PHOTOGRAPHY (THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT)
JOHN DOWNS,
DEREK SWALELL, BRIGID ARNOTT(OPPOSITE)ARMELLE HABIBKEEP THINGS ORGANISED SO IT’S EASY
FOR YOUR KIDS TO TAKE TOYS OUT AND
play AND ALSO TO PUT THEM AWAY.”
KRISTINA VAN ROOYEN, OWNER, ALL IS PRETTY▲CHAOS CONTROL Built-in storage and chests of drawers (above)
are key to minimising the inevitable mess that children make, says Penny
Thoms, director of online kids’ store In My Hood. “There are so many
beautiful cupboards and drawer options with different finishes – and by
keeping them low at the children’s level, it’s easy for them to pack things
away,” she says. Keeping play to one dedicated area also naturally cuts
down on the clutter. “If you create nooks for them they’re less likely to
go from one room to the other, rummaging,” adds Megan.This cosy space
lends itself to
reading and
quiet time.▲PAGE TURNERS Try creating a cosy reading nook to encourage
your kids to pick up an old-fashioned book and minimise their screen
time. This circular reading niche (above) is lined with acoustic foam to
reduce noise. A synthetic grass matt (try Carpet Capers for similar)
adds a hit of colour. To pique a child’s curiosity about a book, Lilly &
Lolly’s Megan suggests displaying their covers on book shelves, rather
than just the spines. “We’re trying to foster creativity,” she explains. “We
understand that we need to engage children other than with screens.”MAKING MAGIC It’s a good idea to consider the activities that your
kids love best and create “a little magical space for them”, suggests
In My Hood’s Penny. This homemade fort (left) is designed to inspire
adventure and includes a ladder and tambourine from Amigos De
Hoy. “If there is an empty wall in a living area, why not add a little
wall desk and chair and have a cupboard nearby where you can store
all their art and craft?” suggests Penny. “This space can double as
a study nook as well as an art-and-craft station.”AUGUST 2019 I HOMEBEAUTIFUL.COM.AU 193