We first shared Patrick’s Room when he was just new to the world. His monochrome nursery was a gorgeous collection of treasures created in anticipation of his arrival earth side by his mum, Gina Ciancio (you can see the full reveal in or Spring 2017 edition here). As editor of the popular interiors blog Style Curator, it is no surprise that Gina is back with toddler room that ticks all the boxes.
We are delighted to share Patrick’s toddler room… how special to see a little boy grow up, right in front of our eyes, through is evolving room. All. The. Feels.
This cool and calm room is one no dino-lover wants to miss!
TELL US ABOUT THE OWNER OF THIS ROOM
‘Patrick is an outspoken, cheeky and loving two-year-old boy who is currently obsessed with all things dinosaurs. He generally greets people with his fiercest ‘roar’ and an explanation that he’s a T-Rex! So of course, it was essential that his big boy room feature as many dinosaur pieces as possible.’
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
‘I work full-time as a blogger and interior stylist. Style Curator is a hub of all things home inspiration and covers styling tips, unique DIYs, renovation advice, latest products and loads of other design news.’
WHAT WAS THE BRIEF FOR THIS ROOM?
‘Patrick was pretty clear that he wanted it to be a dinosaur themed room and that his favourite colour is blue so that’s the brief I ran with. Having gotten his first nursery wrong – far too stimulating for him to sleep – I also knew I had to create a space that had an overall calm and inviting feel. So as much as I love the look of canopies or pieces suspended from the ceiling, I immediately ruled these out for the sake of sleep!
With a second baby just weeks away, I also worked within a modest budget. I used my styling approach of mixing affordable pieces with some handmade and local designers, and a few luxe pieces too. For example the bed cost under $300 rather than some of the +$1000 options I was eyeing off and this allowed more money for quality bedding and décor in the space.’
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION?
‘Turns out dinosaurs must be the current craze as there were so many products and styles to choose from. I was inspired by the dinosaur quilt cover set I found at Adairs though as it wasn’t too kidsy or young. I looked for other pieces that had a similar feel, like the quilted dinosaur toy on his bookshelf and number artwork.’
HOW DID YOU SELECT YOUR COLOUR PALETTE?
‘The first piece I bought was the bed and I just loved that deep navy colour which set the dominant colour in here. While shopping for accessories, I found a set of string lanterns at Adairs with white, navy and green baubles and thought the combination was beautiful and calming so I decided to use those colours throughout the space.’
PAINT/WALLPAPER NAME & BRAND:
Greyology 2 wall paint by Haymes
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE IN THE ROOM AND WHY?
‘I absolutely adore the personalised neon sign we had made by My Event Décor – it’s a fun piece that also offers a beautiful warm light. And Patrick is loving learning letters at the moment so he really enjoys it too!’
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
‘Restraining myself! I love styling but had to continually remind myself this was a space for my son and not for me. Adding things like an indoor swing or bold feature walls would have been fun but knowing how over stimulated my son can get, I had to hold back on adding things that I wanted and focus on what he would want and need.’
WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS SPACE?
‘It would have to be how the space just reflects my son so well and hearing him tell me how much he loves it. The neutral base also means I can easily change the look over time to reflect his interests – it’s a space that will grow with him.’
GET THE LOOK
Single Bed by Bedsonline
Bookshelf by Incy Interiors
Rug by Rugs of Beauty
Neon sign by My Event Decor
Bedside table by H and G Designs
Numbers and swan artwork by Arthaus
Dinosaur wall prints by TK Maxx
Dinosaur quilt by Adairs
Duvet and POW cushion by Pillow Talk
Timber tool set from Wiggles Piggles
Neo Block train from Wiggles Piggles
Mini animal Dino the Dinosaur by Habitat 101
Paperclip wall hook by Bendo
INSTA LOVE:
‘Ohh that’s a tough one, I love so many!
Michelle Hart Interior Stylist (@michelle_baskinteriors) is an absolute favourite – I adore her styling work, tips and the inspiration she shares.
Catherine Heraghty (@the_stables_) is an account I could scroll through all day. I especially love the modern Australian home she created for herself in the 2 in 12 home build project she just completed.
DIY Shelley (@diyshelley) is an inspiration – she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and shares all the before and after projects and DIYs she creates.’
Photo Credit: Gina Ciancio
