Children, as you know (because at some stage you were one too), are creative, innovative and greatly imaginative.
Welcome on-board as we discover 8 super great and easy tips for creating the perfect kids’ space and having fun in doing so.
1. Get the Kids Involved to Create the Perfect Kids Room
– you will make them feel like a million bucks if you do!
Great time for bonding, sharing thoughts and ideas too.
Let them choose specific colours and themes – these can effectively be incorporated in the room’s decorative accessories – furnishings, cushions, artwork or even a stuffed toy.
2. Moodboard, Google, Lego, Play Dough, Library and Magazines
Creating a moodboard with the kids can be fun. They can gather pictures of furniture, accessories and ideas they like and together you can create a fun new world of bright decorating ideas.
– and off you all go to the library
Get a couple of Creative Ideas for Kids Room books and magazines to take home. Give them each (yourself included) strips of coloured paper to use as place holders for pictures they found. You can even colour code the place holders. For example, red for beds. Blue for pictures on the wall, etc.
– just Google …
Oh yes! Then there is GOOGLE. Need I say more? On Google, you can visit furniture provider sites. The beauty of this is, on the web page, sizes and description of the item are found. The images can be downloaded, printed and added to your moodboard.
– then there is Lego …and Play Dough too
Nifty little fingers can Lego build a bed or mould one from Play Dough. Build a bedroom wall and even add a floor. Lego and Play Dough would work very well to simulate items in the room and where to place the furniture. The advantage of using Play Dough is that it comes in all the basic colours. This would help with the choice of prefered colours for an item.
3. The Value of a Moodboard
Helps you gather ideas and inspirations into once place.
It will give you an idea of what the finished room will look like.
It will give you an idea of what will work in the room or not – be it the colour scheme, furniture and accessories.
When it comes to decorating an area knowing sizes do matter – for example, would the size of the room be large enough to accommodate the bunker bed you were thinking of putting in it?
It will help you to stay with the original plan.
It will help you to make changes to the original plan and then to evaluate whether the changes will work for the area or not.
At Let’s Revamp Property Styling and Decorating, we understand the value of creating a moodboard. Need some help or advice to create your moodboard? Please contact us – https://letsrevamp.com.au/interior-decorating/
4. Child Bedroom Furniture
There are some really wonderful and not too expensive child bedroom furniture out there.
Decide on furniture not only for their durability and sturdiness but one that the child can grow into.
Choose furniture that matches or highlight the basic colour scheme of the room.
5. Featuring….Beds
The Bunk Bed
These are top of the list space savers. Generally, bunk beds consist of two beds. One on top of the other with ample space between. Often bunk beds would have storage space under the lower bed or beneath the top bed.
Midi Sleepers
Truly an inspirational and awesome space saver.
The space under the midi sleeper can be utilised for additional storage or a study desk.
It is worthy to note that even the steps leading up to the bed have been optimised for storage. Such a great idea.
The Car Bed
As the name would suggest – beds resembling vehicles. These beds have the capacity to create wonderful memories. The only negative feature would be that children would eventually outgrow them and therefore would need to be replaced with age-appropriate beds.
The Trundle Bed
These beds are great space savers.
Trundle beds are low profile bunk beds and great for kid sleepovers.
Under the bed, there is an extra bed that can be pulled out.
Some trundle beds have hideaway storage drawers instead of a bed.
The space savers are those with storage drawers tucked away within the pull out bed.
Then there is the bedroom suite
Kids’ bedroom suites are a set of coordinating furniture for the room.
6. Theme Park Bedrooms
Rather stay away from decorating the room to represent a theme park trend. Kids grow up and trends change.
Redecorating the room each time for the next phase or trend will cost you a lot of money.
Rather choose a contemporary theme that can easily and cost-effectively be changed.
Themes can successfully be incorporated into the bedroom with themed decorative cushions, accessories and artwork.
7. Accessorise
Accessorise – the best kept decorative secret that can magically and inexpensively transform a space into something marvellous and wonderful without changing the basics.
Decorative cushions are so versatile and accommodating. They can easily be switched out to complement any theme and used for pop colours too.
If you have not been using a throw before why not add one now.
Bring artificial plants into the area.
With accessories your options are limitless. But a word of warning though. Do not over accessorize. This will make the room look small and cluttered.
