INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE GUIDE

BABY FURNITURE IDEAS

A Contemporary Bedroom for a Girl Toddler

November 27th, 2009

You can make the transition from nursery to “big girl’s” room easier on both you and your toddler by creating a room that encourages your child to play, grow and imagine. Simple in design, this style is ideal for a toddler’s room because contemporary children’s bedroom furniture is very straightforward in form, utilizing uncomplicated lines and simple profiles. Contemporary color palettes range from earth-toned to bright and bold. For a toddler’s room, plan to use a number of colors, since this will stimulate her little mind and encourage exploration.

P'kolino Toddler Bed

Because your little girl won’t be using her toddler bed for very long – two years at the most – you might be reluctant to splurge on one. The P’kolino Toddler Bed converts into a handy kids’ chair and back to a toddler bed, should you need another one sometime in the future.

A toddler’s bed is approximately the same length and width as a crib, but narrower and lower to the ground than a twin bed. It is designed to make the transition from a crib to twin size bed easier and safer for your child. Toddler beds usually have sides or some kind of railing, but are not fully enclosed like a crib is.

2 Chocolate Mint Complete Nursery Set

The bed is the focal point of the room. Dress it up in contemporary style with a bedding set that has a fun geometric, striped or stylized pattern. If her “baby” bedding is still in good shape, keep in mind that most types of toddler beds use a crib mattress and crib bedding.

3 P'kolino Kids Kube Drawer

Having someplace to play is just as important as having lots of places to store toys and treasures. A contemporary style toy chest or storage cube will make your toddler’s room even more functional and practical. A storage bench provides additional seating. By choosing stackable storage cubes, you can add the just right amount of storage capacity you child needs.

Contemporary style is known for its clean lines, geometric shapes and bold colors, which makes it a simple but fun style to choose when designing and decorating a toddler’s room.

Share this Post[?]
        

Now We’ll Say Our ABCs

November 24th, 2009

Commuter Crib 2-tone

It’s as easy as ABC to get a look for your nursery that is simple, fun and adaptable to either a boy or a girl. Literally the foundation of language, words, ideas and literature, the alphabet is the ideal theme for a little one’s first bedroom. The options are endless and many of them inexpensive, which is a bonus for new or expecting parents. If you already have a name picked out, an alphabet themed nursery is also a great way to feature the letter your baby’s name starts with by wall hangings, stenciling the name on the wall or an embroidered baby pillow.

Alphabet Nursery Theme Walls

Baby 2 Bratt Decor Dick Crib in White

There are a number of ways to go: alphabet wallpaper, an alphabet letter border, an alphabet animal border, solid paint colors or a combination of wallpaper and paint. If you designing a unisex nursery, you may want to choose colors other than pink or blue.

You could give the room the feeling of being inside an alphabet block by painting the walls a solid color and then choosing a complimentary color for the ceiling and floor. 

Use craft paint to personalize the nursery with a mural based on the letters of your baby’s name.

 Alphabet Nursery Theme for Girls 

baby 3 Round Canopy Baby Crib

White furniture is a popular color for a girl’s nursery. A white crib has a charming and fresh appeal. Many parents are choosing round over rectangle because it eliminates corners and baby is accessible from any side. Round cribs are typically placed in the center of the room for the best effect. This can be especially useful when decorating a smaller sized space since it opens up the room, making it appear larger.

 Round Baby Crib Bedding Set

Like the choices for wallpaper, borders and stencils, alphabet themed crib bedding is readily available. For a girl’s nursery, select bedding that’s unashamedly “girlie” with lots of frills and bows. 

baby 4 Fun Time Letters & Names

Particularly if the floors are hardwood, give her someplace to comfy to play and crawl (yes, it will happen sooner than you think).

 Alphabet Nursery Theme for Boys 

baby 5 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Coffee

Baby furniture in a medium to dark finish is a common choice for a boy’s nursery. Decorative detail is more streamlined and there are not as many flourishes or curlicues. Choosing a matching change table will make it easier for you to change diapers, while giving you someplace to store all those items necessary for keeping baby dry. 

4-Piece Baby Crib Bedding Set

The crib is the focal point of the nursery. Dress the crib in an alphabet-related crib bedding set. Many alphabet patterned sheets and blankets include colorful animals. 

baby 7 Medium Pile Block Rug

Select floor coverings that will bring together both the color palette and theme that is in the room. Make sure that it is soft to the touch and will be gentle on baby’s skin.

Share this Post[?]
        

