Time for Junior to move into his own room? Skip the cookie-cutter furniture and go for these cool options. By NIKKI FUNG
Time for Junior to move into his own room? Skip the cookie-cutter furniture and go for these cool options. By NIKKI FUNG.
If you like a nostalgic touch, but still want playful colours, Kidsmill’s Chalk collection is just what you’re looking for. With ornate edgings, legs and handles, the wardrobe, chest and cot (which converts to a junior bed) will lend a romantic feel Time for Junior to move into his own room? Skip the cookie-cutter furniture and go for these cool options. By NIKKI FUNG it’s my space to your little one’s room. The colourful pieces (pictured above) start from $1,129. They’re also available in classic white (left), from $1,079. Find them at the Deer Industries showroom at #07-05 Tan Boon Liat Building. Visit www.deerindustries.com.
If a country theme works for you, pick up the Victoria vanity ($359) from Piccolo House. The pure white dressing table and matching stool have classic-style turned legs, and a sparkling, gem-like knob on the dresser drawer. Your little lass will also love the Vanilla dollhouse bookshelf (pictured, $549) with its dainty scalloped edges. If she needs more storage space, the low console storage unit ($399) has three reversible drawers on castors, with a different colour on each side, so she can customise the colour scheme based on her mood. Visit www.piccolo-house.com.
If you want cute, modern storage, check out these adorable cabinets from Finsk. The round edges minimise accidents and make them great for the kids’ room. Plus, the neutral white and natural wood colour combo lets it fit in with any colour scheme. The mirror on the low dresser con sole (pictured above) can also fold flat, so it doubles as a bedside table. Finsk mini cabinet, $450, and Finsk contemporary low dresser console, $550, available from Born in Colour. Visit www.born incolour.com.sg.
If your kid wants a themed bed, Harvey Norman is the place to go. Its new flagship superstore at Millenia Walk is said to have the largest range of furniture labels in the city – and it hasn’t left the kids out. The store has a section dedicated to cool beds that are perfect for adding a larger-than-life touch to your child’s room. Boys will love the fire enginered Beetle single car bed (pictured, $1,299) or London Bus Double Decker bed set ($1,999). And treat your little lady just right with the Princess K carriage bed ($1,729). The superstore is located at #01-59 to 63 / #02-37 to 41 / #03-02 Millenia Walk. Visit www.harveynorman.com.sg.
If multitasking furniture appeals to you, the convertible furniture from Spanish designer brand Alondra will grow with your little one. The colourful K350 convertible cot (pictured, $2,069) starts as a cot with an attached four-drawer changing table. When your child gets too big for his crib, the structure easily converts into a junior bed with a builtin bedside shelf and a standalone chest of drawers. Or, if you’re looking for a sleeker design, take a look at the C137 cot-bed-desk ($2,885). With its high-gloss, minimalist style, the cot converts into a junior bed, or a study desk. Learn more at www.euphoriagroup.com.sg, or visit the showroom at 10 Jalan Kilang, #01-01.
If safety is your priority, the simple yet functional furniture from Flexa will be right up your alley. The modular pieces can be easily mixed and matched to suit your little one’s needs, and come in seven colour choices for any personality. Safety is covered in the design process – the classic semi-high bed with a single classic bed and a slanting ladder railing (pictured, $2,944) is made from solid pine, and the Play three-in-one storage bench ($550) has a small gap, so little fingers don’t get caught in the drawer. See more pieces online at http://mobelstory.com.sg, or visit the Mobel Story showroom at Block 71 Loewen Road, #01-02.
If you prefer designer pieces, you’ll love these modern options from Knoll. What would go better in the kids’ playroom than these fun chairs and table? The whimsical Amoeba table and bright webbed kids’ Risom chairs (pictured) make a great art table. And who could resist a lazy afternoon nap in the child’s Womb chair, which was inspired by a basket full of pillows? See the pieces at Dream Interiors. Prices are available on request. Visit www.dream.com.sg.
If you’re looking for space-saving ideas, pick up a loft bed combination ($1250) from Ni-Night, which comes with a top bunk, guard rail, ladder and desk. Complete the set with the small bookcase ($300) and the desk chair ($120). Or, for a slightly more ornate look, the Bella Bianca wrought iron bed (pictured, $700) comes in classic white, pale pink, or powder blue. And you can rest assured in regards to safety – Ni-Night’s furniture pieces are designed by a mother with three children, and made to fit international safety standards, using solid hardwood in Vietnam. Visit www.ni-night.com.
Before you buy Get Junior involved in decorating his room, and he'll be more likely to stay in it instead of running to yours every night. Besides taking him shopping, let him try the Dulux Visualizer app, which shows him how his room would look like with different paint colours. It’s free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Esther Tan, sales leader for Children’s Ikea, Ikea Singapore, shares four important tips to keep in mind when designing Junior’s room.
SEE THINGS FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE Store his clothes and toys in boxes or hanging up at his height, so that his things are within easy reach when needed, and out of the way when not. Look for furniture that can be adapted to various needs, and is durable enough to handle the rough and tumble of everyday play.
MAKE ROOM FOR PLAY Have enough storage around the house so he can keep toys away and have more room to play. Low storage units will encourage him to tidy up independently.
MIMINISE HAZARDS Keep your child safe by ensuring that furniture and toys have rounded corners and no sharp edges. Use corner bumpers on the edges of tables and cabinets to reduce the risk of him getting hurt on sharp corners, and finger guards to prevent his hands from getting caught in doors. Anchor standing furniture to the walls to prevent them from tipping over. Blinds with cords and loops pose strangulation hazards, so keep them out of reach, or use cordless roller blinds instead.
ERGONOMIC SOLUTIONS FOR WORK Kids who frequently use computers or other technology need ergonomic solutions. Work desks and chairs should be comfortable and at the right height. Get a chair with an adjustable height and a desk with ample space for him to do homework.
