We’re constantly trying new things in our home – tweaking our routine in the hope that the kids will drift off to sleep better, fight less, sleep in longer…the list goes on...
What I’ve learnt is that what works for you one week, isn’t guaranteed to work the following. The girls shared a room for a couple of years, but we could never put them to sleep in the same room – they’d end up pulling out all of their toys and either playing or fighting until 10pm. So we’d put Arabella to bed in our room, then carry her in when we went to bed. Recently, we split them up and moved our eldest – Arabella – into her own room. She still wants to fall asleep in our bed (old habits are hard to break) and they still seem to fight over something several times a day so I’m not sure we’ve really achieved the calm abode we were dreaming of (as if a completely calm household is possible with kids – what were we thinking?), but it did give me an excuse to have a bit of fun updating the interior of their rooms. I thought I’d share some of my favourite interior brands for kids’ rooms. If you have any questions about any of the products, email us on info@thegracetales.com. Here we go! Images: Alice Mahran
Lilu
I discovered this brand on one of our favourite children’s lifestyle sites Talo Interiors (they stock fantastic local and international brands for your nursery or kids bedroom). Lilu is a polish brand and their classic wicker pieces are too charming for words. If I could, I’d fill both my children’s rooms with their pieces. The pram and the bookshelf are my favourites. Be quick – these pieces sell out fast. Go to www.talointeriors.com.au
The Bedhead Co.
We recently interviewed the dynamic mother/daughter duo behind The Bedhead Co. on the site. Their beautifully upholstered bedheads are unique, well-made and guaranteed to be a statement piece in your bedroom. I adore this ‘dotty petal’ fabric! Go to www.thebedheadco.com
Lulu & Nat
When it comes to bedding for both adults and kids, I adore Lulu & Nat (so much so, we profiled the founder Lulu Watts on the site last year). I bought the girls some rose print bedding last year and recently updated Lottie’s bed with this cute pink palm print. If you’ve got a boy, how sweet is blue and green palm? You’ll love what they have to offer (there’s not a Disney theme in sight). Think bold stars, farmyard scenes, graphic flowers, elephant prints and a motif of a Bengali tiger adorning everything from oil-cloths to duvet covers. Go to www.luluandnat.com
Armadillo & Co
The story behind Armadillo & Co is as beautiful as the rugs they make. I recently added the Sierra rug in Fairyfloss to Arabella’s room. It’s super soft and handcrafted from a luxurious wool blend in a jagged peak design reminiscent of a knit. You can read our story on co-founder Jodie Fried here. She’s a seriously inspiring woman. Go to www.armadillo-co.com
Castle
Sydney artist Rachel Castle is one of the most talented people you’ll ever meet (and we also share a love of daschunds). Her kids’ bedding is filled with personality and charm. I adore this vibrant throw, which I bought for Arabella’s bed. You can see our recent story on Rachel here. Go to www.castleandthings.com.au
Twentyone Fifteen
Twentyone Fifteen specialises in handmade children’s decor that combines lush tactile fabrics and prints – think Liberty, felt, and denim – with wire. The wall hangings are just the sweetest. Try and pick your favourite! Go to www.twentyonefifteen.com.au
Madreperla
Inspired by a desire to create children’s bedding which was both eco-friendly and beautiful, Madreperla’s heavenly bed linens feature pure cotton-filled quilts and chambray woven linen. The linen fabrics are yarn-dyed, washed for softness and embellished with hand-sewn details. Go to www.madreperla.com.au