Tween-age interior design should be versatile, personal and timeless in nature. Fairy pictures and eggshell blues won’t make the cut. Think neutral, to give your child room to grow into their personality and style. At this awkward age, kids don’t want to be seen or treated like babies, in fact they want to be treated like an adult (although they are far off the adult stage). The interior design of your child’s room should be something they are proud to show their friends and to capture this style. Follow our top tips for a tween-agers dream room.

1. Monochromatic backdrop

It might be time to paint over those baby pink coloured walls. Instead of painting the room numerous times over the years, go for a white or neutral background to prepare the room for change. A monochromatic backdrop allows colour to pop and a blank canvas to change the feel and look of the room easily and without mess. Neutral colours adapt to any style or colour of accessories and artwork so it’s a win-win.

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2. Express yourself

Ask your tween what interests them the most and try to incorporate this in temporary designs they can change as they grow. DIY canvas art is a great way to get their creativity flowing and better yet, they can paint over it again when they grow tired of the design. Instead of hanging multiple canvases, you could make the wall into the artwork. Chalk paint is hugely popular these days and allows kids to express themselves with colours and drawings.

Wall decals are also a great inexpensive investment, that can be easily removed when your kid grows out of the style.

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3. Bright bedsheets

Being young is a colourful and adventurous part of life. Make sure their room isn’t monochromatic or embracing neutral tones just yet. Go crazy with bold and colourful linen that creates a changeable statement piece for the centre of the room. Your child may be growing up but there’s still an adventurous spirit in them that longs for exciting colours and patterns. Employ texture, colour and pattern into cushions also, to create an extra buzz in a small bedroom design.

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4. Statement shelves

Let your kids express their styles without ruining the walls in the process. Install some shelves to house their collections, sports memorabilia, books and favourite items. Try framing favourite images or posters instead of sticking them to the walls. They aren’t teenagers yet, so those plain square bookshelves may get groaned at. Mix it up by getting creative with bookshelves. Use different shapes, colours and styles to capture your kid’s attention.

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5. Ditch the desk

Most tweens think they’ll need a desk for their future studies and endeavours. The bedroom should be kept as a place to retreat, relax and hang out with friends. Try to keep the desk in the study or living space and create a space that your tween will look forward to come home to. Replace the space with a pull-out couch or bean bags for when friends come over. Make the space inviting with cushions, rugs and colourful accessories. If there isn’t space for a hang out area, try a low to the floor bed.

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6. Swell into storage

They’ll be needing more space to store their growing wardrobes and collections…and to hide mess! Storage should be unsurpassed so invest in timeless furniture pieces such as a tallboy or install a practical built-in wardrobe that’ll see them through to their young adult life. Try using seagrass baskets for blankets and toys, that will last throughout time. Also consider a proper wardrobe fit out. Drawers, hanging, space, shoe racks, they are going to need more of everything in a small bedroom space.

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7. Privacy for the pirates

As your child grows, their longing for privacy will increase. They want to feel as though their every move isn’t being watched and that they have the freedom to live their own life. Even though it is never a good sign when the kids are quiet, sometimes they simply want room to grow up. Placing veils around the bed, dividing the room with curtains or placing a hang out tent in the room, will give your child a sense of security and freedom.

Every child goes through the awkward stage, so make it easy by making the interior design suit their tween needs and take advantage of the last years left before the teenagers era.

The post Tween-age dream appeared first on Designbx.

Unfortunately, some design trends can interfere with your sleep quality and make it difficult to sleep at night. Problems including an unsupportive bed frame, thin curtains that let in too much light, clutter, and too many pillows can contribute to poor sleep quality. See how you can improve the functional sleep design of your bedroom for a better night’s sleep, avoiding these design trends that can make it hard to sleep.

1. A low profile bed without the right support

Low profile bed frames have a sleek look, but before you skip the box spring for a low profile look, make sure you’ll have enough support for the bed. Some beds aren’t designed to have the mattress directly on the frame. This can lead to the mattress sagging and losing its shape too quickly. If you want a low profile look but lack mattress support on your bed frame, consider a foundation instead, which offers evenly spaced wooden slats that can reinforce the mattress with a supportive base.

