Ask An Expert Design for all ages

Ask an expert BOYS’ OWN

You can have some fun when designing children’s rooms, but make them spaces they can grow into, advises the trio from three Birds Renovations.

A curved, cave-like shower recess in blue-green finger tiles was the answer for this ensuite for two young brothers designed by Three Birds Renovations. “It has a masculine and minimalist feel,” says Three Birds’ creative director, Bonnie Hindmarsh. “It’s a timeless design that works equally well for all ages.” Coogee antique green Kit Kat mosaic tiles, TileCloud. Tapware, showerhead, pedestal basin, mirror, all Reece. For the whole house, see page 116.

Alape Round freestanding washstand, $2190; Sussex ‘Scala’ floor-mounted mixer tap, $4250; Issy oval mirror with shaving cabinet, $1770, all Reece.

A boys’ life...

When Three Birds Renovations designed this shared double bedroom/ensuite for two lucky brothers aged five and eight, they took a forward-thinking approach. “We didn’t want it to be too ‘kiddie’, but still wanted it to feel fun,” says Bonnie. That’s where colour comes in. “We used colour – in this case, Dulux Blue Metal – in unexpected places, such as on the ceiling and for the skirting. Most people think of painting a feature wall, but if the ceiling is high enough, paint it instead. It’s quirky but works really well.” The upholstered bedhead runs the length of the room, connecting the beds. “You can’t go wrong with a striped fabric, and using a thick stripe here ensures the bold ceiling doesn’t dominate.” A rug delineates the sleeping zone from play areas. #

Bathroom rules...

TIMELESS A child’s bathroom needs to be designed for when they’re young adults too, says Bonnie. “They grow so quickly and a bathroom isn’t an easy space to update with a lick of paint and new artwork. The layout, fixtures and fittings need to be able to hold their own in five to 10 years’ time.” BE BOLD Think colour and shapes. The finger tiles here are bold and masculine. The pedestal basin and floor-mounted tap gives the room an architectural feel. STORAGE Always factor in extra. Here, we used a mirror with shaving cabinet – thinking ahead! – with a built-in ledge for additional storage space.

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1 Seagrass baskets, $110/set of 2, Living By Design; livingbydesign.net.au. 2 Milli Pure 500mm vertical shower arm, $389, and Mizu Drift overhead shower, $344, both Reece; reece.com.au. 3 Bjorn wall mirror with brass frame, $397, Life Interiors; lifeinteriors.com.au. 4 Mosaic Collection ‘Bar Ocean’ tiles (296x307mm sheet), $170/m², Di Lorenzo Tiles; dilorenzo.com.au. 5 Limnos rattan wall lamp, $120, Few & Far; fewandfar.com.au.

SLEEP & PLAY Dark skirting boards are practical as well as visually strong. Cane furniture is fun and robust while artworks add character.

Fresh ideas & easy updates

● New artwork makes a huge difference. It’s a great way to add personality and an effective way to make the room age-appropriate. ● Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. A feature wall or ceiling creates instant impact. ● Replacing a rug can transform a room. The transition from a colourful

‘kiddie’ rug to a plain, plush, natural weave or circular rug will make a grown-up statement. ● The best and easiest way to update a child’s room is with new bedlinen, cushions and throws.