Image Reference

1… Planning and zoning.

 Decorating an amazing room that grows with your child calls for creativity and clever planning. When you begin designing your child’s bedroom, it’s important to balance function, safety and style.
Consider all the activities that are likely to happen in the room. Will it also serve as a playroom or study? Is there a chance it may eventually become a room for two? Let the activities, items and colours your child loves the most be your guide when you choose furnishings and accessories. After all, it is a room for your little princess and you want them to really enjoy and utilise the space.
Will they need a chair for reading? Plenty of open floor space for blocks and games? Factor in how their interests may change and grow as they get older. Toddlers often need a play table for arts and crafts while a school-age kid may require a desk.

Image Reference

Make sure your plan allows for plenty of room to grow, change and evolve. For example, using a full-sized desk can work for a young child while supervised but they will also be able to use it at an older age; or you could use a shelf and adjust the height as they grow up.
I like to use timeless pieces for the functional parts of the room, and then add personality with decorative elements so you can easily switch the old for new and change the overall theme of the room to suit your child.
Plan and divide the room into activity based zones for easy flow and function.

Image Reference

2… Storage.

Planning adequate storage for the room is so important, not just for aesthetics but for functionality as well. You want the room to be used as efficiently as possible so let’s make it easy for your child to put things away and ensure the room is inviting, for them and you. Using appropriate storage for each zone also makes it easy for your child to find things and put them all away. Shelves, bins and baskets should be easy to access. Choose storage boxes with a lid to hide any clutter or mess. This will also eliminate distractions  when your child is using the room for homework.

Image Reference

Wall hooks are also a great addition for storage as they won’t take up much space. And they also offer a massive bonus by assisting your child if they like to play dress-ups.
A storage box or ottoman is great for cushions and blankets as well as toys, and it doubles as a seat too!

Image Reference

3… Texture, pattern and personalisation.

Whether it be a bedhead, cushion, wallpaper or bedspread, using different textures and patterns will make your little girl’s room ultra-personal and fun. Also, by keeping other décor items simple, the patterns will not only shine, they’ll also last your daughter from childhood through to her teens.

Image Reference

Image Reference

Self-expression is a part of your little one’s life, so why hide important personal items that you really like? Display a few items for further personalisation on shelving, bedsides or desks.
Try adding some fluffy and flowy elements like curtains, throws, faux hides, rugs and even canopies, to soften the room and create a luxurious ambience for your princess.  

Image Reference

Be sure to refer to the SIDS guidelines when planning your child’s rooms, and remember: safety first.

If you are looking for help with small bedroom decorating ideas our design team are ready and waiting to create the perfect hideaway!

The post Small bedroom decorating ideas fit for a Princess! appeared first on Designbx.

Brave, innovative and stylised creations are Designbx’s passion, and today we highlight some stunning projects by top designers worthy of the applause of our design community. Charged with personality, these bold plans have become beautiful realities, thanks to some of Australia’s standout talents.

Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson, Eltham Victoria – Photos by Annette O’Brien

As designers of their own range of indoor and outdoor furniture and homewares, under the Pop and Scott Workshop Cooperative , it’s no surprise that when Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson created interior designs for their own home in Eltham, Victoria, the result was bound to turn heads.

Showcasing pieces ‘rich with life, colour and texture, yet simple and timeless’, a warm and eclectic interior is created with textile styling, the strategic layering of rugs, linens, patchworks and a side of pom poms. In The Design Files, Poppy says, ‘only use furniture and objects that you love,’ as this allows the home to be warm and welcoming.

Anna Spiro, Stradbroke Island –Photos by Jared Fowler

Anna Spiro collaborates with her brother Sam Spiro on Anna Spiro Textiles, which was born from a passion of textiles, patterns and colour. This is evident throughout her Stradbroke Island home, not far from Brisbane, which features some beautiful examples of her exclusive range, handmade using fine Belgian linen.

Sleek white walls complemented by crisp, colourful home decorations make the space feel fresh, yet modern. It’s a perfect combination of her island environment and the stunning items created by her textile design business.

Jeff Swinyard and Kimberley Tan, Perth – Photos by Jody Darcy

Jeff and Kimberley run Studio Atelier, a Perth interior design business that brings architecture and interiors together to achieve the visions of clients. Their practice provides conceptual home design and development, perfectly illustrated in the duo’s transformation of a dilapidated Victorian terrace.

Creating a vintage yet modern space through the use of Victorian furniture, and artworks found in local thrift shops, Studio Atelier complemented the design with a mix of timber and iron furnishings, and modern trimmings to the decor. This pays homage to the historical aspect of the house while creating a modern home.

Pop and Scott Workshop Cooperative, Anna Spiro Textiles, and Studio Atelier’s refreshing creations show the depth of talent in Australian interior design. The boldness of vision and varied styles display the diverse aesthetics we love here at Designbx where we encourage our community of specialists to design with passion.

The post Interior decorating gems – top Australian designers leading by example appeared first on Designbx.

Once the domain of bars and saloons which played both types of music–country and western–neon lights have broken free from the shackles of cliches to invade our residential spaces.

Like a slogan for a room, they can be sweet, playful, provocative or reinforce a space’s identity. Whether used for a little humour or to bring your attention to the room’s interior design style, neon is becoming an increasingly popular device and certainly one of the emerging trends of the season.