2. Using thin curtains that let in too much light.

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You may like the look of light, thin curtains, but they won’t do much to block out light while you’re trying to sleep. It’s best to avoid light exposure at night, as it can interfere with your circadian rhythm and confuse your body into thinking it’s daytime, and time to be awake. Ideally, your curtains or other window coverings will block out as much light as possible at night. Blackout curtains work best. You can use blackout curtains at night and open them during the day to get light exposure.

3. Decorating with too many objects

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Some decorative objects are good for making you feel comfortable and beautifully styling your bedroom. However, too many decorative objects can lead to a cluttered look and may be hard to dust. Clutter can make you feel anxious, and too much dust can trigger allergies while you’re trying to sleep.

4. Putting too many pillows on your bed

Pillows can be decorative and comfortable, but more is not always better. They can take up too much space and make it difficult for you to sleep comfortably. You should only sleep with one to two pillows under your head to avoid interfering with the natural alignment of your spine. However, you should consider sleeping with a pillow between your knees to help support alignment at night if you’re a side sleeper.

Read more about how to help avoid sleep deprivation and long nights when you have young kids at home or select the right bed linen to get a dreamy night’s sleep.

The post These design trends might be ruining your sleep appeared first on Designbx.

It’s called Glamping (of course) and now that Aussies are being swept up by the interior design revolution, it’s time to extend that style to mobile homes. We’re about to make our campers so cool, the teenagers will be begging to hit the road this summer. They may even forget to bring their phones and game consoles (okay, maybe that’s a bit unrealistic).

Let’s check out some camper tips that will make grey-stubbled jaws drop when you roll into your favourite beachside trailer park this summer.

1. Cosy seating and lush Manchester

Let’s not get too literal about this whole ‘camping’ thing. Glamping requires a whole new mindset. First we’re laying down a tarp, so our ridiculously huge picnic rug won’t get wet. Our outdoor area will have all the comforts of home during its evening mode, thanks to beanbags and blow-up couches. Your trailer park neighbours will be sitting on their fold-up canvas chairs, green with envy as you inflate your luxurious plastic lounge.

When it comes time to bed down for the evening, we’re doing it in style. We’re basically bringing everything from the bedroom with us, except the furniture. Instead of sleeping bags, let’s cover our rug with throw blankets and cushions, and snuggle up in our favourite dooners. The great thing about our tarp and rug set-up is how easy they are to sweep and clean in the morning.

2. Find two trees and get into the swing of camping

We’re talking about hammocks. Hammocks are an intriguing invention because you might wonder what all the fuss is about…until you try it for the first time. Yes, it may be a little difficult to mount your first hammock, but it’s a lot harder to escape. That’s because they’re so relaxing, you never want to move again, except for the gentle swaying motion that makes you regress to early childhood.

For a cheaper option you can get a tarp from your local Bunnings, but hammocks aren’t expensive. And the great thing about this mobile form of furniture, which just happens to be the most relaxing thing on the planet, is that you simply unhook it and roll it up into the size of a yoga mat. Easy to store and hang up at your next location. If you’ve never hammocked before, nothing could possibly come more highly recommended.

3. Entertainment – Glamping-style

Glamping modernises the camping experience, so I’m afraid fans of eye-spy and Kumbaya singalongs around the camp fire may be disappointed. Just because we’re in the bush doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. We’re bringing speakers, a laptop, a white drop-sheet and a projector. It’s time to set up an outdoor cinema under the stars.

Surprisingly, Australia’s natural wildlife seldom gets to see Hollywood blockbusters, so think of it as giving a little back to nature. Just make sure your laptop is loaded with plenty of choices for the whole family, and don’t forget your charger or there will be tears.

4. Make it rain!

We Glampers like to be surrounded by nature but we have to draw the line somewhere. For instance, we don’t do insects. It’s simply unacceptable to be bitten by mosquitos. We also make sure we’re maintaining an urban level of hygiene, so those communal bathrooms? Na-uh. That’s not happening.

