Old world

Creating a child's room that's easy on the eye doesn't always have to equate to tonal creams and whites. Neutral tones in greys and blues can be creative for your little individual, balanced by the clever use of painted accessories that mixes old styles with new in a refreshing way.

It is always a challenge for parents to design a room in which the child (or parent) doesn't want an overriding themed sleep space. Grey is a useful colour in the neutral room. It's positively warm, often associated with calm, maturity, and wisdom, thus achieving the longevity in design required by parents as children grow up and their likes and preferences change. It also serves as the perfect background for brilliant hues like fire-engine red, which parents can choose to add shape and texture through a combination of contemporary and vintage accessories. Add a touch of red through repainting pre-loved retro or classic furniture pieces for vibrancy and energy. Red is a sociable and dynamic colour that's perfect for the activity levels of younger children without compromising on your child's sleeping and resting space.

THE RESENE COLOUR PALETTE
Our "old world" look has been achieved using Resene Clouded Blue from the Karen Walker Paints range: A warm bluish grey reminiscent of battleships and old heritage paint ranges, and a perfect companion with Vision Wall Coverings Black and White Pinstripe Wallpaper by Norwall. Shelving and trims are painted in Resene Wan White from the Karen Walker Paint range: A soft neutral, warm and slightly old-looking with grey-brown tones. To finish, a Victorian chair has been repainted in Resene Red Berry for considered contrast.

Small Elephant $26.95, Big Elephant $39.95, Lion $34.95, Giraffe $39.95, Trees $69.95, and Toadstool Lamp $195, all from Nature Baby (www.naturebaby.co.nz). Bundle Merino Scarlet Bed Blanket $180, Old World Collection Black and White Pinstripe Bed Quilt $258, Old WorldCollection Black White Pinstripe Oxford Pillowcase $36, Pillowcase with Madder Red Ticking Stripe Cuff $34, Madder Red Ticking Stripe Duvet Cover King Single $204, Old World Vintage 16the Century Elephant Print Oxford Pillowcase $36, all from Gorgi (www.gorgi.co.nz).