Another year. Another birthday. My little man is fast approaching tweendom. Oli is 8, it’s that kind of awkward in-between age. He’s started developing his own sense of style, independence & interests. So I decided he needed a bedroom overhaul. He knows what he likes & what he doesn’t. Things being deemed as ‘cool’ is now paramount, but he’ll still happily creep into my bed each morning for a snuggle. Bless him.
I wanted to create a chill out zone where he feels completely at home. A hip & happening space that supports his passions and hobbies; aka ‘The Dude Ranch’. The tricky part was getting the age appropriateness right. I didn’t want the space to date too quickly, he’s a pretty mature kid so I wanted the space to reflect his personality now as well as in two years time. Keeping it young & fresh was the main objective. A monochrome base was the perfect choice.
Thinking about his loves; the ocean, skating, architecture & buildings (yep obsessed), outer space, lego, music, art and Star Wars. I was a little sneaky here, anything black I passed off as being ‘star warsesque’, so I was able to completely avoid any licensed decor.
A seriously fun project, and I’m still tinkering (always). Boys stuff is awesome – such an amazing variety of local makers out there producing great quality, yet creative art and decor pieces. There is no excuse to be anything but original these days.
Below is a collection of corners & nooks from Oli’s Dude Ranch. He’s loving his new digs & so am I. I just want to hang in there and soak up all the radness.
See below for a full stockist list & where to shop for some cool, creative wares.
Brands & Stockists:
Groms Forever Print – The Zookeeper
Anchor Wall Light – Target
Sperm Whale pillowcase – Brown Paper Lemon
Peace Cushion & Black Palm/Sunset Cushion – Kawaiian Lion
Mexican Throw (as seen on floor) – Just Hold Them
Life is Beautiful print, Lets Go Everywhere & RAD bubble – The Dreamlife Design
Mexican Skull Skate deck – DIY by likeandlove
Black & White Stripe Doona Cover – Pop by Sheridan
Hanging Cage Pendant Light – Bunnings
Bearded Snowboarder Print – Tina Mose Art
Teal Metal Basket – Freedom
Black & White Tie Dye Bag/Vase – General Eclectic for Apache Rose
Bedside Table – Bed Bath & Table
Concrete Lego Men – Little Whimsy
Cactus Print – Phoenix Tribe Art
Feather Garland – Zilvi
Black & White Aztec pattern cushion – Rapee
Three Lightning Bolts Print – In My Hood Kids
Timothy Tiger & Ellie Elephant Dot Artwork Prints – Taylored Dots
Oliver Wall Flag – This Paper Book
Black Felt Ball Garland – Toucan
Pencil Jar/Bear Lid – Candi & Co
Timber Moneybox – Him & Her Designs
Senor Cactus Print – Keton Kids
Rock N Roll Cushion – Rock Your Kid
Black Wall Kiss (X) – Gypsy Crossing
Be Courageous Wall Flag – My Bearded Pigeon
Black Snapback Hat – Gnarly Bones Clothing
White Desk, Cube Shelving Unit & Black Storage Boxes – ikea
Blue Chair – Matt Blatt
