Tag: kids rooms

Babee & Me’s locally made and on-trend kids homewares

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 15, 2015
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Rachel McKenzie is proof it’s never too late to find your calling! Both a biomedical scientist and a qualified personal trainer, it wasn’t until she had her two sons that she felt a desire to create.

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Starting Babee & Me, Rachel began designing a range of unique products for the modern baby and child, passionate about making quality handmade wares. “I started Babee & Me as I really care about buying locally made products and knowing the whole process of how it’s made. Rather than mass-produced items where not much is known about what they are made from and how ethical they are. I also wanted to create modern and on trend items that give me pleasure to create and in turn give pleasure to my customers who purchase them.”

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[contextly_sidebar id=”9QpinvmkfggEgtesInC1g3WKqSDXuGvQ”]Working from her Byron Bay home, Rachel sews, screen prints and hand paints a collection of play mats, cushions, toys and wooden blocks and houses. Designing everything herself, she also enlists the help of illustrators to design some of her graphics. “I always start with an image in my head of how I want the product to look and then either design it myself or pass it on to a designer to bring to life. I then use that for my screen printing, which I do at home. For my wooden blocks and houses everything is designed and created by myself from the original drawing to the finished painted design. I constantly have new products on the go either in my head or partly finished, and am always striving to be unique and original.”

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Offering a vast array of unique products, our favourite are her customised play mats (Jen’s son Sebastian is the proud owner of one!). “I’m a big fan of our play mats because most (except the fox) are created from a hand cut stencil and can be custom-made to suit the decor of the customer. Not to mention each and every one is hand printed and so is unique. Plus they look fabulous.”

With many more designs in the pipeline, Rachel hopes to become a recognised name in the kids homewares and toys market. “I would love to become a known name for those seeking unique, fun and ethically produced products right here in Australia. By supporting my business you also support other Australian businesses, as I will continue to source my supplies from here as well.”

Shop online.

Tags Babee & Me, design, homewares, kids homewares, kids room, kids rooms, Rachel McKenzie

Designers Furniture Interviews Kids Rooms

Take 5 with Kristy Withers

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 9, 2015
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Kristie and her children Oscar and Polly

Each week we shine the spotlight on some of Australia’s best designers, artists and stylists and have them share with us what’s making them tick; anything from the best gift they’ve ever received to their favourite holiday destination. Today we chat to Kristy Withers, founder of designer kids furniture brand, Incy Interiors.

1. Who is your favourite musician?

Okay this is super embarrassing but it would have to be Garth Brooks. You can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl!

2. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

I know it is cliché, but it would be my children. They are my entire world and they have taught me to be patient, honest and, after a recent $300 iTunes charge, why I need internet security!

3. What is your favourite cafe?

The Old Mill, Millthorpe. It’s in my little hometown and the owner trained with Adriano Zumbo and she does the most amazing cakes. It isn’t ideal as it’s only two blocks from my house.

4. What’s your go-to recipe?

Playdoh! As I always have the ingredients and it keeps my daughter Polly entertained for hours.

5. What is your favourite piece of furniture?

My son’s Oscar bed as it was the reason I started Incy Interiors in the first place. My son still sleeps in our original sample.

Tags design, furniture, home, incy interiors, interiors, kids furniture, kids rooms, kristy withers, take 5

Designers Homewares Kids Rooms

Goosebumps’ hotly anticipated bedding range for adults!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 7, 2015
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When Goosebumps released their first children’s bedding collection late last year, I must say I was a little jealous. Where was all the colourful, pattern-crazy, adult designs?!

Screen Shot 2015-08-13 at 7.56.56 am — Tutti Frutti

Well thankfully, they’re nearly here; with Goosebumps set to release their debut adult collection, Down Yonder. “We’re entering a new category and we’re thrilled to be launching a fun take on adult bedding,” explains founder Inga Rodd. “Why should kids have all the fun?”

