Rooomy Magazine - Issue 13 by BB Media Co

EXCLUSIVE HARDWOOD BEDS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE AND SAFELY NURTURE CHILDREN

beds - bunks - mid sleepers - high sleepers - furniture - storage - desks & chairs

www.littlefolksfurniture.co.uk 01985 300588

Editor’s letter Hello, Welcome to the first edition of 2021! I truly hope you and your little ones are all well and have navigated the start to this year as best you can and now, here we are at the beginning of another post-lockdown transition. Have you been redecorating during this time or has this been your time of planning? At Rooomy HQ it has been organisation central, with beginnings of plans coming together. Colour can often be scary and we play it safe. In this issue there is a great spectrum of colour advice. How to go bold, how to keep it calm but not cold, and loads of great items to bring some colourful fun into our kids’ spaces. I’d like to welcome two new contributors to Rooomy this year: Justine Barker of Barker Design, and Joanna Landais of Eklektik Studio. Justine has a very playful boys’ room featuring a play set and graffiti walls which you can check out on pages 42-51. And Joanna explains how you can still have great fun with colour in a rented property, all on pages 66-75. Also inside you will find not one but two wonderful interviews. Carol Maxwell, the Artist and CEO of Max Made Me. She has a new wallpaper collection out and she shares her passion for colour in kids’ rooms. And Interior Décor cover girl Elisha Utely shares her daughter’s rainbowtastic room with us all. Enjoy, happy decorating and happy planning Best wishes Rachel x

Editor in Chief Rachel Burns Art Director : Elizabeth Barrett Sub Editor : Ann Storr Assistant Editor : Joanna Olney Style Editor : Chloe Spillett Business Developent : Leisha Larson

Brand Consultancy : EB&Co Contributors : Vicky Kieldsen, Joanna Landais, Justine Hodgson-Barker & Naomi Weetman For advertising enquiries, email hello@rooomy.co.uk or call 01732 359488

cover image: Corner of My Kid’s Room, Styled by Chloe Gets Creative, Pg15

Contributors Chloe is an award winning designer, mum of two. Formerly a psychology teacher, Chloe finally made the move into fulltime design after winning the National Prize for “Styled by Me” judged by Sophie Robinson. Chloe knew she was onto more than a hobby and then she went on to win Grand Designs “Under the Stairs” project with a wonderful playful nook, any child’s dream hang out.

Vicky is an interior designer, stylist and founder of design studio Hello Geronimo which focuses on children’s interiors. Starting out working for large design firms specialising in the design of residential and hotel projects, she then created Hello Geronimo which quickly evolved into a graphic design business focusing on cards, prints and stationery. As well as being a mum to two young boys, she has now brought all of her skills together to create an interior design studio with a difference.

Over the last twelve years Justine has worked on a range of homes implementing her own signature style of laid-back interiors. Mixing up pieces and creating that uncontrived effortless look. Achieving that ‘thrown together’ look comes from years of savvy sourcing and constantly hunting for new materials and local artisans who are willing to create bespoke pieces that won’t break the bank. She belies the place you live in should inspire, harmonise and ultimately make you happier

Joanna specialises in design exclusively for children. Her passion for children’s interiors developed shortly after becoming a mum when she experienced first-hand the challenge of choosing between aesthetics and functionality of a child’s bedroom. With experience she has learnt that the key to a successful design is longevity and flexibility as these bedrooms are there to last.

Colourful Styling

Accessories

Max Made Me Interiew

Work, Rest & Play

Eli at Home Interview

Colour and Renting

Blow It vs Budget

Walls

Let’s Do Colour

HAPPY LITTLE HUMAN That is what we all want, right? We want the small human beings in our lives to be happy. We love to see them smile, even better when they laugh and giggle, it makes out tummies all warm and we do what we can to make more of it. When they are not happy, we cannot bear it. If they are ill or hurt it makes our hearts hurt and we’d give anything to take it away, and even take it on ourselves if we could. Then there is the other side, the part when they push us and the boundaries are tested and the anger might rage in a tantrum or a sibling fight. Gosh we know it’s all part of the process, but that doesn’t make it any less draining. That’s why this print by Sophie Ward is so perfect for a kid’s space. It is a lovely pop of colour for them and a gentle reminder for us about the never ending need to maintain an equilibrium in the hope that peace can be enjoyed, making everyone at home happy.

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CHLOE SPILLETT GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON HOW TO STYLE W I T H S U B T L E C O L O U R PA L E T T E11 S

One of the most common things I hear from clients is that they wish they could be braver with colour but they just don’t know where to start. The ‘fear of getting it wrong’ usually means they play it safe and stick to a more neutral palette, but we all know that nothing extraordinary is ever achieved within a comfort zone. In fact colour psychology suggests that making considered colour choices can have limitless effects on our outlook, motivation and self-esteem. Did you know that blue is associated with productivity; a great choice for teenagers! Red is often used by fast food chains as it triggers the part of the brain responsible for initiating a hunger response...one to avoid if like me you have children who already want to eat round the clock!!! Colour commitment is also a myth. Like the clothes in your wardrobe, colour on your walls is not permanent so there’s no need to feel like you’re signing your life away. Here are a few ideas to help you with the first steps:

GET THE KIDS I N V O LV E D ! Children are often great directors of design briefs. With zero inhibition and a passion for colour they often have some really great ideas! That doesn’t mean you have to submit entirely; compromise is key and working together on a design brief can be really fun!

