Tag: The Roaming Atelier

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Expert Tips Furniture

How to mix vintage furniture with modern: expert tips

By Alexandra Ganipeau

My heart truly flutters with anticipation every time I enter my favourite or discover a new op shop or auction house. There is something addictive about searching for and hopefully finding, a new favourite new old thing, a great bargain or a perfect unique piece. All homes should have a few vintage pieces as they soften and give some curious and unique character to any interior.

Mirrors

They are always plentiful and easy to find. Small ones can be purchased cheaply but often have an interesting appeal and work so well in any décor or any room.

I adore a large old mirror against a wall on the floor in a bedroom or a living room, or any room for that matter. It creates a focal point and I believe can be a piece of artwork on its own.

An old mirror, even in a modern bathroom above the sink, suddenly gives a sense of drama to the room. I went a little bit miror-obsessed for a while and ended up with these cuties everywhere.

Artwork

Finding art seems to be the most difficult part of furnishing a home for most of us. As much as I would love to be buying from artists, the price tags unfortunately often stop me. I am not a fan at all of generic posters you can find in big chain stores. Decorating with vintage artwork has become a fun, creative and inexpensive way to give interest to any of the rooms in my home, even the kids’ bedrooms.

I often find unframed pieces, which I really like and I believe look amazing on the piano, on a small stack of books, or bundled if you have many. Go for it instinctively; once you find a style of paintings you like, you will soon develop a collection that will really work and give so much interest to your room. It does take time; ones doesn’t just go shopping for any vintage artwork, but when you see one you like at a price that suits you, do not hesitate. It probably won’t stay up for grabs for very long.

Chairs

Oh, do I love an old chair! A bit like with art, when it was time to get chairs, I simply couldn’t afford a set of the ones I liked, so I bought one of a kind here and one of a kind there until I had more chairs than I could fit around the table !

Old and non-matching chairs are now found everywhere and my house truly plays musical chairs! They have been used as bedside tables, bathroom utility, living room décor items, bag holders in the entrance. The possibilities are endless and since I’m not precious about them, they can absolutely go outside when we have a big gathering of friends.

Frames

There is a “je ne sais quoi” about an old frame that always seems to grab my attention. I love them empty, damaged even. A modern little piece of artwork looks darling in an old frame, so do childrens’ drawings. They are also the perfect short term solution to anything that you want to display. Taking a work of art or a photo to be framed professionally is quite an investment, you want to be sure you will be happy with it for a while, I am afraid there are many photos or children’s drawings especially that I won’t commit to for very long.

So often I have had the best intentions of repairing these old frames, or using them to actually display an image but somehow, most of them end up living a life on a shelf looking spectacularly empty and gloriously unrestored.

— Alexandra is the owner of The Roaming Atelier, an interior decorating company that focuses on using the beautiful, sentimental pieces you already have, to make your home as unique as your family.

Photography of Alexandra’s home by Kate Collingwood

Love her look? Check out her kids’ bedrooms.

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Designers Expert Tips Kids Rooms RENO ADDICT Styling

5 points to consider when designing a kids’ bedroom

By Alexandra Ganipeau

While there are many books and websites about kids’ bedroom decor, they tend to focus mainly on the aesthetics – which is of course important – but I firmly believe the way we decorate our children’s rooms influences the way they feel. You want to create a special place just for them, somewhere that’s nurturing and brings comfort. There is no doubt in my mind that a children’s bedroom should reflect their personality, but it must also cater for their needs; a place to play, sleep, read, dream and create. Below are some aspects to consider when designing a kids’ bedroom:

Sleep

Sleep is so important for a child’s healthy development. We have all experienced the feeling that follows an awful night’s sleep! Children, just like us, should be looking forward to going to bed at night, knowing that the next day is another adventure.

One third of our lives will be spent in bed so it’s essential you make it a priority. A bed is one item that should be bought with great care. To dress it up, use soft and natural fabrics, with colour accents on cushions and a childish pillowcase.

Play

For a growing little person, play is equally as important as sleep. Parents often go crazy at how messy and disorganised kids’ rooms can be, but for a child, spreading toys is an essential part of playing. However, there are ways to minimise the mess. I only leave out three of my boys’ absolute favourite toys: Lego, Playmobil and Bionicles. These are the only toys left permanently outside the cupboard and each belong in a pretty basket.

All the other toys, games and bits and pieces are tucked away behind closed doors and only get taken out one at a time. This allows the mind to focus on the one item or game, instead of overstimulating.

Layout

If you look at your child’s preferred activities you will find clues on how to arrange their space. Do they like to spend hours on the floor building things or do they  prefer to draw? Arrange the space accordingly to give them the layout they need.

If your child, like most, enjoys gathering and collecting things, a pretty shelf just for treasures can look delightful. Books coupled with decorative items or handmade creations can then finish off the look. I like to include small boxes or baskets on shelves, just for the little trinkets my boys have gathered on their adventures.

Colour

I don’t think a room needs to be bombarded with primary colours to be attractive to a child, neither does it have to be all white. There are lots of alternative patterns, colours and textures that make a room inviting and pleasing to the eye. Do what you think is right. I am fond of beautiful wallpaper or adorable little removable stickers. Have fun! You probably can’t do this in any other room of your house. And don’t forget it is a child’s room; it will probably change in a few years!

Read and work

From a young age, children love being read to and what parent doesn’t like that time of day? Especially when it means you get some peace and quiet afterwards! A ceiling light is not sufficient in a child’s bedroom when it comes to bedtime reading, instead choose soft lights for relaxing, but also efficient lamps or wall lights strategically placed above or behind the bed, in order to read, work and play.

— Alexandra is the owner of The Roaming Atelier, an interior decorating company that focuses on using the beautiful, sentimental pieces you already have, to make your home as unique as your family.

Photography (of Alexandra’s own kids’ rooms) by Kate Collingwood