Archive for 2016
Blackboard walls add instant personality to a kid’s room and make a wonderful focal point, off-setting other colours beautifully. And of course they don’t just look cool, but invite children to get creative, creating their own art works or backgrounds for pretend play – like playing school, house, shop, etc.
If you are thinking of creating a chalkboard wall in your child’s bedroom or playroom but can’t make up your mind, take a look at some of the examples I’ve gathered of blackboards in kids’ rooms.
You may think chalkboards are just too black for kids’ rooms, but bear in mind that they do mellow over time, turning a soft grey by the chalk residue that’s left behind. At the same time, this is something to consider if you like things to look neat and tidy – a messy blackboard might not be your thing.
You don’t have to commit to a full wall and can just paint a smaller area in a nice shape, like a house in the example above. It can be a backdrop for a play kitchen or desk and you can dress it up with shelves, hooks or bunting.
Or how about just painting a border in chalkboard paint, or a door?
If you are worried about painting a chalkboard directly onto a wall – for example if you are renting – then you can go for non-permanent chalkboard film that sticks to your wall. You can buy it in rolls and cut it in any desired shaped or have a design made for you by most wall sticker companies.
A framed blackboard that you can stand against the wall is another idea – make sure it is attached securely.
To create something special, add an eye-catching wall sticker or light letters to your chalkboard wall.
Do keep a place for chalks and a wiper nearby – a picture ledge is a good solution. Dust free chalks help keep down the mess, but a final note of caution: if your child’s room is carpeted, a chalkboard might not be a good idea as it will be more difficult to clean.
Happy decorating!
Sources (from top): kotivinnki, lundia, maxime brouillet, living agency, nordic design, the boo and the boy, kotopalapeli, rh baby and child, homedit, shanna murray, seletti, the boo and the boy.
Over on Mr Fox I’ve rounded up 6 ways to clear the clutter with clever storage ideas for kids’ rooms. Find out where to source these beauties and read my storage tips here.
(image: room to bloom)
These friendly wall plaques are by Haciendo el Indio, a Spanish kids’ decor brand that produces beautiful decorative objects, art prints, cards and even murals for children’s rooms. Printed on paper, then laminated and glued to wooden boards, they make a great addition to a library shelf or gallery wall. This selection and others, including posters and wall stickers, are available from Haciendo el Indio’s web shop.
(images: haciendo el indo)
Time to share this Scandinavian inspired kids’ room I designed for a girl called Florence. Florence’s parents wanted a fresh, light feel for their daughter’s bedroom, which hadn’t changed much since she was a baby. We went for a complete make-over: the carpet was replaced with a wooden floor and the colour palette was reduced to off-white and a mix of mint greens and blues. To complement the floor, natural wood tones and a wool rug add warmth to this cool colour scheme.
A reading chair was also high on the list, and not being able to find quite the right bookshelf, I designed this plywood house shaped shelf myself. As Florence was starting school in September, we added a small desk. The animal map of the world seemed just the ticket or a girl who loves animals.
To make the most of the available space, we chose a rustic white bed with storage drawers underneath and a cute little step to get in. A wall shelf above the bed acts as a bedside table for books, a reading lamp and knick-knacks. Don’t you love the little trinket drawers? Perfect to keep treasures nearby.
sources: woodland animals, star cushion, heart cushion, harlequin wallpaper mint, animal map of the world.
images: design & styling by room to bloom, photography by brett charles, with thanks to nubie kids and molly meg.
Dutch bedding designers Snurk have added a fab woodland themed duvet set to their children’s bedding range, featuring a squirrel and a bunny rabbit. Two furry friends to keep your child company at night. Love it!
(image: snurk bedding)
Can’t get used to the dark evenings still? Brighten up a dark corner with some accent lighting – I’ve rounded up some my current favourite lamps and nightlights for Mr Fox this month. Find sources and tips over here at Mr Fox magazine.
(image: room to bloom)
I was asked by Living Etc to comment on the trend of house-shaped furniture in kids’ rooms for their January feature on children’s room design. The article highlights current trends in children’s interiors and offers plenty of decoration tips by a host of kids’ design experts. You can read some of it on my press page here.
I’m starting the new year with photos of a soft grey bedroom I designed for a girl called Charlotte. Charlotte didn’t particularly want a new room, thank you very much. But with a new baby brother on the way, it was time to move to a larger room and leave her cosy nursery to him. With a reluctant little girl, I had my work cut out.
To entice Charlotte, we opted for a cosy cupboard bed with doors. This would also scale the space down a little, to help her transition to a larger room. As soon as the bed arrived, Charlotte fell in love and that was that.
Both Charlotte and her mum love pink, but we decided to keep it in check with a soft grey background. A feature wall with tree wallpaper creates a cosy corner and sets the tone for decorative accents.
sources: swan head, star cushions, tree wallpaper, tree cushion, bunny rabbit light, numero 74 bedding, star wand, crown, grey blanket, toy basket.
images: design & styling by room to bloom, photography by brett charles, with thanks to nubie kids, molly meg and decobaby.