Screen Shot 2015-08-13 at 7.55.48 am — Dusk till Dawn

Taking a trip down memory lane, each print recalls a vibrant memory from Inga’s childhood. With the adult range consisting of two reversible quilt covers (Dusk till Dawn and Tutti Frutti) and a selection of printed flat and fitted sheets, each design has a personality of its own, which is sure to evoke a great sense of nostalgia. “Dusk till Dawn was inspired by summer nights and the sight of the horizon, illuminated by magical pink hues from the St Kilda Marina. And Tutti Frutti reminds me of my favorite outfit as a child. It’s reminiscent of ’90s pop fashion, but cooler.”

Lucky for the kids, they don’t miss out either, with the children’s collection also including two reversible quilt covers (Snakes and Ladders and Gingerbread Girl) and printed flat, fitted and cot sheets. Inspiration flows from classic board games like Snakes and Ladders to the prettiest, girliest Gingerbread Girl.

Having established themselves as a coveted boutique bedding brand, Down Yonder continues with Goosebumps’ colourful palette and unique separates, allowing the playful designs to be mixed and matched, creating a sense of fun and adventure in every bedroom. With printed fitted and flat sheets and their unique reversible quilt covers, you’re covered from cot to king size beds. Now the big kids will have somewhere to play!

Down Yonder is available to pre-order now. For more information.

Tags bed linen, bedding, bedroom, design, down yonder, goosebumps, homewares, inga rodd, interiors, kids bedding, kids rooms

Bedrooms Competitions Homewares Kids Rooms

Win this entire kids’ bedroom look from Aura

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 1, 2015
No Comments on Win this entire kids’ bedroom look from Aura

We’re big fans of Aura as regular readers will know, so we’re delighted to offer this exciting giveaway today. One reader will win everything in this look. If your kids share a room, this would be just perfect for you (or you could split it between two kids’ rooms with single beds of course)!

nio maison aura giveaway

The prize includes single quilt cover in Maison Dove, Umbrella Stripe sheet set, Euro pillowcase in Nio, Diamond standard pillowcase, single quilt cover in Nio, Diamond cushion, Umbrella Stripe sheet set and Maison pillowcase worth a total of over $800.

To enter, complete the form below by 5pm Sydney time on Tuesday 8 September 2015.

To check out more of Aura’s latest designs, including Wide Stripe and Patch (below), shop online. Aura are offering FREE SHIPPING for Interiors Addict readers for the next three days (until midnight on 3 September 2015) using the promo code InteriorsAddict at checkout.

aura wide stripe

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Tags aura, aura home, bed, bedroom, bunkbeds, competition, giveaway, kids, kids rooms, linen, maison, manchester, nio, pillowcase, quilts, tracie ellis

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms Styling

Rebecca Judd collaborates with Adairs

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date August 27, 2015
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With her fresh, modern aesthetic and Instagram following of almost 400,000, TV personality and fashion and lifestyle blogger Rebecca Judd was a natural fit for collaboration with Australian manchester and homewares giant, Adairs.

“I wanted to create something that my own followers would love. Being an Adairs customer, I knew what they were about and I think with my own personality and style, it was a perfect marriage,” says Rebecca.

The limited edition Rebecca Judd Loves Home Republic range, with its on-trend colours, prints and textures, brings a seasonal update to Australian homes. Mint and blush pink are accented with pops of navy and yellow in stylish prints and textures.

“Style to me is really important, especially in the interiors space – it’s a really good opportunity to reflect your own personality,” says Rebecca.

The range includes four fully reversible bed linen designs, complementary wall art and soft furnishings – all in versatile mix and match designs.

The range encompasses childrens’ bedrooms too with Judd’s children Billie and Oscar providing inspiration for the Rebecca Judd Loves Adairs Kids range.

Shop online from early September.

