This may not be the first time you’ve seen the name Francoise Baudet here at Minty Magazine. For the past five years, Francoise has been an integral part of Minty, bringing her expertise behind the lens as our in-house photographer.
Francoise is a self-confessed minimalist and you might be wondering how children and minimalism go hand in hand? Well, we are thrilled to showcase the approach Francoise has taken to stay true to her minimalist style in her new Brisbane-based home that she shares with her husband Matt and two young children, Xavier and Lucette. Today we take you on a tour of seven year old Xavier’s room and talk through the ways that Francoise achieved her minimalist style whilst incorporating colour and personality.
What was the brief for Xavier’s bedroom?
“Having recently moved the family to Brisbane, I wanted the kids to feel excited about their new rooms. I felt it was important for them to have their own special space. My brief was also to inject some personality with fresh colour, and design it to grow with them so that it wasn’t too young and wouldn’t need updating for a while. I wanted the rooms to be practical and prioritised the custom joinery in the budget to create the desks and shelves. Xavier’s room is designed to double as a guest room, so I wanted it to also feel appropriate for someone my age. A quick swap of some books and toys for vases and magazines and we can have guests in there.”
What was your inspiration when bringing the design together?
“I wanted to create something calming for Xavier’s room so I took inspiration from the Noosa Surfer picture. As the room is also our guest space, lush bedding was an important consideration. I am very lucky to be working with Minty Magazine on a regular basis where I get to visit so many amazing rooms and work with Nicole and Madeline in creating such beautiful spaces. I’ve learnt so much from them and always make mental notes of things that I really like. I am always inspired by their work and especially their use of colour and texture. I tend to also do a lot of shopping from what’s on set as there are often so many delicious accessories, lights, linen and toys.”
Your use of colour is beautiful, how did you settle on your selections?
“I’m a minimalist at heart and find colour hard! But, I wanted to make sure the kids’ rooms were warm, inviting and fun. The navy Mustard Made cabinet was my starting point for the colour palette in Xavier’s room. I felt it needed a strong wall colour in a similar tone to complement it. I went with Porter’s Paint Newport Blue. Xavier also loves surfing and chose the Noosa Surfer picture. Blues and greens were then a natural choice.”
What is your favourite feature in Xavier’s room?
“I love the built-in desks. It was the perfect solution to those nooks. The kids feel so grown up at their own desk and it’s nice to be able display their favourite toys and books on the shelving above.”
If you had to pick one thing you most love about each room, what would it be?
“I think I would say having colour on the wall! It instantly brought both rooms to life. I find the Newport Blue from Porter’s Paints in Xavier’s room so calming.”
Photography – Francoise Baudet
Words – Kathryn Bown
This room originally appeared in Minty Magazine Issue 15
Get The Look
Framed Prints – Francoise Baudet // Grey Spot Linen Pillowcase and Ice Grey Velvet Pillowcase – Castle and Things // Marine Blue Pillowcase, Grey Stripe Flat Sheet and Marine Blue Fitted Sheet – I Love Linen // Citron Peacock Double Sided Quilt (sold out) – Society of Wanderers // Bedside Table – Mark Tuckey – Adairs // Fringe Rug in Tan – Langdon Ltd // Wave Artwork – Catherine Baudet // The Midi Locker in Navy – Mustard Made // Mark Tuckey Oak Shelving 3 Tier (sold out) – Adairs //
