which include Billie, Toasted and Lady Bug Love. Also the round quilted play mats are great as they come in so many fun designs and they’re quilted and ultra-soft for your little tots’ tums! I also love the new Baa Baa print which is a personal favourite,” says Inga.

bille_kids_lifestyle_web — ‘Billie’ bed linen and novelty cushion

The boutique bedding and lifestyle brand launched in 2014, with a distinct aesthetic that has spawned a growing fan base. “Our colourful palettes, unique separates and quirky designs are what we are known for. We love to bring a sense of fun and adventure into every bedroom young and ripe! We are mad colour nuts and love thinking out of the box and coming up with adventurous designs with a twist of nostalgia to each piece,” says Inga.

baabaa_cot_detail_web_3 — ‘Baa Baa’ cot sheet

To celebrate the ‘Dreamcatcher’ collection launch we’ve got one Lady Bug Love round quilted baby play mat to give away plus a choice of one fitted cot sheet and one bassinet sheet too.

pac-mate_kids_lifestyle_web — ‘Pac Mate’ bed linen

play-mat_lady-bug-love — The ‘Lady Bug Love’ play mat that is up for grabs

Shop online.

For your chance to win, complete the form below by midnight next Thursday 20 October 2016.

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Tags bed linen, bedding, bedroom, competition, cushions, design, goosebumps, homewares, kids rooms

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

House Tours Kitchens

Home tour: Check out this colourful weatherboard revamp

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 13, 2016
No Comments on Home tour: Check out this colourful weatherboard revamp

Situated in the Melbourne suburb of Northcote, this Victorian family home was renovated recently with a big emphasis on colour — beige was most certainly banned!

“My clients wanted a warm space with lots of colour and pattern to create interesting and fun focal points that expressed the couple’s personality. No beige!” says the home’s designer Fiona Parry-Jones, creative director of Von Haus Design Studio.

“A minimal, industrial feel was referenced to create a modern theme throughout the home. The industrial feel was incorporated through materials such as timber in the bathroom benches and lighting in the kitchen and kids’ rooms,” says Fiona who continued the theme in the fabulous kitchen where hexagon tiles (in natural stone) are paired with matte black cabinets and concrete-look composite stone benches.

As for her favourite part of the renovation, Fiona is particularly enamoured with the kitchen. “All the ideas for the colour palette started from this room and flowed on from there. I love the warmth of the tiles and the variation in the hexagon pattern. The black matt cabinetry really stands out against the tiles and bench top and contrasts nicely with the timber flooring and stools too.”

Obviously the home features bold use of colour and nowhere more so than the children’s retreat space. “I got the kids involved by getting them to create the artwork for the walls and made it a zone purely for their activities and craft,” says Fiona who created plenty of storage for books and toys and sliding doors so the room (and mess!) can be easily concealed. “That said, my clients didn’t want it to be too neat looking and wanted it to reflect their kids’ personalities.”

Another of the home’s most distinct features is the alfresco wall mural that was created by the Melbourne graffiti artist O.G.2.3.

“The owner Vicky, was particularly inspired by graffiti art on her train travels to work and she made it her mission to source an artist for the commission,” says Fiona of the fabulous mural that has personal significance too. “It has the initial of each family member on the wall and really does bring out the fun in this home. It was the final, colourful touch to the home and always makes me smile.”

Photography: Suzi Appel Photography | Styling: Fiona Parry-Jones

See more of Fiona’s work here.

Tags bedding, colour, design, interior, interior design, interior designer, interiors, kids rooms, kitchen, melbourne, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, von haus 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

Designers Kids Rooms Styling

Upcycled nursery: This sweet space was created on a shoestring

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 17, 2016
1 Comment on Upcycled nursery: This sweet space was created on a shoestring

When interior designer Charlie Cooper was expecting her third child, she created a nursery on a budget using a mix of existing items, sample pots of paint and a smattering of inexpensive homewares. “I wanted to create a peaceful, bright and cosy room for a baby girl that would still be relevant as she grew older. It needed to be practical, with all the nursery essentials, but something a bit different too. I needed to work with existing furniture so just updated it. This nursery was created with very little money.”