Creating a Green Nursery

November 23rd, 2009

Dark Chocolate

When designing a nursery for your baby, many parents are taking into consideration the environment and products that might be potentially harmful to a newborn. While sticking to solely organic products might seem like a number one priority when creating a green nursery, this can quickly become very expensive. A viable alternative is to choose products that, while are not completely organic, are healthier and the least invasive. In addition to planning the space and picking a theme, there are some specific things to consider when creating a safe environment for your child. The key to designing an eco-friendly nursery is to make the space as toxic-free as possible. This means painting walls, using materials and selecting furniture that is non-toxic. 

2 Piece Set in Antique White

Especially if you just moved into a new house or apartment and you don’t know what type of paint has been used, you might want to repaint the room anyway just to be on the safe side. Some types of paint can contain harmful toxins that are released into the air from the walls. Volatile organic compounds, commonly known as VOCs, both the naturally occurring and synthetic kinds, are often regulated, but not industry or state wide. When selecting a paint color, choose a type of paint that is non-toxic with natural pigments like clay. Even when using an odorless paint, try to paint the walls of your nursery one to two months in advance; this will allow the fumes, even non-toxic ones (everything has a scent) to dissipate. 

3 Natural With Mattresses

For a green nursery, the crib should be constructed of natural woods. If a crib made of natural woods is not in your budget, it can be made of a recycled wood product like MDF, but make sure that it has been sealed with some type of a quality, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean finish.

 Full Size Crib Mattress

In order for your green nursery to be a comfortable place to sleep, the crib will need a mattress. For parents concerned about the possible effects of synthetic materials, chemicals or potential allergy-causing compounds, organic innerspring crib mattresses are available. The protective cover that is an integral part of any crib mattress is made of a non-toxic, water-resistant material like white polyethylene, an environmentally friendly plastic. Organic crib mattresses are generally made of organic cottons and wools and for this reason can be somewhat pricey. However, a perfectly acceptable green compromise would be to purchase a foam crib mattress that has a non-toxic or organic cover; this would ensure that your child will not be in direct contact with synthetic materials.

Full Size Crib Mattress

Bamboo is fast becoming the most popular material for eco-friendly products. Manufacturers are now using bamboo fibers for bedding sets, baby clothes and flooring. Bamboo, as a fabric, is also highly absorbent and is soft to the touch, perfect for baby blankets and other baby gear. 

With a little planning ahead, it is easy to create a healthy nursery environment that is eco-friendly. And not only will baby breathe easier!

Share this Post[?]
        

Holiday Gift Ideas for Babies

November 20th, 2009

There is probably nothing better in this whole wide world than watching a little one open a gift, especially if it’s his or her very first Christmas present ever. The air crackles around them with excitement, expectation and pure joy. And this is even before they have torn open the paper. Watch their eyes shine like stars when they discover what’s inside.

Whether you’re a new parent, an aunt, an uncle or a friend of a new parent or parents, you might not know what kind of present to buy a baby. When choosing a gift for a young one, it is important to keep in mind that they are growing so quickly, literally changing overnight with each passing day and what a baby can do at six months, they couldn’t do at two. Even though they are developing rapidly during their first year, it is easy to give the ideal gift if you buy the present to roughly correspond to how old the baby will be at Christmas.

Gifts for Babies Including Newborns (0 to 6 months)

Blue Baby Coated Bib

Baby Bib

Bibs for boy or girl babies will come in handy for the first year of the little one’s life. Sure, choose ones that look pretty or stylish, but also ensure that they are absorbent and machine washable. Cotton is the best material for absorbency. For optimum functionality, select bibs that fasten with Velcro; this will allow mom or dad to attach the bib to a diaper bag for accessibility when they’re on the go with baby.

Sunshine Kids Noah's Tag Along

They won’t be needing them until they are a bit older (6 months or more), but you can help new moms and dads get ready for teething time. Teethers and teething toys help sooth baby when they are cutting teeth. The hallmarks of a good teether are softness, durability and easy for baby to grasp. They should also be easy to clean. Small toys with a smoother surface (not fuzzy like a stuffed bear) that can be put in the freezer also make great teething toys.

Boikido 12 Piece Musical Blocks

Babies love music and motion and moms will love the fact that baby is happily entertained while on the move. They most likely have a mobile over their crib, so why not give baby one that is designed to go where they go. Don’t forget to make it colorful to help stimulate their senses and keep them engaged.

Gifts for Babies 6 to 12 Months

Go Bat & Wobble Penguin

At this stage of the game, anywhere from 6 to 12 months they are sitting up, moving around and thinking about crawling. Encouraging physical activity with toys the move, bob and jiggle are a great way to get baby to do the same.