Corner of My Kids Room 15

THE ENTRANCE TO NARNIA... To overcome your reservations with colour, it’s always a great idea to look inside your wardrobe, and of course your children’s wardrobes too! What colour story do your clothes tell? Is there a particular colour or palette that you and your children both like to wear? If so, that’s a great place to start!

SET THE SCENE Injecting a splash of colour into your children’s rooms doesn’t always have to mean reaching for a tin of paint. Wallpaper is a great way to make a statement. More recently large-scale murals and oversized patterns have been growing in popularity. They’re guaranteed to be the talking point of the room and once you’ve caught the colour bug (because you will) you can even colour match with paint for the rest of the room.

T H E F I F T H WA L L So often overlooked, the ceiling is a fantastic way to inject colour into a room. Rather than making the room look small and enclosed as many would believe, it can actually have the opposite effect as it draws the eye up. Block colour, stripes, bold wallpaper...the opportunities are limitless!

Credit: Kid Of The

e Village

M A K E A S TAT E M E N T Statement furniture can work wonders for injecting colour into a room and could provide the perfect solution if you’re not yet ready to commit to bold paint choices. In fact, a white backdrop allows colourful pieces to really pop! Metal hospital bed frames are bang on trend and are readily available in almost every colour imaginable, offering a modern take on a timeless classic. Team with colourful light fittings and even a bold radiator. Vintage furniture painted in bold colour choices can offer budget-friendly options with show-stopping results that are sure to be a hit with the kids! So, there you have it….you really don’t have to be afraid of colour. Colour IS your friend. Dip your toe in or dive in the deep end; if you don’t give it a go, you’ll never know! Chloe is an award winning interior designer, specialising in spaces for To see more of her work visit www.chloegetscreative.com

ZARA BLUE OTTOMAN DANETTI Storage! Something every parent asks us about, complains about and certainly wants more of. But it needs to look good and if it can look this good and have more than one function you are 100% winning when it comes to the design and function of your child’s bedroom. This Ottoman also come in a blush pink, they can put all their toys in it and it provides seating space too. Also when they are young it is also a fab hiding spot, but all the toys on the floor might be a bit of a 22giveaway.

BRIGHT BEANBAGS C U C KO O L A N D Beanbags, it’s simple they get sat on, laid on, jumped on, crawled over, put in dens, they barricade doors and are loved by all. Another great way to bring a punch of colour into your kid’s room and it will bring a big sile to their face, guaranteed. There are nine powerful colours to choose from vibrant, fabulous and fun.

COLOURFUL CUSHIONS It would not be an accessory feature without an assortment of great cushions to choose from, and cushions really are the easiest way to start being brave with colour and trying out different colour ideas. Here’s our top 5.

Toucan Pink Charlton Island, £80

Be Happy, Cotton Fox Print, £31

Safari Tassek, Little Sol Sol, £23

Lightening & PomPoms, Sweetpea & Willow, £35

Prism, Cushoo, £7.95

M I N I A N I M A L WA L L R U G S BONORDIC These mini wall rugs are becoming really popular, so many varieties to chose from they bring a great new dimension to kid’s rooms, perfect if you’re working on your layering, something the professionals are always looking at. They are cute, they are fun and your kids are gonna love them. Perfect for nurseries and kids rooms and also they make wonderful gifts too.

FOOTSTOOL CUSHOO If you want something that’s a step up from the beanbag, maybe you’re trying to make a teen space a little more stylish, then this velvet footstool is what you need. It’s more like a luxurious chunky floor cushion. It’s super soft with a lovely contrast piping round the edges. Rest your feet on it, use it as additional seating, or place a tray on it for decoration. This footstool silhouette is stylish and functional in equal measure. You have 5 colour options to pick from. Happy days.

RUKIA HANDWOVEN BASKETS BASKET CO Colourful baskets for toys, knickknacks, plants whatever you need, these hand-woven baskets are perfect plus you can keep changing up how you use them so thy are going to last forever, when they’re little it might be creams and cotton wool, then it will be all the bits they collect from parties and crackers, then you can upgrade to pencils and pens.

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SADIE RUTH SHARES IDEAS ON S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y, PA R E N T I N G , A N D S H O W I N G T H E B A B E S T H E W AY. . .

ROOOMY INTERVIEW

i x a go mome... h o or g ROOOMY EDITOR RACHEL BURNS, INTERVIEWS MAXIMALIST ARTIST CAROL MAXWELL OF MAX MADE ME, O N K I D S R O O M S , C O L O U R A N D A 31 RT

When I painted the murals in our shop and studio space, so many followers got in touch saying that they would love it on their walls. So I thought the time had come to get cracking with my first collection.

Carol Maxwell is a designer based in South East London, owner of Made Made Me and mum to Max and Milo. Following 15 years of success designing for the fashion industry, Carol’s family began with the birth of her first child Max. Carol was inspired by all his cute toys and gifts, so much so that she started to sketch them and soon realised she had the beginnings of her first greeting cards collection. This led to Carol designing her Letter Print range as the perfect gifts for her friend’s new-born’s, which now 6 years later continues to be her best-selling collection. With the opening of a new store, home to all her wonderful creations, from prints, cards and gift wrap to jumpers, t-shirts and baby-grows, Carol has recently launched her debut wallpaper collection with matching velvet cushions and aprons & tea towels in the same prints. With one of her first designs adorning the walls of a 7 year old girl, it is the perfect opportunity to find out more about Carol’s passion for design, how important nature is in her work, and about her love of beautiful interiors.