8. Natural Light and Curtains
Avoid using heavy dramatic curtaining in your child’s room. This will make the room look and feel gloomy.
Using neutral colour gauzy curtains and a blackout blind will give you the best results.
Please leave a comment or contact us.
We would love to hear how your venture went with the kids lending a helping hand to create the perfect kids’ room.
Maybe you have other suggestions or ideas. Please send us an email or drop us a line in our comment box.
You are also welcome to contact or email us if you need any help with creating the perfect kids’ room or any other home decorating project.
How to Create Home School Space in Your Dining Room
Having done your research about homeschooling you realize you need a space that will function as a classroom and be enjoyable at the same time. School can happen amongst regular home life and not sequestered from it.
So why not homeschool in the dining room? Dining rooms usually have the best natural light in the house and a table large enough to accommodate the homeschoolers.
1. Prepping
Work with what you have. You do not need a picture-perfect homeschool space. The priority is creating a space that is enjoyable, comfortable and welcoming.
If you need to move some furniture around do so. If you are not quite sure about the best way to arrange the area contact our property stylists or interior decorators. You’ll be glad you did.
2. What Colour Scheme Will Work Best and Why
Colour is fascinating and play a huge part in our perception of an area.
Do not overwhelm the area with an assortment of colour and paper paraphernalia, for example, posters. At the end of the day, once all is easily cleared away, you would still want your dining room to look like a dining room.
Keep colours toned down and coordinated.
Choose colours that will match and blend in with what is already there.
Maybe you have been thinking of repainting the dining area. Now would be a good time to do so. It’s amazing what a can of paint can do. If you do not want to paint the whole area, choose a wall to accent.
3. Storage
Honestly, there is a zillion of storage options out there. To start with, gather what you have. Even old containers and jars can be revamped. Get the children involved. They can even do some of the painting jobs for you, giving them an opportunity adding their own personal touch to their home-school.
Empty tin cans or boxes can hold pencils and an assortment of crayons.
Cube Storage Units are the way to go. These units are so versatile. They can stand upright or lay on the side. Not all cubes need to be filled with Storage Compact Cubes. Cubicles without containers can be used, for example, stacking readers upright.
Cube Storage Units and Compact Cubes are available in an assortment of colour. There is sure to be a colour that will complement the “Dining Room Classroom” and go well with the rest of the dining room theme.
Click on the links below to see examples of cube storage units available at:
Cube storage ottoman are sturdy and versatile. Not only can items be stored in them, but they can also be sat on.
Benchtop storing units are very versatile too. The benchtop area can be utilised for an array of items, for example, a flat-screen TV for video lessons.
The type of storage you want to achieve here is one that will be inconspicuous yet functional.
Once friends and family find out that you are proposing homeschooling, they are generally generous and eager to donate items for your school.
Be selective in what you accept and collect. Too much stuff will cause clutter and stress.
Accept and keep only that which you need. From time to time give the area a good declutter.
5. Back to the Dining Room
School’s out. Clearing away the day’s school stuff would be a cinch – everything goes back into their place ready for tomorrow.
Eating and doing school at the same table encourages and establishes the habit to pick up after every activity whether it be school or eating.
Around the same table where pupils had gathered, brainstormed and interacted the dining table now becomes a place of family interaction and enjoyment around food.
Note:
In this dining room image, storage cupboards are clearly visible yet not intrusive.
6. What If The Dining Room Is In An Open Plan Living Area.
Think outside the “square” when it comes to open plan living areas.
Homeschooling in an open plan living area will be great! While preparing meals you can lend a helping hand at schoolwork.
Should you wish to demarcate the study area and retain the open plan feel, this can easily be achieved by using Cube Storage Units.
With the exciting news of expecting your baby comes the realisation that you must create a new living space within your home for the precious little one.
Therefore, the best idea is to think and plan ahead for the growing years when decorating and preparing the baby room.
Make no mistake that the cute little human being will soon demand a space and a life of its own. Choosing a contemporary scheme is perfect. The room must be practical and easily changeable from one phase to another during your baby’s growing years.
1. Keep Things Simple, Practical and Looking Good
The room is to be tranquil, comfortable, bathed in beautiful colours and cute decor.
Safe and convenient access to storage units is a must. Unobstructed view of the cot always is of paramount importance.
