Bedroom inspo: a shipshape haven

Kelly Pattie shares how she created a shipshape haven for her son Harry.

Little Harry has a big passion for the ocean. Thankfully his mother Kelly was prepared to push the boat out and get down to his level – sea level – to create a bedroom that reflected his interests. We asked Kelly how she went about putting together this special little space where Harry retreats to relax and engage his active imagination.

What was your inspiration behind Harry’s room?
We live just around the corner from the beach so it’s no surprise Harry loves all things sea-related. After watching Blue Planet over and over with his granddad, he’s taken a liking to whales, and can list every whale there is. I used his love of marine life to create a calm and inspiring space for him to rest, play and explore in. Instagram always offers such amazing inspiration too; there are some very talented people out there. I found my most recent purchase on Instagram, a gorgeous handmade felt whale garland from the UK.  

What is your favourite aspect of his room?

I absolutely love the whale print above his bed. The large scale of it works well with his low-slung bed, and its colour palette flows through the rest of his room. I used different tones of blue in his room, with lots of white and grey, along with features of natural wood to add warmth. I tried to create a space that encourages his imagination. Harry loves to sit on his beanbag, read books and make up his own stories. He can pull up a stump and pretend to go fishing in the big blue ocean. All the decorations in his room are tactile and are to be used, not just displayed. Harry loves pulling his luggy basket around, full of toys, and playing with his wooden house, both from Olli Ella. 

What was your biggest splurge and your best bargain?
The biggest splurge was the junior bed from New Zealand company Plyhome. It was the first thing I bought for his toddler room, and I absolutely love it. It’s been a great bed for him to transition to from his cot. The best bargain would have to be the range of books in his room. Books are so affordable and can be displayed in many ways to create an ever-changing art display. Harry has a woven basket full of books and some cool acrylic book shelves displaying his favourite books of the moment. 

How will you change the room as Harry grows?
His room is always evolving, and I’m often changing out bits and pieces to keep it age-appropriate. I can easily change his room up by adding in some different bed linen and cushions. I’m also loving the neon lights craze at the moment and hope to add a fun neon sign in his room.

Styling & photography: Kelly Pattie, Instagram: kellyslittletribe