Tags adairs, affordable art, bec judd, bed linen, colour, cushions, design, homewares, instagram, interior, interior design, interiors, kids rooms, manchester, Rebecca Judd, styling, stylist

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

The 10 cult homewares for the coolest kid’s room

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Umemi Notknot Cushion, $189 from Designstuff

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

Image: Little Dwellings. Click for details

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

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

Image via Baby Donkie, Click for details

Rokii animal and rocker, $499, top3 by design

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

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

Ubabub Booksee, $199 from Ubabub

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

Image via Spaces by Diana. Click for details

The Incy Interiors Declan cot, $699 from Incy Interiors

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

Klea Baby Teepee, $159 from Klea Baby

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

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

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

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

Homewares Kids Rooms

Sprout and Sparrow: colourful, bold and affordable kids prints

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 3, 2015
No Comments on Sprout and Sparrow: colourful, bold and affordable kids prints

Spending hours scouring shops and the internet to find the perfect piece of art for their little ones, sisters Adi Stevens and Tash Jerrard-Bishop struggled to find something affordable but also a little bit different. So in a brief moment of calm during a play date, they came up with an idea: it was time to make their own!

Starting Sprout and Sparrow in 2014, they design bold, colourful and contemporary children’s wall art, greeting cards and gift tags. Their latest range, in particular, is a result of their love of colour and also the very people who inspired the business, their children. “Our latest prints are inspired by our own children,” explains Adi. “The Paper Plane for example, was inspired by one of our kids who is currently obsessed with paper planes and, if you look closely, you will see his words on the page. Similarly, our The Universe print was inspired by our children’s words.”

With the latest range including illustrative and typographical prints, they have also for the first time expanded their range of children’s decor to include free-standing, scandi style ply wood block prints. We love!

Passionate about creating artworks that bring life into children’s spaces, “We have always been about bold colours even in the midst of the monochrome trend!” all their prints are designed and printed in Melbourne. Printed on high quality paper, each print is hand embossed with the Sprout and Sparrow symbol.

Prints start at $20! Shop online.

Tags art, art prints, design, homewares, interiors, kids art, kids rooms, print

Bedrooms Designers Homewares Kids Rooms

Browse 10 styled rooms with the best in kids stuff to buy

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 22, 2015
No Comments on Browse 10 styled rooms with the best in kids stuff to buy

Visitors will be able to browse beautifully curated spaces showcasing the best in interior styling ideas for children at the TiniTrader Pop-Up Marketplace, with products from more than 200 retailers.

From 30 July to 2 August, everything on display will be available for sale — from clothing, prams, bunkbeds and everything in between. In short, see it, love it, buy it!

The virtual marketplace’s CEO and co-founder Kerri Turner, is looking forward to introducing TiniTrader and its associated brands to the masses in physical form for the first time: “TiniTrader has always been about bringing together the best in children’s products and we wanted the concept of the pop-up event to reflect this. Working with some amazing stylists and brands, our intention is to create aspirational spaces for kids utilising many of the products available on our website.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”HuRka7Iulp0T2f1VEDYP0bpvqE89vg3y”]The TiniTrader virtual marketplace offers a one-stop-shop for busy parents, with more than 30,000 baby and kids products available from hundreds of retail stores. The Melbourne event will give people the chance to see and shop the range in real time within a stunning gallery space. The pop-up will also play host to a number of activities planned over the four days including: a champagne bar on Friday evening for those in need of some cheeky indulgence; well-known children’s interior designer Jacinda Malloy from Hide & Sleep sharing her styling tips on Saturday; and baby sleep expert Tizzie Hall providing tips for settling little ones on Sunday.

The TiniTrader Pop-Up Marketplace has been developed in conjunction with sponsors including Bugaboo, Gro Company, Lilly & Lolly and Maggie Beer. Pre-register at tinitrader.com.au to go into the draw for some great prizes and secure a deluxe gift bag packed with samples and special offers.