The standout feature is the colourful wall mural – a geometric pattern created with masking tape and pretty sorbet-toned paints. “I had the idea in my head and although it took some time, the end result was even better than I had hoped. I love the blend of colours and the way they wrap around the corner. I also carried a few of the shapes onto the wall above the change table,” says Charlie.

Upcycling played a big part in the room’s design – the designer repainted a number of items including the cot, change table, chest of drawers and rocking chair. “The rocking chair was originally my son’s, then my eldest daughter’s, and now it belongs to my youngest. It was originally an eBay find and I resprayed it for the third time and added a new cushion. The small table beside the chair was repainted for the third time too,” says Charlie.

The all-important finishing touches include some inexpensive prints from Etsy, some homewares from Target and Typo and a couple of IKEA pendant lights. “Most of the decor items were gifts we were given or recycled toys from my other children,” says Charlie.

We love this example of a gorgeous and unique nursery on a budget and applaud the re-use (multiple times!) of upcycled pieces. Brilliant!

View more of Charlie’s work here.

Tags bedroom, budget nursery, design, interior designer, kids rooms, nursery, paint, styling

Art Bedrooms Styling

Good vibes : Meet Feliz Home’s fun new bedding range

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 12, 2016
No Comments on Good vibes : Meet Feliz Home’s fun new bedding range

Melbourne bed linen brand Feliz Home has just released its Spring/Summer ‘17 range titled ‘Hola Feliz’ which is bound to tempt colour lovers. Created in the brand’s Geelong studio in collaboration with the local Melbourne artist Maria Flores of ‘Say Hola,’ the range is bright and fresh and we love its Mexican vibes that have us longing for summer.

“We love the way our new designs play so beautifully with our all-time favourites. The colours have brought a beautiful feeling of happiness and energy to the rest of the range,” says Jane Forbes of Feliz Home. The label’s new designs are playful enough for children yet sophisticated enough for adults too.

“We make super high quality bed linen, mindful that your home is your haven. Our aim is to make your own private universe happy and soulful!” says Jane.

Screen printed on GOTS certified organic cotton in the brand’s Geelong studio, the range includes pillow cases, flat sheets, table runners, placemats and napkins. Also included in the new collection are a number of limited edition artworks titled ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ that feature gorgeous gold foil details.

Feliz Home began when friends Melissa Alessi and Jane Forbes began screen-printing their own bed linen in 2012. Now with several kids in town, and an expanded range, they’ve employed some help on this front. “It is still a very important part of the process though and we both make sure we get our hands dirty (and inky!) as much as we possibly can,” says Jane.

“We are so excited to be releasing another range. Our business is small which means our attention to detail and relationship with customers are huge. We love opportunities to ‘shop small’ and we are so grateful that our customers do too,” says Jane.

Shop online

Tags affordable art, art, australian bed linen, bed linen, bedding, bedroom, colour, design, feliz home, kids rooms, melbourne, styling

Homewares

Sneak peek: Check out Kmart’s awesome August living range

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 29, 2016
No Comments on Sneak peek: Check out Kmart’s awesome August living range

Taking us on a trip around the globe, Kmart’s latest homewares range boasts design influences as diverse as the Daintree rainforest, Cuba, the Hamptons and (of course) Scandinavia.

“We never rest at Kmart – we’re always looking for the next hot item, the latest trend and how we can bring this to life. Each season, we put more emphasis on new designs, improved quality and more of what Australians love. We take pride in helping people create the homes of their dreams,” says Kmart Australia’s general manager of living, Julie Miller-Sensini.