Image reference

Now that homeowners are feeling free to play with neon, we’re seeing subtle nuances, especially the relationship with artwork, with the size of mounted art determining the impact of neon signs. Similarly, the style of typography is varying and becoming more sophisticated. A far cry from the old red neon ‘beer’ sign in the man cave, these signs can be brazen or add finesse, depending on fonts, hues and the relationship with features in the room.

Image reference

Today the options are endless with neon lighting, but before you get excited about creating a feature, remember that your choice ultimately dictates the price. You can order a bespoke sign online, salvage a vintage piece or invest in a Tracey Emin (she made neon lights chic).

Image reference

Our tips are to use neon in an unexpected places like the bathroom or above a doorway, and be creative with placement, running the lettering vertically instead or horizontally. For maximum effect, give your neon artwork space, or if you’re aiming for a more subtle and cohesive result, build into a collage artwork.

Image reference

Image reference

Always consider painting wiring so your cord blends with the wall, and while on the subject of colour, remember that if you want your sign to make an impact, choose a hue that pops. Another great effect can be created by layering neon signs on wallpaper.

Image reference

Neon lighting is yet another example of interior design is evolving and breaking rules. What was once a corny device is now being utilised effectively to further express the personality of homeowners, not only bold and brazenly but also with subtlety and even elegance.

Designbx   |   “A glowing future- using neon lights to add personality to interior designs”  |  www.designbx.com

The post A glowing future – using neon lights to add personality to interior designs appeared first on Designbx.

Hosting Christmas this year? Let’s ensure not only a delicious family feast, but a beautiful and colourful one as well! When thinking of Christmas palettes, we typically think of traditional colours like reds and greens, but with Australians embracing their own personal style and reflecting that in their home, why not sing to the same tune for your Christmas theme. Here are five of our favourite colour schemes that will be sure to strike a cord with your own personal style.

All in Grey

 A muted yet fresh feel for Christmas.  Grey has become very popular as it forms a neutral backdrop for any interior style. The tone can range from a soft pale grey to a dark warm charcoal. This would work within an industrial, coastal, scandi and even traditional interior. Stand out elements include; oversized linen ribbon bows on the tree (be bold and opt for a white tree over the traditional green), dark grey linen tablecloths overlaid with hessian table runners, eclectic tableware, bowls and glasses paired with wooden chopping boards as serving plates.  Be sure to play with texture and tone.

Image source

Image source

Image source

Image source

Image Source

Image source

Image Source

Image reference

Pastels

A pop of pastel…fresh, fun and stylish.  Pairing soft pinks, corals and creams with a touch of gold gives a feminine and modern feel.  Think modern shapes – diamonds, hexagons or layer square and circles to create contrast.  Play with your finishes using paper pom poms, glittery gold balls, and fine delicate cotton ribbons on the tree.  Pastels also pair beautifully with intricate glass finishes like glass cut decorations, chandeliers as the table centerpiece, Diamante encrusted candle  and napkin holders –  whitewash timber and concrete surface could be perfect to complete this look.  Be adventurous with wrapping paper.  Use hessian fabrics and knot like a sack. Use old book pages and accent with a big pastel bow, or buy plain boxes and cover in glitter for some wow factor!

Image source

What a great way to bring the table to life.  Focus on the ceiling, more space for food!

Image source

Image source

Image source

Image source

Image source

Image source

Black, White and Gold

Give the table a dose of holiday glam by pairing black and gold together. This is a wow colour combination but equally elegant and festive. Introduce black and white combinations through patterns – stripes, tartan,and polka dots. Mix your shades of gold –  champagne through to rich gold. Black, especially high gloss Christmas ornaments are a fantastic choice for a white Christmas tree.  Introduce natural twine around your wrapping paper to give a more scandi rather than luxe feel. Gold spray painted leaves make a stunning runner down the centre of the table.  For evening ambience add a piece of mirror on top and adorn with tea light candles.

Image source

Image source

Dress to impress…

Image reference

Image source

Image source

Burgundy, Green and Gold

Tradition still has its place, and what  better way to bring it to life than with this rich opulent palette. Opt to replace reds with a rich burgundy this season. Burgundy has swooped the design industry this year it’s warm, inviting and intriguing.  This sensual colour will work best with generous amounts of natural foliage or sitting amongst silks, velvets and lace with warm lighting.

A rich burgundy cotton tablecloth layered with the same toned lace cloth will add immediate warmth and texture.  Use an abundance of pine greenery down the centre littered with intimate little gold touches  and candles. Gold cutlery and dark green dinnerware equals perfection! Gifts are all about repetition of these colours.  Wrap in butcher paper and then burgundy cellophane for a wet look wrap.  Layer a thick burgundy silk ribbon around and complete with a sprig of rosemary inside your bow

Image source

The perfect outfit for the day…dapper!

Image source

Image source

Let the flowers do the talking

Image source

And for the ladies…

Image source

Mint and Red

This colour combination puts a new spin on the classic red by using a cool shade of mint. Mint and red are contrasting colours that work well together to give a summer feel.  Maintain traditional patterns and motifs like reindeers, gingham, spots and stripes. Pair with white wash or bleached timbers, drift wood and raw linens to give that Scandi look.  Opt for the revival of the metal dinnerware to give the table a more relaxed feel.  Fill a tin red bucket with nude branches from the garden or a local walk.  Tie little cotton mint ribbons on all the branches for a simple yet striking table centerpiece.  

Image reference

Image reference

Image reference

Image reference

Image reference

Image reference

The post Colour Crush “Christmas colours that sing to your style” appeared first on Designbx.