What: TiniTrader Melbourne Pop-Up Marketplace

When: Thursday 30 July – Sunday 2 August 2015

Where: 51 Victoria Street, Fitzroy

Trading Hours: Thursday 10am – 6pm | Friday 10am – 9pm | Saturday 10am – 4pm | Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Tags babies, Bugaboo, children, design, hide and sleep, interiors, jacinda malloy, kids, kids rooms, melbourne, nurseries, popup, tinitrader, tizzie hall

Bedrooms Designers Furniture Homewares Kids Rooms

New fair-trade kilim rugs (with a twist!) by Olli Ella

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 29, 2015
No Comments on New fair-trade kilim rugs (with a twist!) by Olli Ella

The clever sisters behind Olli Ella, Chloe and Olivia Brookman, have designed yet another winner. Creating the Sunrise Kilim Collection, it is a minimalist and modern twist on the traditional kilim rug.

With a rich colour palette of burnt reds, deep yellows, soft pinks, blues and greys, the girls were inspired by their travels around the world; from the warm tones of Australian sunrises, the red deserts of New Mexico and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Translated into a collection of graphic, abstract designs, the rugs come in four styles and two sizes (custom sizes also available). Durable and easy to clean, these rugs are a great choice for living areas, playrooms, bedrooms and nurseries.

Created by artisans in India using Fair Trade practices, each rug is made by hand on a loom, using hand-dyed New Zealand wool. Prices start at $299 for the small and $449 for the large.

Shop online.

Tags Chloe and Olivia Brookman, Chloe Brookman, design, furniture, homewares, interiors, kids room, kids rooms, kilim, kilim rugs, Olivia Brookman, olli ella, rugs

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

Australian nursery ideas: with Vivid Wall Decals

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 30, 2015
2 Comments on Australian nursery ideas: with Vivid Wall Decals

With a background in print design and production, it took the process of redecorating her daughter’s bedroom for Nicole Neeves to realise there was a gap in the market that she could definitely fill!

“I was struggling to find quality wall decals here in Australia; there were the usual packs of mass-produced printed wall stickers imported from overseas, but I’d tried them in my eldest daughter’s nursery and they continually peeled off and I didn’t like the shiny sticker look either. I wanted something which would appear as if painted on the wall and would actually stay there until I wanted to remove it.”

With graphic design skills from her previous career and a love of everything interiors, Nicole decided to take matters into her own hands, starting Vivid Wall Decals and making affordable, custom-made, removable decals.

Nicole’s most popular designs are her geometric shapes, perfect for a nursery, or in fact, any room! “Being made from removable vinyl, they’re the perfect wall decor item to either bring some colour into the room or use as faux wallpaper. Meaningful quotes from your favourite childhood stories also make a beautiful statement in a nursery, which can be easily removed when you want to update to a big kid room. And being made from materials specifically manufactured for indoor walls, they’re the perfect solution for renters as they remove cleanly with no damage to walls.”

As well as designing geometric shapes and quotes, a lot of her decals are brought about by customer demand. Meaning if you have an idea, there’s a good chance Nicole could bring it to life. “Lots of our designs are brought about from customer demand and making sure we have designs available which will work with all the beautiful decor items currently so popular for kids rooms. We also work closely with children’s interior designers in creating the exact look they’ve got planned for their clients’ designs, so we help them produce the decals to bring that idea to life.”

Recommending removable wall decals as an affordable and on trend way to style a nursery, Nicole also highlights funky book ledges, storage that can be opened with one-hand (“You’ll never realise how important it is to have things within easy reach until you have to try and do everything one-handed whilst carrying a baby!”) and furniture that can grow with your child. “Just because you’re decorating a nursery, doesn’t mean you have to stick to baby items and furniture. Look for items you can use as they grow. Repurpose a sturdy set of drawers – get your DIY on with a bit of paint, new handles and it’s a completely new item just for your new addition!”

Shop online.

Tags Australian kids room ideas, australian kids rooms, australian nursery ideas, interiors, kids room, kids rooms, nurseries, nursery, vivid wall decals, wall decals, wall stickers

Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms

Sack Me! launch their new carnival-inspired kids bedding

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 28, 2015
No Comments on Sack Me! launch their new carnival-inspired kids bedding

I loved their debut kids bedding range, and now Sack Me! is back with a second collection: To Carnival We Go!