We’ll be investing in an ensuite tent and a cheap shower. Think of it as a slightly scaled-down version of your actual home. We’ll even be bringing solar-powered garden lights to make sure we can easily navigate between the tent and shower. Just because we’re outdoors doesn’t mean we’re ‘roughing it’.

5. Wine and dine, not whine and dine

We’re bringing most of the kitchen with us, including pre-cooked meals. That’s why a good camping fridge/freezer is essential. While our camping neighbours are staring disconsolately at a scorched marshmallow hanging from the end of a twig, or shovelling baked beans from metal bowl, we’ll be enjoying a fine roast, perhaps with a smooth, sweet Merlot. Wine-not?

There are a whole range of amazing portable ovens and of course, the trusty gas stove tops which give you the freedom to show off your culinary skills. There’s not much you can’t do with two hot plates, some veal, maybe a few truffles…okay we’ve gone too far.

When it comes to the dining setting, bring along a couple of citronella plants. Not only do they add a lovely homey feel, but it’s also the closest thing to kryptonite for mosquitos.

The key to effective Glamping

Glamping isn’t just about avoiding nature while being surrounded by it; it’s also about styling your camper van. This summer we expect to see a bit of creativity out there on the road. We’re looking forward to Scandi-vans, Art-deco-trailers, Boho RVs and Luxe tents. Bring a little flair and style to the highways and bushlands this summer. Join the Glamper revolution.

Inspiring van and caravan conversions:

1. Retro

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2. Scandi

3. Mountain wood

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4. Nautical

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5. Bohemian

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The post Top tips to get Glamping! appeared first on Designbx.

1. Kitchen designs

Bring your kitchen to life with pastel pink appliances. They make a subtle statement while sticking to a modern theme. Smeg coloured fridges are a popular trend and they come in a beautiful pastel pink. You can also complement this with a pink toaster or kettle or even utensils. As for the kitchen table, pink placemats go perfectly with white, timber or glass tables.

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2. Living room designs

Make a statement in your living room, with a pastel pink feature sofa. Pink seating may seem like something you would put in your 5 year old’s room, but you would be surprised by just how popular they are these days. They can be easily styled in a neutral coloured room and blend well with cool greys. Add little dabs of pink around the room such as a rug, cushions or rose gold accessories and you have yourself a grown up version of a princess wonderland. 

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3. Bedroom designs

If you really don’t know where to start adding pink into your bedroom design, the easiest place is the bed covers. A plain pastel pink will match just about any style, but if you’re feeling more adventurous check out Designbx’s pink bedhead. Match this with marble, grey, white or light timber coloured furniture and accessories. If you are looking for for master bedroom decorating ideas, armchairs are in vogue. Don’t forget the lighting! Try rose gold, white or pink lamps or shades and take a look at Designbx’s Copper and Blush lamp or Pink pendant shade. As for accessories, try pictures and wall hangings that incorporate pinks or add some life into the room with a vase of flowers.

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For interior decorating that’s a bit more quirky and personalised, try pink neon lights to hang on your wall. 

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4. Study designs

The study is a place where you want to feel comfortable, inspired and productive. Interior design can have a big impact on how we feel, but by adding pink furnishings into your study area, it helps to create a welcoming cosy environment. Pink wallpapers create a great backdrop for a desk and can be styled with black, marble and rose gold. Light timber desks are also trending and can be coupled with pink and marble accessories such as a real (or fake) vase of flowers.. For the more courageous designer, try pink curtain drapes around the window.

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To support Breast Cancer, Designbx are pledging to donate $50 per PINK item purchased from our Shop the Look range of products to Cancer Council during the month of October.  If you still want to make a difference, but don’t want to bring pink into your home, you can donate directly. Remember every bit counts!

The post Make your living space blush! Think Pink! appeared first on Designbx.

The younger they are, the more likely you’ll spend nights with them wedged between you and your partner instead of being trained to sleep independently in their own room. Not only does it prevent you from watching Game of Thrones; it also cancels the production of more children. In a way, choosing a cheap bed for your child reduces the usefulness of your own bed.