2. Rugs
Use rugs of natural wool. The fibres are long, strong and durable and can last for many years. Natural wool exhibits stain and dirt-repellent properties due to the natural lanolin coating found on the surface of the wool, therefore, making wool easy to clean should spills occur.
The colour and shape of the rug will depend on the scheme you have chosen for the room. Interior decorators do recommend choosing a rug similar to the colour of the floor. Strong contrasting colour can make a room look smaller.
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3. Identify a Focal Point
The cot need not be the focal point. A large toy can be the focal point or a window or even the change table area.
Why not paint the ceiling with a soothing complementing colour or add a mural or decal?
Should the ceiling be the focal point, repeat the same the colour in some of the decorative accessories.
4. Sorting and Storing Baby’s Clothes
Buy a few clear plastic storage containers, some labelling stickers and a black felt tip pen. Clothes your baby will be wearing at a later stage can be stored in these containers. Label the container according to size and contents.
Organise baby’s clothing according to size. Place the items that will be worn and used when the baby arrives into the dresser drawers and cupboard.
Use a shelving unit with adjustable shelves for additional storage space. Add baskets containers to the shelves. Store items in the baskets and accessorise unused shelves with baby toys etc
Ikea has a great variety of shelving units. The Algot system combined with a two-drawer cabinet grabbed my attention. It is versatile and can still be in use during the growing up years just by adding what is needed.
6. Nursery Furniture
Plan ahead when choosing nursery furniture. The beautiful bassinet crib will soon have to make way for a toddler-sized bed. Thinking ahead will ensure that you make wise space-saving choices that will save you money.
7. Windows
Installing blackout curtains or blinds will keep the room comfortable during the day and help your baby sleep longer.
8. Last Minute
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare the baby’s room. Getting a head start will prevent stress and ensure that you will have enough energy to finish the job.
A good idea would be to start a “to-do” and a “to purchase” list.
Choosing the Best Colour Scheme for Your Baby’s Room
As parents we want to create that perfect haven of peaceful bliss for the baby and we have so many decorating options available today to make our child’s room a nurturing, comfortable and beautiful place.
So before rushing out the door and buying the cutest, trendiest and latest baby furniture and gadgets for your soon to arrive little one, first do some decorative planning for the baby’s room starting with choosing the best colour scheme for your baby’s room.
The Theory of Colour
We know different colours influence and affect us in different ways. So why not apply this knowledge when it comes to choosing the colour scheme for your baby’s nursery?
RED – is an emotionally intense colour and should only be used for focal points or pop off colour – less is best.
ORANGE – evokes feelings of warmth and comfort – it is a nice colour that can be used in the nursery. Use a darker orange to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
YELLOW – is a lively, cheerful and happy colour. Use muted yellow colours like the yellow of post-it notepaper.
GREEN– is natural, calming, relaxing and soothing. A good colour to use in the nursery but stay with subtle hues of green such as sage and moss.
BLUE – evokes calm and serenity. Use warm, bright or subdued blues.
PURPLE – a symbol of luxuriousness, royalty and wealth. Use pastel purples or very pale shades like lavender and lilacs.
WHITE – White is angelic, sweet, pure, clean and innocent – but do not go all white it may seem cold and harsh. Use white as a foundation on which to build and incorporate other colours into the nursery. Opt for the creamier shades of white like soft ivory and antique white.
PINK – has a calming effect and is associated with love, kindness and nurturing. Use bright pinks to accentuate features in the nursery but generally stay with the pale soft gentler hues of pink.
GREY – is subdued, quiet and reserved. When using grey, use warm tones or very light greys, avoiding dark greys. Add bright colours to the room. Grey is a neutral colour and makes other colours stand out.
BROWN – is earthy and evokes strength, reliability and isolation. Use this colour sparingly and balance with other colours. Avoid the middle shades of brown. Go with dark chocolate brown, beige and tan.
BLACK – represents strength, seriousness and power. Use this colour sparingly and preferably as an accent colour. Repainting black walls is a nightmare. Ensure the room has access to a lot of natural light and large windows.
NEUTRALS – probably the best of all the choices are neutrals shades. They evoke warmth and present a cosy atmosphere. Neutrals make other colours sing.
These colours can be incorporated into the nursery in many ways.
