August Summer Break 7

A day's planning

Children's Spaces

As much as our environment shapes who we are and how we act (and as we all know have a great affect on how we feel in general), children's spaces normally need to be far more multi-functional than that of our adult environments.

Sleeping, studying, playing are all everyday occurrences within their space but most importantly it is widely documented that the environment has a direct impact on their development in general. Textures, colours, patterns, shapes are just a few 'tools' which can be used to aid this.

In my advertising career I worked with many children's brands and one thing that was consistently at the forefront of any research and thinking was the importance of 'play'. Many parents put play into a box which is seen as 'time out' and some even see it as time wasting, for example they feel their children should be reading a book or learning a new subject.  An unfortunate and sad reflection on our competitive world. However, play stimulates many development factors of a child; creative thinking, interactivity, self-esteem and general social skills such as sharing etc. It's their one chance in life where they can be in charge and by doing this allows them to develop as a person, learning their boundaries as they go. The role of play therefore should never be underestimated.

Putting the play theory together with design 'tools' means you are able to develop the perfect children's space be that a simple or elaborate interior/exterior environment.

And my parting thought.  Many times, when we are designing a child's bedroom, we forget to tap into one of the key inspirations, the child themselves.  After all their minds are at times far more creative than ours.

Now for the first board in the series is Harry's Room. A vibrant space for a young lad using a combination of shapes, patterns and colour. A repeat pattern penguin wallpaper is complimented by a colour range of off blues brightened by striped blinds with an indigo denim trim and a height chart wall sticker. The playful feel is finished with a large mushroom lamp, antique style 1920's race car and unique yet practical ways to display their belongings.



Suppliers:
Isak Penguin Wallpaper Turquoise
All paint colours Farrow and Ball, Great White, Skylight, Blue Ground, Drawing Room Blue
Ian Mankin Worthing Stripe
Ian Mankin Indigo Denim
Shelving via Pininterest (sorry lost original link)
Punkin Patch Thomas Bed
Baby Face Striped Rug
Baby Face Gingham Bedding
Harry's Toy Box
Egmont Large Mushroom Lamp
Marquant Vintage Toy Car
Boudie and Fou Wall Chart

Rummaging on a grand scale

Those that know me know that I love a good rummage, but this is a rummage on a rather grand scale. Reminiscent of the recent sale held at our beloved Chatsworth, much of the late Dutch Queen Juliana's possessions are going under the hammer with Southerby's in Amsterdam this week.

Interested viewers from around the world have been found musing through a maze of oak tables, silver, threadbare armchairs, marble mantle clocks and giant chandeliers. Walls lined with oil and watercolor paintings with images of where once they were homed. And with much respect to the late Queen, even the paddles are orange.

I felt for one bidder, described as a collector and a royal fan, and was hoping to buy some antique porcelain he was quoted as saying

"I have the same problem as the royal household, where do I put it all?".

I know the feeling!

Catwalk Capsule

Would love to be wearing this today, grey and yellow hues with white accents - bring on the sunshine!

All images courtesy of Anthropologie

Lucienne Day - 1 January 1917 to 30 January 2010
Thank you for your inspiration.

Camping and a fresh outlook

Yes, I haven't blogged for a while now, Yes, I have been a bit lapse, No, I have not lost interest. Mr S and I have just been camping for four glorious days down in Sussex. Long walks, bird song, great food on the barbie, weather was grand, wish we could have said the same about the caravan! Joking aside we had a magic time which has inspired many new ideas, keep checking back as they will be on here soon. In the meantime have a great weekend, fingers crossed the sun stays out, I'll be back soon with more on our glamorous get-away!