Rachel Burns - What was your journey in years later I am still here, a fully-fledged textile design? Londoner. I worked as an In-house print designer for a couple of different studios Carol Maxwell – I went to The National for about 6 years before going freelance. College of Art and Design in Dublin, I designed prints for the UK high street thinking I would study Fine Art Painting, and for international designers too. It was but my foundation year tutors encouraged always very exciting to see where your me to try printed textiles as a module, prints might end up. I soon realized that Fine Art was a bit too conceptual for me and design was RB - Six years ago when you started probably more my cup of tea. Having said sketching Max’s toys, if someone told you that, in Dublin at the time, there weren’t you’d have a fab store and a wallpaper really any print studios where you could collection along with everything else, get work experience, so it wasn’t until I what would you have thought about? graduated and came to London, to exhibit in the New Designers Graduate show in CM – There is no way I would have believed Islington, that I realised a career in design this, I never ever set out to have my own was a possibility. business. In fact, in my 20’s I used to think, when working for print studios, that I was offered a placement, in a print studio, I would not like to have my own business, which turned into a full-time job and 19 because I saw first-hand the pressure and

I still find it hard to take in that I now have a wonderful team to help me fulfil hundreds of orders to amazing customers each week.

stress that running your own business can cause. But here I am. It’s funny how things can turn out, and now that I find myself on this path, I believe it was how it was supposed to pan out. RB – What have the last few years been like, going from designing cards and prints, to having your own store and seeing your first wallpaper collection being dispatched to very excited customers? CM – The journey was very organic and slow at first as it was very much part time at the beginning, working around my job and motherhood. I think it’s only been in the last 2 or 3 years that things have suddenly really started to change and grow at a very fast pace. I still find it hard to take in that I now have a wonderful team to help me fulfil hundreds of orders to amazing customers each week.

RB – Was the wallpaper collection a plan for a long time or did it stem from customer demand? CM – Before I started Max Made Me (MMM) a friend and I were actually going to start a wallpaper brand. We had started designing and had even begun to visit manufacturers here in the UK. However, we both got pregnant 2 months apart (me with Max), so we put it on hold and well, we know what happened after Max came along! So yes, in answer to your question, I guess it’s always been on my radar to design wallpaper, and as MMM grew I knew it was something I wanted to do within the brand when the timing was right. We also got a lot of messages and emails from customers asking/saying that we should do wallpaper, so customer demand also played a role. When I painted the murals in our shop and studio

space, so many followers got in touch saying that they would love it on their walls. So I thought the time had come to get cracking with my first collection. RB – Did you have an age range in mind when you were designing the wallpaper? CM – Not particularly, age is just a number in my opinion, and I think a lot of the designs work well in a variety of rooms, from kids’ to grown up spaces alike. Having said that I do very much have some ideas in mind for my second wallpaper which will be aimed more at kids’ interiors. RB – How important do you think kids’ bedrooms are when it comes to design?

a child’s bedroom and personal space might have on them. I can remember my childhood bedrooms so clearly, and they evoke strong memories. For example, I remember studying the pattern of the floral wallpaper on my bedroom walls in great detail to distract myself, as I waited eagerly until we were allowed to get up on Christmas morning. I was very much invested in how my room looked even as a child. I would spend hours rearranging the furniture and would get such a buzz from my room refresh even at an early age. Now not every kid might care about their bedroom too much, but I think if it’s a colourful, inspiring space for them to feel secure and safe in, this is surely integral to a child’s happiness and wellbeing.

RB – How do you your plan your kid’s CM – I think they are more important than rooms? Do you mood board or do you people might realise. I’m not sure people start with the first piece of inspiration and stop very often to think about the impact take it from there?

CM – It is usually designed around something that I have already, or something I have found. For example, in Max’s room I still loved the F&B wallpaper I had in there from when it was our guest room. I chose it knowing that one day it would probably become Max’s room, so I then built the rest of the colour scheme around that. Max’s room has a more eclectic feel to it, and it has evolved as our house has changed over time, whereas Milo’s room was designed from scratch because it was a brand-new room, part of our loft renovation. So, the design of his room was a bit more thought out and considered. I knew I wanted to paint a mural in it, so the rest of the room was designed around that.

both good quality and amazing design, then vintage/antique stores to add something unique. And I love to find bedding from small brands such as The Bright Company, Little Jagger and Lulu & Nat. RB – For your stunning nature inspired designs, where do you look most for inspiration? CM – Living in our little pocket of South East London, we are lucky enough to have lots of green spaces but sometimes it’s not quite enough. I love to look at vintage design for inspiration too, for instance I love vintage tropical barkcloth prints from the 50s; their colour palettes are especially divine.

