'Have fun with it': Creating child-friendly spaces that don’t compromise on style

In an era of lockdowns and home-schooling, child-occupied homes can turn into play centres. Luckily there are brands making beautiful objects that don’t compromise on style while encouraging creativity early – and ensuring the home stays somewhere adults feel at peace too.

Inspired by vintage children’s books and modernist artist Enzo Mari’s 1960s print series, the bright and quirky colours of Melbourne-based V.Happy Co brings smiles to faces.

Its Alphapics art prints encourage language awareness with sophisticated, timeless yet playful design.

“It’s an important part of this learning journey, particularly early literacy when it’s so important for them to make connections with interesting shapes and squiggles,” co-owner Esther Navarro-Orejon says.

Founder and designer Vanessa Perilli adds: “It was a constant conversation with family and friends on where to find great kids’ art – it’s been incredible to see the response and see the environments where the prints land.

“People are investing in their homes and creating beautiful sanctuaries to rest, play and dream.”

Similarly, Nikki Davis and Ashleigh Pyke of jnr.life say that, since the pandemic started, more and more parents are wanting to invest in quality pieces that will endure long after the children have finished playing with them.

“After spending time in London working in textiles, I saw how much Australia needed a lifestyle brand that focused on families,” Davis says.

And, Pyke says, the pair “felt that there was an opportunity in the market to create pieces that complemented the modern home”.

They produce Australian-made play objects for children’s spaces that maintain the aesthetics for design-conscious parents.

In a range of calming colours, shapes and fabrics, the “boom boom” play mats and jnr.play soft play-shapes are made for all ages.

From tummy time for newborns to a reading spot for the older ones, the pieces encourage self-directed exploration.

In the textile space, Castle & Things’ distinctive style is instantly identifiable by its bold and bright patterns.

Owner and designer Rachel Castle says her range of bedding, embroideries, art and textiles easily lends itself to kids’ spaces – and adults who are children at heart, as many of her designs for children’s spaces are borrowed from the grown-ups.

“Because they’re constantly growing, you spent a lot of time thinking about those children’s spaces; they always need to be updated,” she says.

For art on the floor, Aboriginal-owned and operated Emro Designs offers the perfect solution.

Minjungbal/Bundjalung woman Emma Rolls saw a gap in the market for Indigenous designs, stories and culture in early-learning environments, and the result is a range of colourful and tactile art-printed rugs that encourage children to gather, tell stories and converse.

“Art for children is so important and allows them to express their feelings, ideas and experiment with different materials,” Rolls says. “In NSW, parents receive $100 Creative Kids vouchers [from the government], which is fantastic. Hopefully, this is something that is adopted by all states.”

Another way to introduce art into kids’ spaces is through wall decals, which can be easily changed as your children grow.

NSW Central Coast-based Olive et Oriel was founded in 2015 by Teigan McCleary, who saw a demand for affordable art. Today the company’s classic Australia-printed designs are well-loved worldwide.

“Ask your children what they love or, better yet, what would they want on their walls?” McCleary says.

“They’ll give you some really out-there ideas, but when you make those ideas come to life, the joy it brings to their faces is inspiring in itself.

“Be bold, have fun with it – remember what it’s like to be a kid again,” she adds.