Main colour scheme
Painting the walls – one wall or all
Furniture
Decorative items
Bold Accents
Rugs
Artwork
Baby paraphernalia
Pop off colours
Choosing the Best Colour Scheme for Your Baby’s Room
You are now armed with a little colour “know how” enabling you to transform the room into a blissful sanctuary for the little one by adding the furniture and decorative items.
Spring is the reason to feel energetic and to SPRING CLEAN – sweeping and clearing away the clinging remnants of winter. Spring cleaning benefits the mind, body and spirit.
Before you start, open the windows to let fresh spring air into your house. This is the best air freshener yet.
A Few Tips
Read through the blog from start to finish before starting your spring cleaning as there are ideas and tips that you need to do that will assist you in getting the job done in one day.
Get the washing machine going – wash items whilst getting on with other cleaning tasks.
Spray and soak – spray recommended cleaning agents onto the shower walls, bathtub, toilet and basins. They will do the hard work for you while you are busy with other tasks.
1. Bathroom
Vacuum and machine wash throw-rugs.
Vacuum the ceiling and walls using the brush attachment. Then wipe with an all-purpose cleaner.
Wash mirrors and the insides of the windows with microfiber cloths.
Rinse the shower from the top down.
Next, clean the toilet from the top of the tank to the rim, then the bowl (scrub well with toilet scrubbing brush) and then the base.
Keep all cloths used for cleaning the bathroom separate and wash them in a hot water.
Add cleanser to the floor. Let it soak. Wipe clean with water and mop on your way out.
2. Bedrooms
Remove ALL bed linen – and wash them in the order of what goes onto the bed first.
Items that are too large to wash can be hung on a clothesline to freshen in the sunlight and spring air. (A good idea would be to hang these out before starting your spring cleaning). I especially do this with pillows and cushions. Where possible air mattresses too.
Vacuum (with the brush attachment) and wipe the walls.
Wipe switch plates, door frames, architraves and skirting.
If you cannot wash the curtains, have them dry-cleaned. I have found that hanging the curtains back when slightly damp, helps them to hang out nicely with minimum creases.
Wipe down mirrors, artwork glass and frames with microfiber cloths.
Give the carpet a thorough vacuum or have them cleaned professionally.
3. Kitchen
The Refrigerator
Switch off the fridge at the start of your spring-cleaning day.
Place all contents from the fridge into a cooler.
Let shelves and drawers reach room temperature before washing them. This will prevent them from cracking when put into hot water.
Mix 1 litre of hot water and 2 tablespoons baking soda. Use this mixture to wipe the fridge interior clean. Pay special attention to the egg holders.
Clean the door seals with mild dishwashing liquid and remove all debris. Dry the seals well.
Wipe the exterior down and buff with microfibre cloth.
The Stove and Oven
If removable stovetop parts are very greasy, leave them overnight in soapy water.
Wash all removable stovetop parts in hot soapy water and scrub them with cleaning pads suitable for use with stovetop items.
The next step can also be done in advance or between other tasks: spray the oven with approved oven cleaner. Leave the cleaner on for the recommended time and wipe off.
The Microwave
To get stubborn food particles off from the inside of the microwave oven, boil water and some lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl for 3 minutes. The steam will loosen the particles and the lemon will lift the grease and leave the microwave smelling nice and fresh too. Wipe down the inside.
Windows and Surfaces
Clean the windows with a microfibre cloth.
Make a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid to wipe down all surfaces drawers and cupboards.
Floors
Sweep or vacuum the floors and then mop them.
NOTE:
A product I have been using on my kitchen floors is KOH
I also use it to clean my glass-ceramic stovetop. It is none abrasive and is environmentally sound and certified. I also prefer using it to wipe down the kitchen cabinets etc.
For stubborn marks and spots, I have found using Chux Magic Eraser invaluable.
4. Living Room
Dust ceiling fans with a microfiber extendable duster that bends to a 90-degree angle. This saves you getting up on a ladder.
Clean the windows.
Dust down electronic equipment.
Clean out the fireplace.
Wipe down sofas and chairs or where possible vacuum, taking care not to rip off any buttons.
Give the carpet a thorough vacuum or have them cleaned professionally.
5. Order In for Dinner – you deserve it.
Disclaimer: always read manufacturer instruction before using cleaning agents.