RB – Whose idea was it to put the new wallpaper in IJ’s room? RB – Apart from the wallpaper, what is your favourite thing about IJ’s room? CM – I knew IJ’s mum wanted to redecorate so I showed her my wallpaper CM – I love the colours we chose from collection. She instantly fell in love with Pickelson Paint company to compliment The Palm Blush. I knew it was so important the wallpaper. (Fresco Pink on the walls that the chosen wallpaper should last as and Tequila Green on the ceiling) I also she grows from a 7 year old girl to a tween used this company to decorate my shop and a teenager. So I agreed that the Palm and studio. They have the most beautiful Blush wallpaper was the perfect choice to selections of pinks to choose from. The do just that. fringed lampshade from Rockett St George is also a winner. RB – What are your three must haves for kids’ rooms? RB – If Max could have anything in his bedroom what do you think it would be? CM – Something bright and colourful, good storage, and something inherited or CM – This is easy, it’s something he talks vintage. about all the time and it is something I have been promising for ages. I said I RB – Where are your three favourite places would draw little Pokémon characters to shop for kid’s interiors? on the walls in secret places e.g. hidden behind furniture and framed art, I’d CM – For furniture I like Made.com for better get the pens out now.

JUSTINE HODGSON-BARKER FROM BARKER DESIGN WO R K S H E R M AG I C F O R JAS P E R , CA P T U R I N G H I S E N E R G Y F O R A S PA C E A L L H I S O W N . . .

We’ve seen a big change in Jasper since the re-design. Being able to channel his energies in the play area and wall apparatus has made him much more relaxed

THE BRIEF Initial brief was to create a room that Jasper (9) could grow into with separate zones for work, rest and play. Having his mates round for a play and sleepovers. His parents explained that he was a very active child so he needed a space that enabled him to channel his energies, especially so he could have a more restful sleep. Space to climb, play and roll around on the floor was quite a tall order for an average size bedroom, but I love a challenge! I asked him to create a Pinterest page to help me gain the perfect insight into his passion, joy and hopes for his room. His Pinterest page was full of bright colours, climbing frames, all with bright pops of colour, and the backdrop on the lighter end of the spectrum. He’s very drawn to Street art, so graffiti and fake grass were always going to be at the centre of this design. It was very clear that he also loved the idea of bringing the adventure playground lifestyle indoors! He was so happy with the concept we created, but of course, that was the easy, fun bit. Next came the challenge of implementing.

It’s also made a big difference to our family dynamics, especially during lockdown. Having his own space to work rest and play means that everyone benefits!

BRINGING THE IDEAS TO LIFE: As floor space for play and movement was essential it made perfect sense to source a bed that included a pull-out mattress for friends when they ultimately stay over. I was able to go one better and sourced a bed that not only had the facility offer sleeping space for friends but also had storage under the truckle bed too. As all parents know, any additional storage is magic. The desk and shelves are made out of Valchromat, essentially a wood fibre that’s individually impregnated with organic dye, so no need for paint and it is therefore incredibly durable: essential when you have boys throwing themselves around the space a lot. The furniture needs to withstand this natural energy and last for the future too. We zoned the play area with fake grass and threw down some pouffes to create a social space. Then came the key item, we fitted some wall apparatus for his workouts! He couldn’t believe he had his own playground space. And now he is able to do a proper gym workout which ensures he gets a peaceful night’s sleep and his parents have a relaxed evening. The wardrobe, disguised as a locker, fitted perfectly in the alcove. I love it when a plan comes together in this way. It saves the family money having to have something made bespoke. There are lots of colour options, and it ties in with Jaspers passion for edgy and colourful décor.

The colour theme throughout Jasper’s Pinterest board was consistently towards the lighter tones, so we kept the rest of the room pretty light and neutral with bright pops of colour in artwork, storage and accessories, including a colour change lamp on his bed-side table. The vintage style metal ‘exit’ sign by his bedroom door, well it appealed to his sense of humour and for £44 why not?! Jasper’s brother Wilf (The Mountain Theme Boys’ Room) has his bedroom across the landing, so in this space in-between the two boy’s bedrooms I fitted a bookshelf, which is where their beloved pet Gecko sleeps in its luxury Vivarium! I then used the high landing wall to display all their hero characters. It’s a space in which to work, play and socialise, but most importantly, an escape during lockdown.

Barker Design has worked on a range of homes implementing her own signature style of laid-back interiors. Mixing up pieces and creating that uncontrived effortless look has become key to all of Justnes designs. Achieving that ‘thrown together’ look comes from years of savvy sourcing and constantly being on the hunt for new materials and local artisans who are willing to create bespoke pieces that won’t break the bank. She belies the place you live in should inspire, harmonise and ultimately make you happier Photography Credit: - Jonny Campbell of Black Watch Digital

S TA C K I N G V E G G I E S L E TOY VA N

It’s Spring, these are cute and if you are not green fingered like me then these are the perfect addition to your child’s window cil. A delightfully quirky set of three happy wooden vegetables in their natural wood pots. Includes six detachable interchangeable stacking parts. Mix and match to create a Carrot, Beetroot and Radish. Made from solid and smooth replenishable rubberwood and finished in gorgeous water-based colours with beautifully hand-sewn fabric leaves. This product is beautifully crafted, sustainable and great looking too! Made from rubberwood that is a by-product of the rubber industry, using trees that are at the end of their rubber-giving life.

SMALL PLANTERS GREEN TONES Are you Green fingered? I think we are going to give it a go this year. The girls love butterflies so it would be lovely to invite a few more into the garden this year, tempting them in with some flowers. We already have some seed packets and some of them need sewing indoors starting next month so we are making sure we are kitted out. At 55p each these little planter pots will be great for the kid’s rooms, it’s a really playful way to teach them how to look after and care for something. What would you grow? I think we need some rosemary too; we use a lot of that..