Filled with bright colours and classic patterns, it is reminiscent of all things carnival and trips to the fairground. The collection has also seen Sack Me! expand their offering, with the range including bean bags, blankets, cushions and wall stickers, all perfectly complimenting their bedding.

Prices starting from $24.95 for cushions and wall stickers and $49 for fitted cot sheets.

Their philosophy is to produce beautiful trans-seasonal pieces, that are gender neutral and have a sense of fun and adventure. Their bedding is made from 300 thread count 100% cotton sateen, is Oeko-Tex certified and free from harmful substances.

To Carnival We Go! is now available for pre-order (I know Jen has her eye on the doughnut cushion!). Shop online.

Tags bean bags, bed linen, bedding, blankets, cushions, design, interiors, kids bedding, kids rooms, sack me!, wall stickers

Art Homewares

Lil Spaces: unique kids decor inspired by designer’s daughter

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 9, 2015
No Comments on Lil Spaces: unique kids decor inspired by designer’s daughter

Inspired by the magical world that came with having her daughter Helaina, Shah Bahpyu and her cousin Darko Andreski decided to start Lil Spaces. “When she came into the world, everything changed,” explains Shah. “It was like there was this awesome secret society and now we were a part of it. I guess that’s what kids do when they first come along. They turn your life upside down, sprinkle a bit of magic dust and allow you to see a whole new realm of possibilities.”

So, chock full of inspiration, they launched online store Lil Spaces late last year. Providing an array of high quality and unique kids decor, their prints and cloud lights are their flagship products, which are designed in-house and tested by their own little assistant. “We follow our own saying,” says Shah. “If it’s not good enough for Helaina, it’s not good enough for anyone! Most of the things that we stock in our store are tested first hand by our little independent princess. Helaina already owns it all! Only then we can believe in a product and count it as part of the Lil Spaces family.”

A standout has to be their cloud light, which came about almost by accident. “I made three cloud lights as decorations for a Christmas pop-up shop back in December and every night people would ask if they were for sale,” explains Shah. “So for the past three months, we have been going through a process of designing, prototyping and testing. Finally, our cloud lights were released in March.”

With each light having been sculptured by hand, a single low voltage LED light bulb emits a soft glow which is diffused by 100% natural fibre: “Gentle on humans and the environment!” Battery operated, they hang on clear fishing wire, giving them the illusion of floating mid-air.

Their other big sellers are their prints which, originally made for children, have also proved very popular with adults. “They are not just your status quo. We’ve designed them with both parent and child in mind. They are not super kid-ish, so even though they have been designed for little spaces, you could hang them anywhere. Since we launched, about one-third of the prints have been purchased by adults for their own spaces.”

Photography by Andrew Campbell and Nikki Canale

Shop online.

Tags art, Darko Andreski, design, homewares, interiors, kids ideas, kids rooms, lighting, lil spaces, shah bahpyu

Bedrooms Kids Rooms Styling

Stylist Aimee Tarulli’s big boy room for toddler son Leo

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 30, 2015
1 Comment on Stylist Aimee Tarulli’s big boy room for toddler son Leo

We’ve brought you a lot of nursery and kids room inspiration lately, but what better than an interior stylist’s real life project for her very own little man? With a new baby due in May, Aimee Tarulli needed to create a ‘big boy room’ for her son Leo, two.

“When I’m designing rooms for children, I really like them not be too gender or age specific,” she says. “I think a kids space should just be really cool and include lots of things that evoke their imagination and interest . I’m so happy with this room as it’s really suitable for Leo now being two, but will also see him right through to those teen years, when I’m sure he’ll want to put up Hawks footy posters instead (thanks Dad!).”

The bed was an important decision and prompted by Aimee’s love of choosing minimal contemporary furniture pieces that will last the test of time, then adding lots of colour through accessories and art. “The Biscuit bed in lime washed ply from Mark Tuckey was an easy choice. This is my favourite bed for kids, whether it’s a boy or a girl. It’s just so simple and natural and something they can’t get sick of! A king single is also the way to go to ensure lots of room for reading together at night and again, it will see them through until they need to go up to a queen.”

