Beautiful Balinese inspired child's room

Hayley Crossman designs rattan furniture and homewares for big (and little) people.  

Hayley Crossman has travelled the world but the one place that stole her design-loving heart was the Indonesian island of Bali. Inspired by Balinese décor and the island’s natural beauty, she set up her company Inkah in New Zealand, selling rattan furniture, homewares, wall décor and doll furniture. Hayley chose to work with rattan because it is natural and hard-wearing, and because of it’s timeless character. “Inkah pieces are designed to be passed down through the generations to come.” We asked Hayley about her inspiration for Inkah, and how she went about fitting out a bedroom for her two-year-old daughter Arlo.

How did you get into interiors and furniture?

I’d been working and travelling overseas for the past eight years and made the difficult decision to move home to New Zealand so my daughter, Arlo, could be closer to her family. I bought a home in Tauranga, but when it came to decorating and furnishing it, I was disheartened by the lack of variety for affordable, but still beautiful, furniture and décor available in New Zealand. I wasn’t interested in mass-produced stuff, and I wanted our home to feel inviting and comfortable. A lot of my inspiration comes from my trips to Bali – I could spend weeks in Canggu just admiring the restaurant and villa fit-outs there, as well as the amazing homeware shops. I decided rattan furniture would be my niche, so I set up Inkah. A lot of the pieces I sell are my own design, but the factory in Java where they are made has an in-house designer so I often bring some of their designs in as well, to mix it up. I have a background in accounting and my job for a large fabrication company taught me everything I know today about running a successful business.

What was your inspiration behind Arlo’s room?

I wanted to create a space where she feels comfortable and relaxed. This room is her own little happy place. I love watching her play and discover. I chose sage green because it contrasts well with the rattan, and I wanted the room to encourage her little mind and imagination, but not overstimulate and distract her when it’s time to wind down.

What is your favourite aspect of the room? 

The layout. It’s open and everything is easily accessible. It also has the best view in the house! You can see out to our tropical backyard area.

What does Arlo love most about her room?

She really loves the wee cabinet beside her bed. She spends hours hiding and arranging her toys and little treasures in there.

What was your biggest splurge and your best bargain?

Her bed and the bed linen were the biggest splurge. Kmart is my go-to for the extras like pillows and throws because they’re super-cheap so you can change them with the seasons.

How will you update the look as she grows up?

I’m actually in the first stages of designing a child’s vanity/desk at the moment. I want her to have her own space for homework and arts and crafts as she grows older. I will definitely involve her in the design of her room as soon as she shows interest.

What are your tips for mums styling their little one’s space?

Choose a few hero pieces and keep your colour palette to two to three colours maximum. Also, don’t invest too much in fast-fashion or on-trend items – you may tire of them and want a change! Spend your money on the items you will use everyday ie, the cot or bed. Throws, cushions and bed linens can all be changed to suit the season. Wall decals are also a great option if you’re renting or unsure about committing to a wall colour.

WHAT IS RATTAN?
Rattan is a naturally growing vine-like species of palm native to tropical regions of Australia, Asia and Africa. The outer bark is used for making canes, while its inner reed-like section is used to weave wicker furniture.
To indulge your inner rattan cravings, follow Hayley on Instagram @inkah.nz; and Facebook @inkahnz or visit her website inkah.co.nz

Numero 74 Canopy in dusty pink, $239.95, boldkids.co.nz; Pompom Cushion, $7, kmart.co.nz; Città Peggy Flamingo, $34.90, cittadesign.com; Mocka Chelsea Six Drawer – wide, $299.95, mocka.co.nz; Feather Wall Art 55cm in dove grey, $44.90, ecosprout.co.nz; Little Lou Mini Chunky Macramé Rainbow with pompoms, $45, instagram.com/littlelou.nz; Over The Dandelions My First ABC/123 Block Set, $39.95, littlewhimsy.co.nz; Inkah Rattan Bed, $849, Archer Cupboard, $279, and Moon Mirror, $119, inkah.co.nz.