Saturday, 8 October 2011

Rooms For Children

Our youngest daughter is almost 2.5 years old and by the time our eldest was the same age we had already moved her out of her cot and into a 'big girls bed'. To be completely honest that was not one of our most brilliant parenting decisions. She thought it was hilarious running in and out a million times a night (OK so that's probably a slight exaggeration, but at the end of a long day let me tell you, it felt like a million times!). Needless to say we are happy keeping Miss 2 in her cot for as long as possible. Of course these things can't be indefinitely delayed so with the inevitable move from the cot into a big girls bed approaching it has me thinking about how I will redecorate her room. Here are some great photos of bedrooms and playrooms I would have loved when I was a child


How much fun would this slide be for the children that live in this house. I remember my brother and I trying to convince my Mum that we needed a slide in our house, we also tried in vain to convince her that we needed secret passageways too - it seemed a reasonable request at the time...

I love red, it is such a vibrant colour. It is also an excellent colour to use for a playroom if you have both boys and girls as it is neither too masculine or feminine

I can't think of any little girl that I know who wouldn't love playing in this room

I think this idea is great for children sharing a bedroom. Clearly this room isn't lacking space but having sleeping cubbies on one wall would be a clever idea if you were short on space. Designing a room in this way would leave lots of floor space for play

When decorating a room for a pre-teen girl it's important to bear in mind that they generally don't want their room to be too juvenile. Using damasks and geometric patterns keep the room feeling pretty, yet grown up at the same time

Even though I've never been (nor do I have) a little boy, I would imagine this would be most little boys idea of heaven.

And if your little boy isn't into fire engines then how about a sailing adventure every night!


Pre-teen boys will also prefer their room to have a more adult feel to it


Now this is pretty fabulous for a playroom, no need to worry about the kids being bored inside on a rainy day!

Image Source Unknown

 Yes I know, crazy isn't it!?! I'm sure the parents of these children only ever need to look for them in one place, why would they be anywhere else?

So there were some reasonable and some completely over the top ideas for creating a great bedroom or playroom for your child(ren). I think the most important thing to consider when decorating a room for a child is the budget. If money isn't really a concern then go all out and decorate a fun, colourful, themed type room for a young child and then simply redecorate as they get older. If budget is a definite consideration then try decorating with a more neutral overall scheme that can be changed by the addition of different, age appropriate accessories.

Most importantly, remember children are only children for a short period of time, they have the rest of their lives to be adults. So make sure their rooms are FUN!



Thursday, 6 October 2011

Chevrons

I am definitely a pattern and texture kind of girl! In saying that, there are some patterns that I prefer over others, which leads me to write a post on chevrons.

You will no doubt recognise this zigzag pattern even if you weren't aware that they are referred to as chevrons. As it is a symmetrical patern, even people who don't normally like geometric patterns find the chevron inoffensive when it is used well.

Below are some examples of how you can use chevrons in your home.


Used here in the upholstery of these two accent chairs


When used as drapery panels they make a bold yet sophisticated statement


Chevrons make excellent patterns for area rugs, this black & white rug really anchors the room


Image: Unknown
These stools and wall panels are effective, though together they may be a little too much for some people!


Clever use of these wooden wall panels installed in a chevron pattern


The above photo shows how well chevrons can be paired up with other patterns as long as there is some linking factor, in this case the pink

Could a chevron find its way into your interior in some form?

Saturday, 24 September 2011

The forgotten areas...

Quite often when you are considering decorating your home, the entryway and hallway(s) are the most often forgotten and neglected areas. It is a real shame when you think about it, after all you spend a lot of time in these areas and whilst it's unlikely you're going to hold your next party in your hallway, it would be nice to have something interesting and pleasing to look at while you are passing through.

Of course the main problem with these areas is that they are often narrow, have lots of doors leading off them and in the case of some entryways they can be an odd shape. Even with these difficulties you can still use narrow console tables with decorative items on and above them to add some interest. In a narrow hallway why not use the wall space for a picture wall to display all those favourite family photos

Below are some images of hallways and entry ways that have benefited from the owners spending time and consideration when designing them.













Hopefully these images have given you some inspiration to look at your own hallway(s) and entry way and see if there is a way to make them more aesthetically pleasing and not such utilitarian spaces in your home.


Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Living Rooms I Love

Today I thought I'd post some photos of living rooms I love. As the name implies, your living room should be a room that draws you in, if you don't want to spend time with your family and friends in your living room there is clearly something in it's design that isn't right!

The rooms here comfortable, welcoming places that the owners would be happy spending many hours in.


I love this room with it's muted tones. These days the world outside our front door can make us feel like we're experiencing sensory overload as we are bombarded by everything that goes along with modern life. This room has a sense of tranquility about it.

The furniture placement in this room has been done so well, these people entertain yet the terrace is so narrow it was hard to seat a lot of people. The bench seat in the middle provides extra seating and allows conversation either side. The artwork over the fireplace is concealing a flat screen TV which is an excellent solution to the otherwise "black box" on the wall when it is turned off

This room has so many features I love. I love the bamboo table, the bamileke headdress over the fireplace, the ceramic stool & the geometric patterned cushion

I love the simplicity and class of a grey room
 
One of my all time favourite colour schemes, pale blue, taupe & white - so calming & relaxing

Feeling bright & vibrant? Why not give this decor a try!

My girls would be in heaven if we installed these swing couches in our living room

The inside/outside connection works so well in this living apartment

Another example of a great inside/outside connection

Romantic French decor


The colour green encourages us to relax


Contemporary and masculine

This living room has been beautifully decorated but let's be honest even if it wasn't it would be pretty tough not to love being in a room with a view that amazing!




Saturday, 10 September 2011

Fabulous Fabrics

One of my favourite fabric stores, No Chintz, has just updated their website and they have done an excellent job. If you aren't familiar with No Chintz they have the most fantastic fabrics for all uses around the home with stores located in Willoughby, Woollahra & now Balmain. They also offer workshops so you can learn how to make your own cushions,  curtains or other crafty items.

I covered my kitchen bar stool seats in their Pippa Stripe fabric and it has been so hard wearing and easy to clean - even after my girls tried updating the pattern with Nutella and textas (luckily they were Crayola washable textas!)

If you get some spare time pop over to their website and have a look, you definitely won't be disappointed

No Chintz Website


Tuesday, 6 September 2011

Kelly Hoppen

I thought I would write about one of the designers I think is truly gifted, her name is Kelly Hoppen. She is a globally renowned interior designer, has her own furniture range and has now branched out into fashion too. The photos below are of her own amazing modern, contemporary (yet vintage inspired) home. It is currently on the market if you have a few million pounds lying around!









The pictures below are some of the items from Kelly's furniture collection available in Australia through Coco Republic (yes I know another post about Coco Republic but who can resist their stunning furniture!)


A-leg Dining Table
Dining Chair - Front

Dining Chair - Back