R AT TA N A I R C R A F T HOPPI HIPPO With sustainability on the mind and whilst day-dreaming of travel, this handmade rattan aircraft is a gorgeous gift for any child. Have you ever asked you kid “If you could have any superpower what would it be?” Most of them say Flying, “I really wish I could fly” and it is after all an incredible skill to marvel at. Us adults take air travel with a pinch of salt and we have seen birds flying, well, forever. But through your children’s eyes, just wow!!! Inspire their desire to fly, travel and explore with this gorgeous aircraft.

CROC PILE O D I N PA R K E R One Christmas my husband bought me a pack of mini chairs, they were from a puzzle shop and we had so much fun playing with different ways of stacking them and how tall we could make the tower, how jaunty it could be before toppling, great after a few beers on a Friday night. Well, I saw these lovely mini crocodiles and was reminded of the fun, kids will love see if they can make a stack using all of them, it’s like to opposite of Jenga. Have fun!

ROOOMY EDITOR RACHEL BURNS INTERVIEWS INTERIORS COVER GIRL ELISHA UTLEY ON C O LO U R A N D H E R DAU G H T E R S R A I N B O W TA S T I C B E D R O O M

w e h m e o r s

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r t e h v e o r e

Rachel Burns – Where do you think your RB – When you started designing your love of colour comes from? daughter’s room how did you begin? Elisha Utley – I don’t really know where my love of colour comes from but I’ve always loved the feeling of walking into a colourful home or wearing colourful clothes. I think it lifts your spirits and makes you smile. I also think it makes a home feel warm and welcoming.

EU – I began by asking her if there was anything she would like in her room and started from there. Then I tried to consider the space and, with so many toys, I tried to use every inch of the room, including painting the wardrobe doors in chalk paint to use as a drawing board

and hanging colourful storage bags to the wall. I also wanted to make it a fun space where she would love to be so I painted a scallop design and wallpapered with Eleanor Bowmer wallpaper.

liked on La Redoute and painted it myself instead. RB – How do you go about planning a room? Do you mood board, use Pinterest or centre plans around a central piece?

RB – How old is Daisy? Was she involved in the room planning at all? EU – When planning a room I firstly try to make use of every inch of the room and EU – Daisy is 7 years old and she requested consider the furniture that we already rainbows and a desk when designing her have and the budget that I have. I like to room. Those were the only requirements use a mood board app called pic collage she had, so luckily I was left to my own which is great when putting ideas together. devices which suits me just fine! I couldn’t When planning a child’s room my number find a colourful desk so I found one that I one tip is storage storage storage!

RB – Top three places to shop for kid’s EU - Favourite thing in Daisy’s room is interiors? definitely her new Samsung frame TV which is cleverly hidden as a picture frame EU – Top three places for kids’ interiors: on the wall. So, looking at the room you Scandiborn, La Redoute, IKEA wouldn’t know there was a TV in there but it’s very useful for Daisy to watch her RB– What are your three must haves in a online schooling on at the moment. It’s kids’ room great and I’m very jealous of it! EU – Storage is essential in a kids’ room so I try make sure everything can be hidden away at the end of the day. I also try to use all the space possible so I’ve added storage to the walls with the IKEA memo board, clever storage stuffel bags and book shelves on the wall. I also have labelled boxes that slide under the bed to keep everything hidden and organised.

RB – What books would you and Daisy recommend to our readers and their smalls right now? EU - I would recommend the David Walliams books. Daisy loves them all and reads every night

RB – Do you get Daisy involved in the tidying of her room at all? If so, how do RB – What is your favourite thing in Daisy’s you go about it? Mummas are always room and why? looking for tips here.

EU - Does Daisy get involved in tidying her room? Nope! As much as I try and attempt to make tidying fun neither of my children tidies. I think it’s my own fault for always tidying for them though. Same as in my house then 😉

which hang on the wall and she has a large stuffel bag for her lego which opens out to a play mat too. I also recommend the memo board calls from IKEA it’s handy for all her stationery.

EU – We have the colourful plastic pull out drawers from IKEA. Plastic under bed boxes which I have labelled with chalk paper and wrote on each one to keep things organised. We love the stuffel bags

EU – I would like to change the floor in her room to a bright colourful Karndean option to make it easier to clean rather than a cream carpet but I think that will have to wait.

RB – If Daisy could have anything in her RB – Do you know what she loves most room what do you think it would be? about her room and why? EU – I’ve just asked her this question and EU – She loves the canopy above her bed, she says a slide! Trust her! her little desk which I painted for her and the TV is a definite winner too. RB – If you could add anything to a kid’s room, money is no question, what would RB – Top storage solutions? it be?

JOANNA LANDAIS’S TOP TIPS ON I N T R O D U C I N G C O L O U R - F E AT U R I N G M A R L O W E ’ S F A N TA S T I C A L LY C O O L A N D FUN ‘FISHING’ ROOM

O O H

D E K O ON R U O L CO

D E C O R AT I N G W I T H C O L O U R , A N D H O W T O D O I T J U S T R I G H T… Colour. Scary notion to many and exciting concept to others. The trick often lies within personal preference, associations with colour, cultural beliefs or indeed how we all see colour differently. Some will say yellow is ‘bright and happy’, others will find yellow ‘loud and overbearing’. Interestingly, parents who choose neutrals for their living spaces, will often choose bold colours for their children’s bedrooms and vice-versa. One thing is certain, you are highly unlikely to be torn between the two. You will either want your child’s bedroom to be calm and neutral, or playful and colourful. If you fall into the latter, fear not – there are rules and colour combinations that are guaranteed to marry playful and calming at the same time.

