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CREATE a space that will encourage your kids to learn . . . We believe that designing the perfect learning space where a child can learn fosters wellbeing and a healthy mind. When designing learning spaces, our aim is to create an organised environment. Free from clutter and distraction, kids will want to use their space and enjoy making it their own.Using the basic building blocks of a kid's desk, chair, lighting, bookcase and a frameless pinboard to pin up all the notices and reminders like a pinboard is all you need to make this happen.Design your own colour scheme around your kid's character and add some personal touches.     TIP #1 A kids' DESK is most important for easy learning. Choosing the right sized desk will depend on the size of the space as well as your kid's needs. As laptops have superseded encyclopedia's, the demand for a big desk has decreased. TIP #2A good desk CHAIR is the second piece of furniture vital to both a child's comfort and posture, making it easier to learn. An upholstered seat is a very comfortable option and a gas lift chair is a great investment as it allows the child to adjust their seat as they grow. TIP #3A BOOKCASE is a vital piece to keep the learning space organised as well as have resources easily accesible for kids. The bookcase cavities themselves are not only handy for books, but folders and notes that can easily take up valuable desk space. TIP #1Look for the right desk light to help your kids see the work they are focused on. The best lights are lamps which have the ability to be adjusted and swivel so that the light itself can be focused directly onto the task at hand. TIP #2Use a 60 to 80 watt light bulb for detail oriented tasks. Avoid cool flourescent bulbs that emit harsh lighting that can strain kid's eyes and can cause tiredness. Opt for warm halogen bulbs that are close to natural daylight and place less strain on kid's eyes. TIP #3To find the right bedside light to read by, look for a lamp which emits a diffused light through a shade or one where the light is focused away from the face. Use a warm 40W globe which will emit a subdued light to reduce the stimulation of a bright light. TIP #1One of the best concepts for kid's learning spaces are PIN BOARDS. Hang artwork, awards, reminders and photos to keep the desk clutter free. TIP #2PENCIL POTS are an invaluable way to keep pens and pencils neatly contained and readily accessible. Ina range of colours and sizes to suit your kid's colour theme, it's a little item that can not only beautify the desk, but serve to keep the desk neat and tidy. TIP #3STORAGE BASKETS are a great way to categorise kid's bits and pieces into organised bliss. The idea is to assist kid's desks to be as clutter free as possible to reduce distraction and have everything in its right place. Look for baskets that are colourful and not too big, so kids can sort their items into categories. Photo features: Curved Rectangle Pinboard Lilac | Scoop Desk  

Lilly & Lolly work with talented interior designers across Australia.One of our Sydney based designers, Amy Smith from Smith & Co. Interiors created this amazing shared bedroom for Miss 4 and Miss 7.Read below how she created this gorgeous eye-popping space! About Amy...I’ve always loved textiles and design, prior to interiors I studied and worked in the clothing industry in Melbourne. Returning to my hometown of Brisbane in 2009 compelled me to leave the rag trade and I found myself in a national décor role, developing and selling building products for an acrylic manufacturer. I have been able to hone my skills and assist clients....and achieve spaces they love to live in. At this stage my husband (a builder) and I started renovating and selling our own properties. This process sparked my real interest in interiors and appreciate how important effective lighting, colours, shapes and design is to a space. Through further studies, I have been able to hone my skills and assist clients streamline the design process and achieve spaces they love to live in. What draws you to design spaces for kids? Creativity and imagination can be limitless when designing a kid’s room. I love being able to mix a variety of colours and patterns, tailoring it to each child’s personality and interests. What Amy says about this room... Created for two sweet sisters (Miss 4 and Miss 7) sharing a room for at least the next 12 months. The bedroom already had built in robes and was approximately 3.4 x 4m in size. The clients were after something girly but sophisticated enough to still inspire them into their early teenage years. When designing kids bedrooms what is important to you...Not to be overwhelming. There’s a fine line between injecting playfulness whist not being chaotic. Everyone wants their child to feel safe and ultimately calm when they put them to bed at night. Too much clutter does not promote restfulness for little people, so we always want a space that is soft and relaxing for children. What are the current trends for kid's bedrooms?Happy to say we are seeing less whimsical and pastels. Bunk beds are very popular and a great way to create extra space for a desk or beanbag. Universally kids love seeing their own art or awards on display in their rooms, so pinboards or bookcases continue to be integrated. Is it important to create a space that kid's can grow in?Yes and no. Client’s are realistic with the different stages their children and therefore their rooms will go through. We always like to get some longevity out of larger investment pieces like beds and drawers, however decorative elements will be interchangeable and adapt as their child matures and their interests change. Room features: Lilly & Lolly's King Single Beds (Charlie Upholstered Bed | Augustus fabric) & Charlie Bedsides (Whitewash). If you want to have a beautifully designed space for your kids contact Amy Smith. studio@smithandcointeriors.com.au Photography @jacquelinewhytephotographer  

Dreaming of days at the beach? There is nothing more to look forward to than going to the beach with your children. So if you're into the relaxed lifestyle of surfing and swimming, here is some awesome new artwork to adorn your kid's interiors to keep them dreaming about all the joy that coastal living can bring. InspirationThis kids' bedroom look came from the clients passion for water. We choose a colour palette wth cool blue and olive layers interspersed with the warm sandy natural tones of timber to reflect the beachside. We wanted to create a relaxed look so that the room felt like you were on holidays - every day!The Design BriefThis bedroom was designed for a young man who loves water. Playing water polo at school, squad training daily and surfing on the weekend, he's what you would call 'a water baby'. The natural linen duvet is the perfect combination with the charcoal upholstered bed, creating a pleasing contrast. The finishing touch of the Solano striped throw delivered all the colours of the room to complete the look. The fabric choice for the bed Alluvian colour Stovall. Artwork We added the perfect finishing touch to this space with this unique circular print on canvas. This design is printed on premium canvas and finished with a slim synthetic timber-look aluminium frame. Longboard Framed Canvas Circle.  

From bookcases to rugs, there is a 'how to' for everything that makes sense to make your life easier. Over the years we've learned a few tips that you may find helpful in your home - here are some of our favourites!