Aimee dressed the bed in dreamy pale blue and grey linen from Cultiver to balance out all the colour and pattern happening in the room. “It needed to just be really soft and subtle. The coverlet is from Urban Home Republic and doubles as a heavyweight doona cover. The quirky mix of cushions are from Norsu (lion), Ourlieu (evil eye) and Leo and Bella (glow in the dark ghost!).

“I choose the matching bedside also from Mark Tuckey as I just loved the open shelf for books at the bottom and the square shape meant books and a lamp sat nicely on the top, as opposed to a round stool where it’s sometimes hard to get everything on top easily. A handmade twin hunter tribe from A Boy Named Aaron sits above the bed and is a sculptural piece that adds another element. The lamp is from Bungalow Trading Co.

“Leo is really into dinosaurs at the moment and I came across this amazing original vintage poster from The Galerie. I absolutely fell in love with it and I was lucky enough that Michelle at The Galarie was able to source it for me. It’s really the hero of the room and makes such an impact to the space. I just love that it’s so unique and not seen everywhere. It’s such a cool piece and one that we’ll all love forever.”

When decorating spaces, Aimee always aims to find unique products that really make them someone’s own. “I love to find out more about my clients and what they like so I can ensure I am designing a space that really connects with them and is unique.”

Leo’s other love is books and the Ubabub clear Perspex Booksee shelves are a fun way to display them. “The low shelves mean Leo can reach the books easily and they’re a magnet for him.” To create a comfy reading nook, Aimee found the perfect floor cushion from Into The Fold. “This cushion is called Big Maude and is so lush and comfy and means we can cuddle up and read stories together. I paired this with some really cool cushions from Jai Vasicek.”

Taking inspiration from some diamond bunting she had, Aimee had diamond shapes painted on the wall that wrap around the corner (painted by Christopher Watterston, who paints the Dulux colour campaigns). “This just adds interest to an otherwise white corner of the room and draws your eye down into the bookshelves. It’s quite the optical illusion as the angles change when you walk around the room,” says Aimee.

Layout has also been carefully considered with the bed up against one wall to open up floor space for play. Aimee used a Down to the Woods felt ball rug on the floor and a Puku ottoman from Coco Flip. The Oeuf Mini Library in birch from The Secret Room is a great space for Leo to keep all his little dinosaurs and toys. “I’m sure in time it will become filled with Lego structures!”Above the shelf unit hangs a framed Rachel Castle tea towel (great affordable art!) and a small Emily Besser artwork sits on top next to a cluster of felt mushrooms amongst other nick knacks.

“I really love Leo’s new space and find myself sometimes just walking past and looking in. It’s a really cool place to be.”

Photography by Martina Gemmola.

Bedrooms Designers Expert Tips Furniture Homewares Interviews Kids Rooms Styling

Affordable photography & styling service by crafty supermum!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date March 27, 2015
No Comments on Affordable photography & styling service by crafty supermum!

It’s not too often that I stumble upon something I’ve never seen before, but Concrete & Honey certainly ticks that box!

With a unique business model, owner Nicola Greenaway provides an affordable styling and photography service for growing little businesses, encompassing everything from photography and styling to prop and studio hire, plus a little bit of PR.

“Clients post their products to me and in just a few days, they have beautifully styled images to share on social media, in online and print advertising and for their websites and webstores,” explains Nicola. “The service includes beautiful photography through to social media, as I share on my Instagram and/or blog. I also photograph babies and have been asked to design and photograph nurseries which I love to do.”

Running Concrete & Honey alongside her blog and Etsy shop of the same name, Nicola is also a mother and a full-time employee (is she superwoman or what?!). “I work full-time in a bank and started my blog six years ago as a creative outlet from the corporate world. This year, I started my website and now style and photograph on weekends and craft at night for my Etsy shop.”