I asked him to create a Pinterest page to help me gain the perfect insight into his passion, joy and hopes for his room. His Pinterest page was full of bright colours, climbing frames, all with bright pops of colour, and the backdrop on the lighter end of the spectrum.

B U T F I R S T… C H O O S E Y O U R C O L O U R .

Think about the first colour that comes to your or your child’s mind. The chances are it is not beige, grey, white or brown. People are naturally drawn to a certain colour because they have a deep-rooted association with a particular hue or shade, and they don’t even know it. Whether it’s pink, red or green that comes to your mind, hold on to that colour thought and this should be the basis of your colour scheme. Equally, that’s when it also gets complicated as we like to overthink and analyse as human beings. Will this colour appear sad? will it be too busy? too happy? will they get bored of it quickly? With a long list of questions, you are then likely to revert to neutrals as the array of colour choices can overwhelm even an experienced colour fanatic.

To remedy the ‘colour blues’ look at different hues of a particular colour. Let’s take yellow as it is a tricky colour to pair and work with. There is lemon yellow, canary lemon, golden yellow, saffron, buttercup, mustard- the list is long… Picking a shade of yellow that is pleasing to your eye means the rest will fall into place. Once you have the potential winner, try the paint sample along with a tone darker, and a tone lighter shade on your wall. This part is crucial as the amount and type of natural light available in the room will cast shadows and affect appearance of a shade. You might be surprised with your final choice and it’s often the shade you are least fond of on shop display, yet it works perfectly in your interior. Age permitting, don’t forget to involve your child in these very important decisions. Giving them a sense of control over colour choices might be the key to lengthy play sessions in their own bedrooms. From here on you can continue with one bold colour choice or if are feeling brave, pair it with one or even two more colour choices. You will find that once you have the base colour, picking another complementing colour is a lot easier. Stick to the same colour intensity to achieve the perfect colour-marriage. This exact principal has been applied in

FISHING-INSPIRED BEDROOM DESIGN IN LONDON Design’s brief was to create fun, colourful boy’s bedroom and to incorporate little boy’s love for fishing. At the time of design, property was rented by the clients and any structural or decorative works were not an option. Instead, grey textured wallpaper provided a neutral backdrop to more colourful design elements. First colour inspiration came with an oversized ‘Gone Fishing’ canvas which prompted remaining colour choices of yellow and red against the teal background. Yellow twoseater sofa and shark armchair worked perfectly with our colour palette and the fishing theme. House-shaped bunk bed was originally beige, and colour was added later on using paint samples and a roller. Red rope swing mimics fishing rope and adds an unexpected feature without the need for structural alterations to walls or the ceiling. The Nerf-Gun unit was a bespoke piece accommodating both the guns, and fishing rods. Due to its versatile design, wooden pegs can be repositioned and used to display a variety of items later on.

Remaining décor was centred around the fishing theme with shark storage baskets, fishing nets, decorative boats and rope detailing. The key to a successful colour combination was pairing colours that were equally as vibrant, had the same or similar intensity. If you are thinking about introducing colour to your nursery or child’s bedroom, know that bold colour can be as soothing and nurturing as its neutral counterpart. It is about finding shades and colour intensities that make you feel comfortable and at ease. If you are unsure, find an inspiration, an interesting print, children’s clothing or pin on Pinterest, find what colours grab your attention or pause your scroll. If you are still unsure, starts small. Choose a feature wall, alternatively paint the way only halfway or add a colourful rug. With time you can build your confidence and build-up on colour from there

Lastly, ask your little one about their views on colour. You might be surprised but their choices of orange, purple or red might work just as well if appropriately distributed. Inevitably, love for colour is fickle. Colour trends come and go, tastes change, and children grow older to discover their new favourite shade of black. It is important to remember that a lick of new paint is the easiest and most cost-effective means of updating your décor and a little risk might be worth the final wow factor. Joanna Landais - Eklektik Studio, creates show stopping children’s interior design. Featured in Ideal Home, KBB and Hello and designer for Binky Felstead

