Gingham is proving to be one of the hottest interior trends of the year. The classic checkerboard pattern has made a comeback with an effortless appeal that is simple yet cheerful. Whether it’s in bold hues or neutral tones, gingham is a versatile pattern that commands attention. It was love at first sight when I saw these images come through from Liberty Interiors. Nicole has created not just one, but two stunning rooms using this classic check wallpaper in a contemporary Melbourne home.
Liberty Interiors founder and interior decorator Nicole Rosenberg is the queen of children’s rooms that exude style and personality. What started out as a passion project when decorating the bedrooms for her own children, has now blossomed and Nicole is one of Australia’s most sought-after interior decorators. The bold use of colour is her signature style, combined with design elements that merge the playful nature of children’s rooms with the aesthetic of a modern home. On this recent project, Liberty Interiors were given full creative control to makeover the bedrooms for twin boys Mason and Harley.
Check Mate
The distinctive check wallpaper from Milton and King is the standout feature of these rooms, combined with fun animal characters and a couple of clever Ikea hacks. The 7-year-old twin boys, Mason and Harley both love animals, superheros, dinosaurs and trucks, so hints of their favourite things have been incorporated throughout.
White might be the obvious choice for built-ins however in this instance, Nicole embodies her mantra “don’t be afraid of colour”. In keeping with the theme, the wardrobes in Mason’s room were painted in Dulux Dinosaur, a warm green that connects with the rest of the room. Combining classic elements with the glorious green gingham wallpaper, Nicole added contemporary items such as the ‘Cabazon Dinosaur’ art print by Jacqui Turk and grey pinstripe bed linen from I Love Linen.
Making a Statement
The first Ikea hack was using the ‘Besta’ storage unit in oak. Nicole sourced the coolest dinosaur handles from Etsy to customise the finish. The result looks like custom-made joinery without the expense! Then using the basic ‘Lack’ shelf also from Ikea, the shelves have a completely new look by adding leather wall brackets.
Twin brother Harley loves building things and just like his brother, loves animals. His bedroom features the same Milton and King gingham wallpaper, this time in navy to maintain consistency. Harley’s room features the Jacqui Turk ‘Venice Beach Skater’ print and bedding in navy, white and grey. The animal heads peeking out of the walls are by Fiona Walker and add a little visual interest over the reading nook. The wardrobes in Harley’s room are painted in Dulux Blue Metal finished with solid brass door handles for a luxe look. “Our clients couldn’t be happier with the impact this wallpaper has made to the space. The scale and design of the hand-painted check, designed by Bethany Linz is one that has stood the test of time and won’t ever go out of fashion” adds Nicole. The end result is a handsome couple of kids bedrooms that will stand the test of time.
Get The Look
Wallpaper – Milton and King // Wall Lights – Beacon Lighting // Animal Heads – Fiona Walker // Art Print – Cabazon Dinosaur and Venice Beach Skater by Jacqui Turk Prints // Sheets – I Love Linen // Dinosaur Handles – Etsy // Joinery – Ikea Besta // Bed – Life Interiors // Leather Wall Brackets – Made Measure // Brass Door Handles – Lo and Co //
Photography – Elise Scott