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Barring nightmares, there shouldn’t be any reason your kid can’t enjoy their haven. It should be a case of crawling between the sheets, settling in and—depending on their age—falling asleep a few pages into a bedtime story, a few songs into their favourite album, or midway through Facebook messaging.

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There should be a little sigh of relief once they feel the comfort of a quality bed, especially since they’re exhausted after spending the past 12 hours bouncing and crashing their way through another day, probably leaving a trail of destruction.

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Unfortunately intelligent parents are often unable to put two and two together when it comes to associating their child’s poor sleeping habits with a poor quality bed or mattress. We’ve all seen the horrible pine models with no springs and thin mattresses, lavishly covered with fun sheets and a novelty bedspread to overcompensate for cheap furniture that have a negative impact on a kid’s welfare.

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Sturdy beds with quality mattresses are crucial, and if you buy a beautiful unisex bed that’s built to last, it becomes an heirloom to be passed down from one grateful child to the next. Good beds not only help kids get to sleep but help them stay that way until the morning. They support rather than twist backs and necks, encourage and train a healthy posture that will last into adulthood, and ensure allergies and asthma aren’t exacerbated.  

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Making a choice of bedding should start with your feelings about a new bed. If it’s a big decision and a special treat for you, shouldn’t you assume the same applies to your kids? They need plenty of sleep (in their own rooms!) to make sure they wake up happy, energised and ready to spend the day undoing all the good work of adults.

The post Sleepless nights, for the wrong reasons – how to keep your kids in their own beds. appeared first on Designbx.

Your bedroom should be a place of rest without the stress of work or the over stimulation of technology. With winter fast approaching, days will become shorter, light will fade to dark, and weather will become
unpredictable. This results in a shift from the outdoors to interiors and you begin to feel the urge to cuddle up under the covers with a cup of cocoa and a great book. Here are some easy master bedroom decorating ideas that will create a cozy, welcoming sanctuary that you won’t want to leave.

1. Master bedroom bedding

Look for quality bedding, thick textiles and soft natural fibers such as wool, down, linen or flannel. Wool can make the perfect quilt cover or throw, and down is very lightweight but warm. Linen has high air permeability and heat conductivity properties, meaning it’s a breathable fabric that makes you warm in the winter and keeps you cool in the summer, not to mention it’s great for people with allergies while also having the benefit of being eco friendly.

Flannel, while not as stylish as the others, is ideal to use as a bottom sheet. It helps trap your body warmth, which will keep you snug during those chilly mornings when you don’t want to get out of bed. Layer your sheets, quilt, throws, runners and cushions similar to the way you add jackets to jumpers. Dress your bed with a big, fluffy quilt and cushy pillows. By piling on the different textiles, your bed will look like something you could sink into. Layering can increase your physical comfort, please the eye, and change the ambience of your room.

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2. Window dressings

Window dressings will help keep the warmth in, and the cold out. They can be used both as a decorative element of the bedroom design while also being practical. ‘Hard’ window treatments such as plantation shutters and roller blinds can offer varying degrees of insulating protection for chilly drafts. ‘Soft’ window treatments made of fabrics such as floor to ceiling drapery panels, gently frame your window and absorb sound, softening and completing a room. Custom window treatments are an important design element. Bare windows can feel cold and uninviting.

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3. Rugs

If your home is covered with floorboards or tiles it may feel rather cold and bare during winter. A rug in your bedroom will create a welcoming feel, providing warmth and softness underfoot. The bigger the better! It will also help to anchor your room’s décor and colour scheme.

While we’re on the topic of rugs, why not add another? This is a great way to cover a large space without investing in a room-sized rug. It’s also an easy way to subtly but effectively break an open space into zones, adding extra depth and interest to your room. Choose contrasting textures or patterns for a unique look that’s truly you, or alternatively you could add sheepskin or faux fur rugs on top of an existing carpet, rug or floorboards to bring extra warmth and comfort for your feet in the morning.

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4. Lighting

Be sure to pick bulbs with warm tones for your bedroom. White globes are generally used to stimulate the brain in workplaces and this is certainly not the feel you want when you’re trying to settle down for the night. Your bedroom lighting could also benefit if controlled by dimmers, which will allow for various effects.