ROOOMY GET THE LOOK

V I C K Y K I E L D S E N TA K E S U S O N A T O U R O F A S U S TA I N A B LY S O U R C E D K I D S R O O M A N D S H O W S U S H O W T O R E C R E AT E T H E L O O K We were all hoping that going into 2021 would be the start of happier times again and some sort of normality, but here we are coming out of another lockdown. If the last 12 months have taught us anything (other than what phoneme frames are, or all about medieval castles) it is that colour has well and truly been thrown in our slightly jaded faces. I’m not sure there is a better way to lift spirits than to see a flash of bright colour... it’s like Vitamin D for our eyes! Whether it’s on your nails, the NHS rainbow, your new lockdown puppy, or climbing the walls of your home, this issue brings you all the colour cravings you could ever need to take the plunge into a more colourful lifestyle... starting with your children’s rooms. Choosing the right colour for the room can have a big impact on your child’s mood. Children need spaces in their homes where they can retreat to, not only for quiet reflection, but also to help them grow and explore. It’s extremely important to a child’s wellbeing that they have a space that suits them, both emotionally and physically. That will not only enable them to feel safe and happy, but will also encourage their personality, creativity and receptiveness in a stress reducing environment. Did you know that blue can relax and improve productivity? Or that pink can reduce anger, grey can enhance creativity and green is extremely calming? So it’s very important to think about the child’s personality when embarking on a new colour palette for their room. This room has such a calm and soft feel to it with the pastel tones but then hits you with some powerful pinks in various shades. The overall balance of the room works so well because the main items are all in the softer shades of colours and then the odd accessory pops out to bring that dose of brightness, such as the bright pink shell cushion, or the rainbow on the chair. I particularly love the contrast between the dusky pink wall and the sage green locker. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shades of the same colour as they can work well together. And allow yourself to push you a little bit out of your comfort zone, as this is when exciting things can be created. After all, playful environments make for playful children and, to me, that equals happiness. Vicky is an Interior Designer specialising in kids rooms. To see more of her work visit Hello Geronimo Inspiration for this feature was taken from This Colourful Nest

Sleepi Bed Stokke, £579

Apple Cushion, Scandiborn, £26.50

Cloud Wall Hanging, Never Perfect Studio, £35

Oh My Darling, Coco & Blu, £39.49

The Shorty Mustarde Made, £129

Scalloped Chair Oliver Bonas, £395

Pear Storage Basket, Ferm Living, £75

Kenyan Wall Rug, Artisans & Adventures, £250

Shell Cushion, I Am Fy, £68

Snake Soft Toy, Smallable, £89

Oasis Oval Cot, Boori, £349

Cloud & Star Mobile, Zara Home, £19.99

Apple Cushion You Are My Sunshine Print, Handmade In Nottingham, Pretty In Print Art, £18.95 £18

Side Table Locker, Sklum, £68.99

Pink Leopard Rug, Court House Interiors, £85

Sophie Scallop Chair, HomeBase, £99

Pineapple Storage Basket Trouva, £47

Pearl Cushion, Cushoo, £19.95

Snake Soft Toy Bloomingville, £47

R O O O M Y WA L L S

C O LO U R F U L WA L L S Walls are a huge canvas for you to decorate, adorn and play with. You can make statements, you can cocoon the whole space or section off areas of your kid’s room, creating a different vibe in each corner. We won’t presume to know what you’re looking for and above all we want to encourage you to use more colour. In this Walls section we’re going to walk you through increasing stages of colour coverage.

MINI MODERNS C O L O U R F U L F E AT H E R S If you are keen to introduce some colour, but nervous, then these lovely feathers will bring the perfect light touch with calm tones but still with colour coming into your kid’s space. Mini Moderns created this in collaboration with artist Matt Sewell. The design is based on Matt’s feather watercolours, which feature in the design for the end papers of his book ‘Our Songbirds’. The individual feathers each relates to the birds featured in the book. The wallpaper design is part of their collection that takes inspiration from the nature reserve of Dungeness, on the South Kent coast. The delicate watercolour effect makes this a wonderful soft design for nurseries and children’s rooms. No garish primary colour here, thank you.

R O O O M Y WA L L S

GRAHAM & BROWN D O T T Y M U LT I B R I G H T Are you looking for a playful and colourful option for your kid’s bedroom walls then look no further than this dotty delight. Big colour spots that you can’t help but smile at, there is something instantly fun and entertaining about big colourful silly circles plastered all over a wall. It’s like an epic game of Twister waiting to be played. You could even buy just one roll and keep cutting off large sections to washi tape to the wall and the kids could create their own little emoji’s or monsters or aliens? Lots of fun to be had here.

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R O O O M Y WA L L S

M U R A L S W A L L PA P E R B R I G H T PA S T E L M A R B L E Maybe you want bolder colours but are concerned about how intense that might be - you don’t want anything too one dimensional either. My 8 year-old loves this water-marble effect. In the art and craft world this is all the rage right now. There is lots of colour and movement in this design but still plenty of white space so as not to overwhelm the space that they are growing in. The unique, mesmerising design of this mural was hand-crafted by gently pressing a sheet of paper against a surface of water mixed with colourful paints to form a fun arrangement of swirls, speckles and splotches. Plus, can you imagine their friends’ reaction when they come round and see this (eventually this will be happening)? They will think you are the coolest parents ever for letting them have this up in their space - not that anyone says cool any more, right? All you need to do is enter your wall measurements and the mural is created just for your space, no repeated patterns, one unique wall.

R O O O M Y WA L L S

COLE & SON MIDSUMMER BLOOM O.K., building our braveness levels, we enter this big bloom design from Cole & Son, still with plenty of white space in the background so it won’t overwhelm the room. However, if you are looking to go bold or go home, they have two other colour way options that are stunning. Lots of lovely gentle colours here, super detail, and big blooms which make a great statement without being in your face. This blousy print was found in the Cole & Son archive and re-painted by the Design Studio to create a rich and lavish trailing floral.