RUxYBDNAGUoKsjFtqj179NDloOpTnX0VMRvKPVxHAUU — Designed by Brie Stanley

Selling a range of products on Etsy, from paper feather clusters to stitch dot garlands, you’ll also find kids room design packages including mood boards, shopping lists and styling tips. Due to popular demand, she has even created a package based off her own dream nursery, her daughter Piper’s!

“Piper’s room is pretty dreamy: white walls and floors and grey linen curtains, a Número 74 canopy with lots of lush cushions and a great clothes rack to top it off. Her IKEA Ribba picture shelves are an effective way to display books and prints and the HK Living button wall hooks used as door handles on her wardrobe look gorgeous.”

With a style that is modern, graphic and a little bit romantic; Nicola loves everything light and white, though let’s not forget some beautiful things to give the room a pop of colour. She believes you can create the look – be it in your kids room or anywhere in your home — without the big budget. “A fresh coat of paint is a must. If in doubt, make everything white and add colour with the wares. Remove anything you don’t absolutely love from sight. Paper storage bags are great for this. Beautiful greeting cards can be art when framed and they’re only a few dollars each.”

For more information.

Tags concrete & honey, design, etsy, interior, interiors, kids rooms, nicola greenaway, nursery ideas, nursery styling, photography, pr, styling

Bedrooms Kids Rooms

Cotton on KIDS’ fourth range looks set to be as popular as ever

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 17, 2015
No Comments on Cotton on KIDS’ fourth range looks set to be as popular as ever

Cotton On KIDS’ fourth range of stylish and affordable bed linen and accessories just launched and it may be my favourite yet.

The 100 percent cotton collection, which is available now, has everything you need to revamp your little one’s space with items such as alphabet garlands, wall decals and the Mr Fox cushion complementing items like the yardage-print woven floor rug and storage sacks from the first drop.

Customers will be spoiled for choice with reversible quilt covers, matching diagonal stripe sheet sets and loads of cute cushions, as well as the Dream On alphabet garland, gold glitter wall stickers and house shelves that are perfect for displaying toys and books, or simply adding a pop of colour to the walls.

“The new range was inspired by Memphis-style prints which translate so well into kids rooms as there is so much colour involved,” said senior product developer, Sarah Lawrence. “We were also hugely passionate about creating a collection that kids adored and that parents would also love seeing in their home.”

All styles are designed to be mixed and matched, with items from the new collection matching back with previous ranges. And if you, like me, are thinking you wouldn’t mind these in your own room, don’t worry: they’re available in single, double and queen size!

Prices start at $14.95 for a pillowcase through to $69.95 for a queen size quilt cover. Shop online.

Tags babies rooms, bedroom, cotton on, cotton on kids, cushions, kids bed linen, kids rooms, manchester, nurseries, nursery

Bedrooms Designers Interviews Kids Rooms

Australian nursery ideas: with Sunday Collector

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date March 9, 2015
No Comments on Australian nursery ideas: with Sunday Collector

Recently, we spoke to Briar Stanley, the blogger and interior decorator behind Sunday Collector. As a specialist in creating gorgeous rooms — especially for little people — we thought she would be the perfect person to share some tips on designing your nursery.

“Decide on the piece you want to splurge on (maybe the cot that converts into a toddler bed) and then don’t be afraid to mix vintage pieces with new. Have fun trawling op shops for a day or check out Gumtree for cute timber bookshelves or change tables. Update these pieces with a coat of paint and you will end up with an original nursery that has loads of character. Places like IKEA, Cotton On and Target are also your friend when it comes to nurseries — mix in a few pieces from affordable shops here and there for a truly unique space.”

Briar also puts a lot of emphasis on the colour palette, recommending colour over its monochrome counterpart. “I’ve seen lots of black and white rooms lately, but I am happy to see colour is making a big comeback. I like the idea of kids growing up around the innocence of ‘happy’ colours. Cool painted wall murals are proving pretty popular, as is cute wallpaper.”