To add some more warmth to your room, consider some low, soft lighting such as a bedside lamp with a low-watt bulb (40 or lower) and a softly diffused shade. Candles are also one of my favourite winter warmers. They create a beautiful ambience, smell amazing and help add warmth on a cold winter’s night. If you’re feeling bold go neon artwork.

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5. Fresh Flowers and greenery

With our lifestyles moving indoors, we continue to want to feel connected with the outdoors to offset our busy lifestyles and ever-growing dependence on technology. This has encouraged the trend of letting the outdoors in. Spoil yourself with some fresh-cut stems or live greenery! Nothing brings a breath of life to a drab wintry day better than elements of nature. If you’re not a green thumb, why not opt for a framed print, cushion or realistic artificial plant?

Getting your bedroom ready for winter starts now. With these five master bedroom decorating ideas, not only will you have a little head start to get the look you want; it might give you a few extra cups of cocoa, if you’re lucky.

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Elise Finnerty is an interior decorator and stylist. She is passionate about beautiful spaces that are accessible and affordable for everyone. She has appeared in publications such as Yours magazine, Sunday style and more. You will find her working from her home Office or for Designbx “Australia’s online interior design solution”

The post 5 great master bedroom ideas for winter appeared first on Designbx.

All of these dreams can be realised…until children become part of the family. From this point on, most of us can say goodbye to the grown-up, spacious, clutter-free tidy home, which will no doubt be replaced by scattered toys (suddenly it’s a hazard to walk around barefoot in your own home!), walls used for a variety of ‘artworks’, stained carpets, and scratched/bashed/broken items that you used to recognise as your favourite pieces of furniture. 

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But what can you do? No one wants their children to grow up living in a museum – that is no fun at all! But must you simply accept that this is your home for the next 16+ years? Absolutely not…who said it’s only kids who should have their dedicated play areas, full of their things and catering to their needs?? Hello parents retreat! 

Yes, a parents retreat has become an actual thing over the last few years, and can come in many shapes, sizes and styles. But the one simple rule is this – no kids allowed! No toys, no pets, no drawing on walls or wrecking expensive carpets and furniture. Everything else is entirely up to you – it’s your space! Your sanctuary, your escape zone. However, here are some of the things to consider.

Decor Style

This is entirely up to you, everyone’s preferences are different, as we talked about previously. You might be close to the ocean and opt for a coastal theme or love the country french look. We have opted for a bit of a luxe interior style – it’s adults only so why not! 

Colour

Think about the vibe you want to create in your retreat…do you want it to be light, bright and invigorating? Go for whites and neutrals with pops of bright colour.  Or cosy, romantic and feminine? Pastel colours with touches of white and soft pale grey will work. Working towards creating a specific mood will help you determine which colours are best. Or build your palette around a favourite artwork.  We went for a contemporary palette of soft pastels teamed with jewel shades, with hints of gold and navy, which reinforces the grown up luxe feel. 

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Furnishings

Well…what are the main requirements of this space? Sleep? Escape? Work? Relax? Eat? Again, these factors will guide you in choosing the perfect items of furniture for your retreat. At the minimum, try to go for an amazing comfortable bed (as large as will fit!), a comfortable sofa for 2 (movie screen optional!), and a large luxurious bathtub if you have an en-suite. Comfortable luxurious bedding, textured throw cushions and a large area rug will add to the luxury decor feel whilst creating warmth and character. If you plan to escape here to work at times, find yourself a stylish desk and comfortable chair. Or maybe you have other interests and passions – avid reader? Make yourself a reading nook complete with huge armchair or chaise. Love arts and crafts? Build yourself a corner workspace. Anything that makes you love being in this space should be included. 

Other things that could be included are plants, amazing ornate mirrors, artworks and personal photos, a drinks trolley and walk in wardrobe…but again, it is entirely down to you and what you love – it is your retreat so you better enjoy it!

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The post Home interior styles…escape to your own luxurious parents retreat appeared first on Designbx.