Kids have the rest of their lives to have ‘normal’ lighting, now is the time for clouds, stars, animals and spaceships!


for a low VOC paint, or use a natural paint company. Also, if such health factors are important to you, and/or you have allergies in the family,


remember to


research rugs and blind materials, and be aware of any wallpaper adhesives. ‘Colour blocking’ is a fantastic way


to break up the geometry of the room, there are so many fun ways paint can be applied if you open your imagination. This can be a bright pop of colour within a wardrobe, or a frame around a piece of artwork or mirror. Creating blocks of shapes (mountains, triangles, circles) can create focal points that completely change the feel of the room. If you have a low ceiling, bring the wall colour up over the cornice to ‘push the ceiling’ further up. There are so many fantastic mural and wallpaper patterns these days, so that you can go ‘wild,’ or have a ‘jungle,’ ‘sea,’ or ‘forest’ theme. However, try to keep most patterns to one aspect of the room so that you maintain a calming environment that doesn’t risk overstimulation. If you keep your design to a theme say a ungle or eample then work with just a few colours (green, light beige, blue) across the whole room, to harmonise and bring it all together. As a company, we try to use our designs to encourage as many moments together as a family as possible. Therefore we advise using a large sofa or armchair, or futon if the space allows, to encourage reading moments together. I have also seen from my own home that books displayed with their covers outwards helps children to select one at night-time, while working as beautiful, happy ‘artwork’ to decorate the shelves. This is done best with narrow depth ‘art’ shelves. We also recommend keeping


14 www.sbhonline.co.uk


these shelves within easy reach for kids, to inspire self-reading.


When it comes to blinds, we advise a ‘double layer’ approach if possible. A linen sheer for privacy if you are overlooked, but still keeps the light in, and then a blackout lined curtain to block the light for sleeping. If you believe your child needs total blackout, maybe consider a pelmet or returning curtain pole. Don’t forget to have fun with accessories. There are no rules with these spaces, so don’t limit yourself to ‘bog standard’ choices when it comes to wardrobe handles, mirrors, curtain ties, coat hooks or door stops. We use trims such as pom pom or fringe trims


on our blinds or curtains to create little details that bring a smile eture and materiality are important. Leather handle pulls can create a tactile connection, or a sheepskin rug evokes cosiness. Photos of happy memories and family can be hung in colourful frames, or if you are handy with a sewing machine, perhaps match the teddys outfit with the same abric as the bedspread.


My number one piece of advice is you don’t have to spend a lot of money, but just some time and thought, to create a dream-conjuring, atmospheric environment for your little ones.


Cathrine Dal is an interior designer and founder of Cat Dal Interiors


sep/oct 2022


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76