Alongside a beautiful looking room, for Briar functionality is also of the utmost importance. “A change table with handy storage close by for nappies and wipes is a good idea. You want to be prepared in those early months with a newborn. Sleep deprivation can make the simplest task (like finding a nappy in the middle of the night) impossible! Also, a dimmer for the ceiling light is always handy. You need to be able to see your hands without bright overhead lighting that may stimulate your baby from slumber.”

Having designed an array of nurseries, Briar can’t help but admit her favourite was her daughter, Sunday’s. “It was a true labour of love and a slow process of pulling together a space I imagined my daughter would like while I was pregnant. As luck would have it, I pretty much imagined her toddler personality (cheeky, funny, bold, artistic) perfectly. As a nearly three-year old, it’s a space she loves to play in and she’s always telling our visitors to, ‘Come see my room, now!'”

With Sunday now a toddler, Briar recently transitioned the nursery into a kids room, a process that wasn’t time-consuming or expensive! “If you’re like me with my daughter, transforming your nursery into a kids room could be as easy as replacing the cot with an appropriate toddler bed and some fresh bed linen. I also added a second bookshelf to deal with a huge over-supply of books, and updated a few things on her walls. I’ll often find a client has applied a nursery-themed wall decal before I’ve come on on the scene, so removing that and replacing it with some great art is a really easy way to update a nursery.”

For more information.

Tags australian nursery ideas, blogger, briar stanley, decorating nurseries, decoration, design, interior, interior decoration, interior decorator, kids rooms, nurseries, nursery, nursery ideas, styling, sunday collector

Homewares Kids Rooms

KwithHeart: handmade for “bubs with serious spunk!”

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date March 6, 2015
No Comments on KwithHeart: handmade for “bubs with serious spunk!”

With a motto to create products for: “bubs with serious spunk!” Karrie-Anne Vieceli of KwithHeart offers a range of quality wares including organic jersey swaddle blankets, organic muslin wraps, cot sheet sets, bibs, pillowcases and tees.

Launched last year, shortly after having her first child, KwithHeart was born out of a desire to find something a bit different to the traditional baby colours and patterns. “There were very limited options around at the time I was pregnant,” explains Karrie-Anne. “So I decided to make them instead! I remember telling friends I was having a black and white nursery and their response was: “What the?!”. However the style turned out to be popular and it fit well with the other designs I had planned for my own bub. Friends started asking about buying my designs and as I love making and creating, I thought I’d share the love and launch KwithHeart.”

Balancing her creative side with her ‘real’ day job in the corporate world, Karrie-Anne loves the opportunity to work in two very different professions. Designing and making all the products herself, she enjoys the art of creating, even if it means juggling two jobs and a toddler! “KwithHeart is essentially me! Though I recently employed the services of a local sewing expert, as this allows me more time to do the things I am more passionate about. Of course it really wouldn’t be possible without the support from my husband, family and friends.”

With an ethos to make every product with absolute heart, Karrie-Anne does everything from the initial designs to distribution. “My swaddle blankets, wraps, bibs and cot sheet sets are hand stamped using lino block stamps. I design and hand carve the stamps myself, then I hand-paint them with non-toxic, water-based ink, and heat set each piece. Like most creatives, I have also branched out to do a few different things along the way, with hand painted custom pillowcases being one of them.”

With every item being gift-wrapped, with optional handmade gift cards, Karrie-Anne hopes to make buying gifts that much easier. With a style that is bold, makes a statement and packs a punch, KwithHeart wares are a perfect addition to any kid’s room.

Shop online.

Tags Australian kids room ideas, design, interiors, interiors designs, kids, kids bed linen, kids homewares, kids room, kids rooms, nurseries, nursery

Bedrooms Interviews Kids Rooms

Australian kids room ideas: with Little Dwellings

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date March 4, 2015
No Comments on 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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

Tags Australian kids room ideas, australian nursery ideas, bedroom design, bedrooms, design, interiors, kate sparks, kids bedrooms, kids rooms, kids spaces, Little Dwellings, nurseries, nursery