Boikido 12 Piece Musical Blocks

Blocks are good for developing and strengthening all sorts of skills, including motor and hand-eye coordination. To ensure that they will be educational as well as fun, select a block set with a specific theme, such numbers, the alphabet or shapes and colors.

Babies Polar Bear Plush Toy

You can never go wrong with giving a baby a stuffed animal, plusher the better. Something ultra-soft to the touch is particularly comforting and soothing to little ones.

Other gifts you can buy for babies 12 months and under are books, videos and music CDs. Many early years educators can’t stress enough the benefits of storytelling in any of its various forms, the earlier the better.

Share this Post[?]
        

Contemporary Heavy Metal Kid Style

November 19th, 2009

Hillsdale Universal Youth Metal Mirror

When decorating a room for a tween boy, there are some important things to keep in mind. The most important factor to consider is that he’s growing up, developing his own personality and experimenting with how independent he can get be. The space he calls his own should reflect that. At this age, they are discovering their likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to music. To accessorize his room, put up posters of his favorite bands, frame photos or magazine pictures of musicians who inspire him and showoff his rock n roll memorabilia or collection of musical instruments. But for the room’s décor, choose a neutral palette and metal furniture that will be contemporary, creative but most of all, just plain cool.

Color the walls neutral. Choose neutral tones like light or dark grays; white paint with black patterned wallpaper in circles or squares; or deep tans, beiges and taupes – any neutral color that will bring out the metallic look of the furniture. If you want to introduce some color into the room, cooler shades of blue with gray undertones will also work.

2 Powell Monster Bedroom® 3 Piece Set

Start with the twin Powell Monster Bedroom® Monster Metal Bed. Metal is a good material for a bed in a tween’s room. Not only will it grow with him, a metal bed is usually easy to care for, while being strong and durable. Clean lines with rounded corners and the textured metal panel create a look that is unique and stylish.

3 Mobile Storage Bench

Add the Powell Monster Bedroom® 4-Drawer Mobile Storage Bench to the end of the metal bed in place of a footboard. It will give him some place to sit when putting on shoes or practicing guitar. In addition to the nightstand and the dresser, the bench will also provide more storage, which is always a good thing in a boy’s room, tween or otherwise.

4 South Shore Furniture Cosmos Nightstand

While the South Shore Furniture Cosmos Nightstand is actually made of wood with metal accents and a built-in CD rack. But the charcoal finish tabletop gives this contemporary style nightstand a sleek metallic look that really pops.

5 Fun Rugs Black Fun Shags

There’s going to be music. Whether your tween plays his own musical instrument or listens to someone else play, it’s probably going to be loud. Choose heavier fabrics for the window treatments and, especially if there is not already a carpet in the room, a thick, plush area rug to help absorb sound and sound-proof his room.

6 Silver & Blue TV Stand

Music is an important part of his life. Include a TV stand; place to watch music DVDs and TV programs is imperative in a boy’s bedroom. Don’t forget the bean bag chair. Bean bag chairs add a fun element to the room while giving your tween a comfy place to sit and veg.

Share this Post[?]
        

Making Bedtime Easy on Kids (and on you)

November 18th, 2009

Grobag First Duvet Bedding Set

If they go to bed right away without an argument, it’s a trick! – they reappear just as you’ve poured yourself a cup of tea or you are about to settle down with a favorite TV show. But most of the time, you have to fend off pleas for “just ten more minutes” or simply a stubborn “No!” that is a clear indicator of the battle yet to come. It’s not just a question of getting them into bed, either; once they are there, it seems to take them a long time to actually fall asleep. While it might seem like an impossible dream, you can implement some strategies that will make bedtime easy on them but easier on your.

Bedtime isn’t Negotiable

Bunk Bed for Two

It’s an irrefutable law of nature that children need sleep in order to function at school and enjoy playing and exploring the world around them. In order to do that, kids need to go to bed. Set a time that is reasonable and make it known to your child or children.

To establish a nightly routine, it’s best to stick to the agreed-upon time. Outline exceptions to the rule and special circumstances, such as weekends, a birthday that falls on a week night, etc. before attempting any new bedtime routine. Otherwise you’ll end up making exceptions every night, defeating the purpose of an establish routine.

For older children, you may want to discuss it with them and get their input as part of the decision-making process. If you have more than two children, you might want to give each child his or her own bedtime so that you can concentrate on one child’s needs at a time.

Prepare for Bedtime as soon as They Get Home

Kids Panel Bed in White

Since they’ll have to get up in the morning and do it all over again, they will need to prepare for the next day.

