Kids in style: Little Living

Written By Amanda Whitely

Online baby and children’s boutiques have experienced a huge growth over the past few years, as women capitalise on the benefits of being able to work flexibly from home. One of the more recent additions to the genre is “Little Living”, a Canberra-based business which has everything kids need to grow up in style – from eating and sleeping, to playing and living.

Little Living’s owner, Paula Kos, says the key to her business’s success is offering a broad range of unique items for a market not well catered for - children aged up to 12 years. Her products include homewares, gifts, décor, clothing and accessories.
“Older children tend to be forgotten online and I really wanted to bring some new and different items for this age group,” she says.
“We have a great range of products for boys, plus a small baby range and some simple but gorgeous summer women’s wear too!”
With products sourced mainly from Sweden, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, America, New Zealand and Australia, Paula aims for unique items which are exquisite and beautiful. For her, the hard part is nominating her current favourites!

Firefly; Oscar Blue; Ollie & Max


Greengate tableware

“I just love the children’s kaftans from Firefly – they are amazing…and I really love the red polkadot Greengate plates, bowls and cups from Denmark! The Playsam wooden cars from Sweden are simply divine too and something children will always have to hand down to their own children one day.”
“I’m really looking forward to stocking some beautiful, modern lamp shades for children’s rooms from the Little Light House – they are such great quality, gorgeous material and made by a mum in Queensland. Have you seen the Oscar Blue children’s jewellery, made by a mum in Adelaide, and the Ollie & Max designer children’s wear from Sydney? I could go on!”

"Le Champignon" upholstered mushroom stool


Wall decals, above, "Owl"

Flexibility is a must as an online business. Paula has set up stock in Canberra homes several times at their request, giving them and their friends the opportunity to see and touch the products they’re interested in purchasing. Many of these customers are now regulars online.
“I also have a large range of Little Living stock at the beautiful ‘In Essence’ beauty salon in Hughes where women can receive a relaxing massage or facial with Caroline Gathercole and do a ‘little’ shopping too! It’s set up beautifully and Caroline is always there to help’” says Paula.
“Of course being a Canberran, I am getting a great following of locals who browse online and contact me by email or phone to place an order which I usually deliver to them same or next day at no delivery cost.”

Fabulous bedlinen by Kideko

Paula says online shopping is quickly becoming the way of the future with more and more people comfortable with internet purchases in our time-poor society.
“I think you have to help people realise you are just like a regular shop– but better- being open 24 hours and not having to think of parking. The best part is that you can shop when the kids are in bed and have delivery to your doorstep the next day!”
Sit back, relax and check out Little Living - 'lifestyle of the modern child' online here. Its huge summer sale is on until the end of February!

Gorgeous!