Two great kids' interior trends from Dulux

Dulux recently sent out 2014 colour trend info and I loved these two children's spaces that stylist Heather Nette King created. Yes, colour is big again this year, as well as the use of metallics as an accent and chalkboard paint.

I've seen so many metallic gold decal walls recently - dots, bees, and more. This is a big trend! You can paint gold dots with a stencil like Heather did, or source gold decals. Indoor teepees are also here to stay. It must be so lovely to feel cocooned and cosy inside one, and it's a great place to chuck all the toys into when visitors drop in.

Teepee: Lilly & Lolly
Pink cushion: Lilly & Lolly
Pink rug: Lilly & Lolly
Log and patchwork cushion: House of Orange
Doll: A Little Vintage Doll
Wall dot paint: Dulux Design Pearl in Urban Pearl

You can update any chest of drawers by painting coloured panels. The chalkboard paint is a fun idea for labelling drawers. I also like that a few (but not all) of the knobs are painted with contrasting colours. Those cardboard deer heads are still popping up in all sorts of interiors too. I'm not hugely excited about the hunting reference, but they certainly add cool factor without harming a soul.

Chest of drawers: IKEA
Rug: House of Orange
Wooden Robot: Lilly & Lolly
Drawer paint colours: Dulux Design Chalkboard in Teal Trip, Annular and Sharp Yellow.

Would you try the gold wall dots, or painting your child's dresser?

Images: Dulux

Australian Artist Spotlight: Meredith Gaston

My friend Renay is one of the most stylish people that I know so when she mentioned some new artwork that she had just had framed for her daughters, I raced over to her car to check it out. There peeking out behind bubble wrap were the gorgeous wide-eyed characters of Sydney/Berlin-based artist Meredith Gaston.

Meredith creates paintings, watercolours and illustrations where rosy-cheeked nymphettes play with swans and love birds amongst a patchwork of colourful dreamworlds. Her artworks are brilliant for little ones with their active imaginations (and big ones too). The hardest part will be choosing just one (I'm sure I couldn't).

Oh - and Meredith has also published a beautifully illustrated book Tucked In: For Everyone Having a Doona Day which aims to help us "discover that our tucked-in time can be as creative as it is restorative, enriching our days and bringing joy to our lives". Sounds lovely to a snoozer like me.

You can find Meredith Gaston artwork on the website (contact Meredith directly) as well as galleries around Australia. Find more amazing Australian artists in the Australian Artist Spotlight category here on Bondville.

Images: Meredith Gaston

Australian Artist Spotlight: Kaili Art

Sassy Brisbane-based artist Kaili Ittensohn was featured on the decor8 blog recently as blog author Holly had just purchased one of her original artworks. Holly sees literally thousands of artworks on Etsy, so being purchased and shipped to Germany is no mean feat and speaks volumes for Kaili! I thought it was the kind of style that you guys would love as well - whimsical girls, sweet intentions, and a wonderful feel for colour.

I've really been enjoying looking through Kaili's art portfolio on Flickr, seeing how her style is evolving and consolidating over time. And here's the kicker - Kaili is an entirely self-taught artist! And she's only 25 years old. AND, she has two children. How's that for motivation.

You can find Kaili Art on Etsy and Ebay. Check out Kaili's videos on YouTube (this is one connected gal). And a big thanks Holly for bringing Kaili to our collective attention.

Images: Kaili Art