Set a time that everything needs to be done by. For example, if bedtime is 8 o’clock, stipulate that homework must be in the backpack along with everything they will need for the following day, including their sports equipment or ballet shoes.

Make it clear that if bedtime is at 8, then they should be in bed – not just getting ready for bed.

Let your child know what the ground rules are exactly, such as once in bed, there’s no getting out of bed (unless of course, it’s an emergency).

Make Bedtime Interesting or Rewarding

Kids Panel Bed in Twin Size

Sum up the day for your children, pointing out their accomplishments and praising them for getting ready for bed on time and remembering to brush their teeth.

Wind the day down. Going to straight from playing to having to put jammies on might be a difficult adjustment for some children to make. My daughter loves to read, so in our house, her bedtime is 8:30 but she gets to read for half an hour before the light must be turned out.

Encourage them to follow the evening routine for a certain length of time by rewarding them with a special activity like a concert, a movie they want to see or a trip to the park.

Share this Post[?]
        

Princess Approved

November 17th, 2009

Young America by Stanley

Largely due to how many princesses there are out there, the princess theme is a very popular one for a young girl’s bedroom. And because it is such a popular theme, there are many princess-related products available, from furniture to wallpaper to murals. How little or how much is entirely up to you. Even if you’re on a limited budget, as most of us are, you can accomplish a lot with a little planning ahead and some creative thinking. Think shiny…think curvy and frilly…think pink…and you’re on your way to designing the ideal, royally approved bedroom for your own little princess.

Color Palettes

Headboard 8-Piece Bedroom Set

The first thing to decide is what you would like to do with the walls:

  • Paint
  • Paint and wallpaper
  • Wallpaper
  • Mural on one or all four walls

It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. If copyrighted Disney and other movie character murals are not in your budget, select more generic murals that feature castles, sand castles, knights and medieval themes. 

If a mural doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other ways to get princess approved walls. Paint one wall creating a diamond pattern using deep pink or royal blue and metallic silver paint. Paper or paint the remaining walls in a pastel rose, white or pearl gray shade. Other popular colors are sage green, turquoise and mauve. 

Princess Furniture

Canopy Bed in White

The ultimate princess bed has to be, hands down, the canopy bed, with a four poster bed as runner-up. Historically speaking, the canopy bed was traditionally the bed of kings, so choosing one for your little princess is totally in keeping with our royal theme. Throw in a little Cinderella into the mix and you’ve got a winning combination.

White Wash Storage Cupboard

A princess must have a place to store her vast wealth and her many treasures. This delightful furniture piece has the functionality of a door chest with the charm of a traditional armoire. Clear-paneled doors have the added advantage of letting her easily see what’s stored inside, making access more convenient. Glass knobs, twist-rope molding and embossed floral accents makes this storage cupboard princess worthy.

Girls Bench Seat with Storage

Another place for treasures, a storage bench that provides the perfect place to sit and read or play will be a welcome addition in a princess-themed child’s bedroom.

Princess Bedding

Piece Full Bedding Set

You don’t have to just stick to princess sheets or bedding sets depicting Sleeping Beauty or Beauty from the tale of Beauty and the Beast. Select bedding in solid colors or with patterns that match the colors you have chosen for the walls. Make the bed really regal with accent pillows in different shapes and materials, especially anything type of material that is soft and satiny.

Setting the stage for your little princess to sleep, play and explore in a castle fortress that is entirely her own is easy to do with just the right amount of creativity, imagination and star dust.

Share this Post[?]
        

Reading Room – interior design for a girl’s room

November 16th, 2009

Whether your child is already an avid reader or you would like your daughter to be one while she’s growing up, you can create the perfect environment for that will encourage the lifelong habit of indulging in a good book. To make the concept really work, you will be essentially designing a “no tech” space, so if there is nowhere else to put her computer but in her bedroom, plan to hide it away in a computer armoire. Choose tranquil and soothing colors for the walls, curtains and area rug, either soft pastels or gentle earth tones. Furniture pieces should be built for comfort and include at least one cozy nook with an overstuffed armchair in which to read. Essentially you want to make the room an invitation for your daughter to sit down and get thoroughly lost in a well told tale.

Bookcase Storage Bed

Start with a bed that is sure to encourage reading, especially before she turns out the light. Choose a bookcase bed with storage. Not only does a bookcase bed have a headboard that’s a great place to store the book she is currently reading or a small collection of her all-tie favorites, having a place for everything in the room will help keep the room neat and let her focus on reading rather than tidying up.

