Back-to-School Room Refresh

Bedroom makeover

With the kids getting back at school (after lockdowns in many areas!), it’s the perfect time for a bedroom makeover to get them inspired for an exciting year ahead. As their interests and colour preferences evolve from toddler to teen, it seems in the blink of an eye they go from Peppa Pig and puppy dogs to Silverchair and skulls. We need to keep up! We spoke to Early Settler buyer, Mamta Johal, about the latest trends in furniture and homewares for a stylish back-to-school room refresh for kids of all ages.

Function and form

“Whether your little one is toddling off to their first day of prep, hitting high school or tackling Year 12, having a functional space to sleep, study, relax and escape is essential at every age,” explains Mamta, who has her own primary schooler. Most families will update their children’s bedrooms at least three times over the years: nursery; early childhood; and teen. “To keep the space adaptable for the years to come, a good rule of thumb is to anchor the room with some key essentials that won’t date in a hurry,” she advises. “Select pieces that will be functional yet also echo the theme of the main house in order to keep your interiors cohesive.”

Manor Single Bed

Need a new nest?

If your child is heading into the teenage years, definitely consider upsizing their bed. When the growth spurt hits, their size 10 feet will be hanging off the bed frame faster than you can say “Foot Locker”. Timber is timeless, sturdy and adaptable to every stage with accessories, such a doona covers and cushions. It also complements every interior style. The Dawson and Brooklyn beds have a chic urban aesthetic, while the Clover and Lille are classic and fit beachy, boho and country homes. Metal frames, too, are also built to last. The Manor is one of our most popular picks as it’s sturdy and stylish. Bed bases are a very affordable option and they come in single, double, queen and king in a variety of timber and upholstered choices.

Manor Single Bed

Lille Single Day Bed

Clover Queen Bed

“You don’t necessarily need to buy sombre, dark furnishings with severe lines and gloomy colours,” says Mamta. “Just make sure the timber colour or materials used match other pieces in the rest of your home. Make this space an extension of your style.”

Double Bed Base

Study zone

“Homework time can be stressful for kids and parents alike as there’s a nightly scramble for notepads, staplers and rogue USB sticks. Organisation is essential. Yet the biggest style mistake made with study areas is that parents often go out and buy traditional office furniture that kids don’t like. It doesn’t inspire them to sit down and focus,” says Mamta.

Clover Desk

Jenson Desk

Farrow Desk

The Clover continues to be one of our most popular desks with its stylish natural timber and white finish that suits any interior style, while the Maine is also timeless and comes in black or white. Couple your desk with a Jetson velvet desk chair or the Kip swivel chair, which comes in a choice of luscious colours.

“Pair your big furniture with a patterned rug, ottoman, throws and cushions to soften the space,” says Mamta. “They can be easily replaced and updated over the years as their interests change.”

Add character

Cap it all off with some playful prints and colourful cushions to infuse ambience and character and you’ve got an inviting space to entice your kids for years to come. “Vibrant accessories are all the rage, such as those with a tropical, jungle or boho theme,” says Mamta. “While younger kids love playful accessories, such as dog prints and tasseled cushions. Don’t be afraid to have fun with decor, as it’s easy to switch out as their interests change!”

Start styling

To get more decorating ideas for a back-to-school room refresh, browse our range online or visit us in person at your local Early Settler store. And don’t miss our back-to-work home office ideas.