R O O O M Y WA L L S

H A P PY WA L L FRIDA And finally, if you want to really go for it, colour everywhere, no white space, big bold shapes with rich tones, then the Frida is for you. Inspired by the incredible lady herself, what child’s imagination will not be ignited by this. I am instantly transported to somewhere like Alice in Wonderland. I’m now very small walking among the massive skyscraper plants, or even Avatar territory where magical/alien fauna and flora are ready to be discovered. Where does this take you? Also, no repeat patterns here you put in your wall measurements and the mural is created just to your specification.

Credit: And Then Tomorrow 90

let’s ‘do’ colour

N AO M I W E E T M A N S H A R E S A L L YO U N E E D TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO INTRODUCE COLOUR I N TO YO U R H O M E

I have always grown up with lots of colour around me. My Mum would decorate our house using lots of different colour schemes, I always wore bright clothes, was drawn to colourful fabrics and bold pictures. It was just something I’ve always enjoyed since childhood. I find colour fun, exciting and playful.

also upcycle old furniture. Paint it a solid bright colour or add detail to drawers and cupboards using wallpaper. Lastly, opt for a colourful feature wall. You could paint one small wall to instantly add a large amount of colour. Use some or all of the ideas above, it really just depends on how much colour you like!

I did lose my way with loving colour though. Our house was very magnolia, white or grey for some time. It was just the ‘done’ thing. I think the only colour which seemed acceptable at the time to add was duck egg blue! When I had my son I realised how much I disliked the space I was in. I was looking at the same four walls a lot and they just weren’t making me feel like my house was my home. Slowly but surely I started experimenting with colour again. If you are colour shy, there are many ways you can inject colour into your home without going overboard. One easy way is with accessories: bright blooms, colourful books, storage baskets and interesting décor pieces. Also bring in colour through art work, they can make a neutral wall much more interesting. Another easy way is to add colour using soft furnishings, whether that is something as small as a decorative cushion or a bolder choice such as a mustard yellow sofa. If you want to get more creative, you could

TOP TIPS ON BALANCING COLOUR CHOICES Firstly make a mood board either using Pinterest or magazines. Is there a recurring colour choice or theme? Finding colours that ‘speak to you’ is a good place to start. When choosing colours, I regularly use a colour wheel. On a traditional colour wheel you have your main colour, harmonious colour and your accent colour, but there are other colour wheels that will give you more than 3 colour choice options. You can easily get colour wheel apps to help you balance your colour choices. I also suggest using the paint companies’ suggestions. Generally, if you choose a colour on their website, they will suggest other colours to use with the main colour. If you can, speak to the paint company’s colour expert, they would be able to give you lots of colour advice too.

Credit: Heather Rosie Olive Home

Credit: And Then Tomorrow

TOP TIPS FOR DIY MURALS Do your research. Look on Instagram and Pinterest for mural ideas. There are some that are really basic for beginners and some designs then get more complex. Make a mood board of the ones you like to get an idea of designs and colours. There are lots of content creators, bloggers and designers using murals in their homes all the time. Follow them along with their mural journey: pick up tips, use their recommended products or even follow their step by step guides. Where to start with the design process Many people who I watch design murals on Instagram use Adobe Illustrator. However, with this being a costly computer package, I wasn’t willing to buy it. I thought to myself, how can I easily design murals which will help me with planning, layout and scale. I came up with quite a simple yet effective strategy: I take a picture of the area I want to design a mural for. I include the wall, side walls or corners and any existing furniture that I want in the room. I usually just use my phone. I then print the photo using a home printer on A4 paper. I then use tracing paper to trace the outline of the room, furniture and any other important features. Next I photocopy the tracing, using my home computer, onto A4 paper. I usually photocopy it a few times, this allows me to draw numerous ideas and

designs. Depending on the room and mural, I will take a few photos from different angles and do exactly the same. This allows me to see what the mural would like look from different perspectives and how it will work with the rest of the space. Keep playing around with different designs until you have come up with something that works. Then further the design if necessary.

W H AT E Q U I P M E N T T O USE I have a range of different sized quality brushes. My designs include large and small scale paintings so it is necessary to have different brushes at hand. They don’t have to be expensive, top of the range, but something that isn’t the cheapest. I also use a lot of frog tape. My favourite is the yellow. This is designed for pre-painted walls and delicate surfaces. Be warned though it will still take paint off. Be sure to peel the tape off slowly and as close to the wall as possible. To paint my murals I use lots of tester pots. My favourite are Valspar as they are £3 and provide more paint than most other tester pots, the they have a huge colour range. I do mix my own paint colours to use old paint that is stored in the garage. I use take-away tubs to keep the paint fresh through projects and beyond.

C H O O S I N G YO U R COLOURS

PA I N T I N G T H E M U R A L

Choosing colours for a mural works the same as designing any other interior space. If you are painting a mural in a room that already has a colour scheme, then use that colour scheme. If the colour scheme is neutral then use colours that will work harmoniously. If you are starting on a blank canvas, then get creative! Use my tips above, on how to choose colours for a room.

I always begin by drawing out the design using pencil first. Once I’m happy I then start adding the paint. I refer back to my design throughout the entire project. If I think a part of the initial idea isn’t going to work, I then go back to my design on paper and make the changes there before I make those changes on the mural in the room. Finally, take your time and enjoy it. Remember paint can easily be painted over.

Naomi Weetman is dedicated to colourful homes, DIY and Murals. She is the co-host to My Meaningful Home and her advice is brilliant, check her out!

Credit: Keerthi Ravi, Eclectic Indian

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