The most captivating shots from the latest campaign feature Martinique’s iconic banana leaf wallpaper – a key reference point for the collection. Emerald green palm prints form the basis of the Daintree Paradise range which beautifully complements the latest trend in lush, indoor plants. We love the giant leafy motifs.

Since opening its borders Cuba has figured heavily on the design scene again and Kmart are following suit. “Cuba opening its borders has inspired a pattern frenzy, which makes a strong statement when styled back with our lush and distinctive palm prints. The wow colour of the season is green and it looks so fresh with black, white or any of the mixed materials that are trending this season,” says Julie.

For those that favour a more traditional aesthetic, the Classic Cove range has more than a nod to the Hamptons with its serene shades of blue. And once again, texture reigns with wood, marble, cork and brass all adding warmth too.

Tailor made for lovers of Scandinavian miniminalism, the Eco Urban collection features matte black ceramics and colourless glass with simple, chic lines.

$9 outdoor cushions, $20 pendant lights and a $79 two-seat sofa are just some of the ridiculous bargains you can expect to find.

The range is available in store and online from Monday 1 August.

Tags bedding, children's bedrooms, cushions, furniture, homewares, kids rooms, kmart, styling

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 Styling

Currently coveting: This serene & stylish nursery

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date July 13, 2016
No Comments on Currently coveting: This serene & stylish nursery

Proving neutral needn’t mean insipid, this gorgeous light-filled nursery is the work of Adelaide based interiors stylist Maria Angus of My Mini Abode and is home to her 10 month old daughter Lola. “The brief for this space was to create a warm and whimsical, simple but stunning room for my daughter to enjoy but I also wanted it to grow with her as she gets older,” says Maria.

With more than a nod to Scandinavian design principles, the room uses a mix of white, neutrals and blonde timber with pops of colour scattered throughout. “The main pieces such as the cot, dresser and chair are in neutral tones which allows the wallpaper and accessories to pop for maximum impact,” says Maria.

One standout pop of colour is in the form of a vibrant pink abstract that was purchased with posterity in mind. “I wanted a painting for Lola’s room, something enduring and meaningful she could one day take with her when she has her own home, maybe even for her own daughter’s room one day. I spotted this in a store window one afternoon, except the store was closed! I contacted the shop via Instagram and put a deposit down without actually seeing it in the flesh. I loved it on first sight so I trusted my instincts and grabbed it before I changed my mind!” says Maria. We love the Pax & Hart swan print too.

The neutral geometric wallpaper (by Swedish designers Majvillan) is another standout feature of the room. “It really is the hero of the room! Everything else is pared back to let the wallpaper shine. The grey, pink and mustard tones mean I can easily change up the look of the room using accessories such as cushions and cot linen,” says Maria who added several other whimsical touches including hoola hoops above the dresser. “They work with the larger than average height of the wall to make the room appear bigger and it adds a special touch to the room. They reminded me of my childhood and being young and carefree! My wish for Lola,” says Maria.

Adding a lovely personal touch, the dresser was handmade by the stylist’s husband. “I love the Tasmanian Oak top on the dresser my husband lovingly made. Anything handmade with love, and that also tells a story, always means more than something store bought,” says Maria.

For a full supplier list, see below.

Cot, side table and dresser cabinets – IKEA
Tasmanian oak dresser benchtop – Custom made
Chair – Middle of Nowhere
Gold cushion – Rachel Castle and Things
Pink scallop cushion – Adairs
Wallpaper – Majvillan, via Just Kids Wallpaper
Hoola hoops -IKEA
Mirror – Middle of Nowhere
Seagrass baskets – The Corner Booth Store
Heart print – Two and Jax
Hanging timber vases – Jones and Co
Lamp – Adairs
Rug – Adairs
Pink swan print – Pax and Hart
Bunting – Numero74 Official
Painting – Tania Aliis Art
Clothes rack – Peachy Baby
Wooden stacker – Milos Room
White crochet blanket – The Gather Collective
Ballerina Doll – In My Hood