 Olive Kids Flowerland Floor Pillow

Utilize the power of pillows to your advantage. Make sure there are plenty of accent pillows on the bed that will be ideal for propping when sitting in bed and reading. They can also be used as your daughter sees fit; she can add them to the armchair or window seat. Include a comfy floor pillow to make the floor an inviting place to flop down and read a chapter before dinner.

 Vanilla Cream Finish

A nightstand is a must, if only as a place to sit a bright table lamp perfect to read by. Again, because you can never have enough places in a little girl’s room to store all those fascinating treasures, select a nightstand that has both shelf and drawer space.

 

Bookcase in Pure White

For a room that’s designed for reading, the list of furnishings won’t be complete without a bookshelf or two. If the bedroom is a standard size with a uniform shape, you can make a “secret” niche intended to entice the reading by placing a comfy chair in a corner of the room next to the bookcase and using a decorative screen to create the illusion of privacy.

 Upholstered Club Chair With Feet

Pair the comfy armchair with an accent table and a lamp for reading later in the day or in the early evenly. But it doesn’t have to be an armchair or a club chair. It could be just as easily be a large bean bag chair, a fluffy accent rug or a big body pillow. As another potentially cozy seating area, you could select a toy box that is also a storage bench, pile it with pillows and place it under the window to create an appealing window seat with lots of charm. To help them get the most out of their new room, set aside a certain amount of time each day to just curl up with a good book.

Share this Post[?]
        

Pets and Young Children

November 13th, 2009

Fatboy Cat Bed in Red

Many parents include pets as part of the family because they believe that there are many benefits to raising kids and pets together. Learning to take care of and being responsible for another creature teaches valuable lessons that last a lifetime, such as compassion, respect, self-esteem, self-reliance and social skills. It has also been noted that having a pet in the home also encourages physical activity and enhances parent-child involvement.

If pets are already part of the household when a child arrives on the scene, the child grows up being accustomed to having an animal around. But what if you have young children in a home that has never had a pet? When is a good time to get one, and what kind of pet should a first-time pet family buy? There are really no definitive answers, but there some general guidelines that you can consider in order to keep you and your children safe.

2 GATE-n-CRATE

When getting a pet for your child or children for the first time, start off easy. Choose a type of standard family pet like a cat, dog, goldfish or hamster and save the more exotic ones for when they are older. Do your homework – not all dogs and cats are created equal: some breeds are more people-friendly than others. If you’ve decided that you prefer a dog over a cat, you may also want to take size into consideration and select a small to medium sized animal.

Instruct your children how to behave around pets, including all the basics like how to pick them up, no pulling tails, no bopping noses, etc. Also impress upon them that their pet at home knows them but other animals they encounter for the first time do not, and they should be careful and respectful around pets and animals that are strange or unknown to them.

Until they are old enough or you are comfortable with leaving them alone, playtime should be supervised.

Jewett-Cameron Lucky Dog Turn-Style 2-Bowl System

Encourage and enforce proper hygiene. Food bowls are for pets, plates are for people. The litter box is for the cat and is off limits for young children. Teach children responsible for cleaning up after pets to always wash their hands afterwards. Accidents will happen: if your child does get scratched or bitten, treat it as soon as possible.

Younger children will not be able to accept full responsibility for the pet’s care and well being. Make it clear what you expect them to do and what you are willing to do when looking after Fido or Fifi.

Many veterinarians and experienced pet owners advise not to give a pet like a dog or cat to a child as a Christmas present. Christmas is a busy and exciting time when many households have friends and family visiting. Pick a “down time” in your family’s schedule to bring a new pet into the home, when there will be plenty of time to train the pet and to help your children establish new routines.

Share this Post[?]
        

Room for Adventure: designing a boy’s room that will grow with him

November 12th, 2009

He’s ready to ditch the toddler bed and upgrade to “big boy’s room.” Now is the time to design a room for your son that will grow with him and keep you from having to start from scratch every couple of years or so. Sure, their likes, dislikes, tastes and personal preferences change faster than a speeding bullet, but there are ways to design a bedroom that will grow with him, saving you time and money in the long run.

Themes

Olive Kids Out of This World Comforter

A popular way to decorate a child’s room, either for a boy or girl, is to pick a theme. However, since from three years of age and on, little boys are in the business of growing into bigger boys, there is the danger that they will quickly outgrow the theme you have chosen. While some themes such as pirates, cowboys, outer space, baseball, racing cars and dinosaurs have a timeless appeal, to design a room that will grow with your son, limit the theme to items that can be easily replaced. Should your son outgrow his room’s original theme, if you have chosen space exploration themed bedding and matching curtains, these are easier to change than having to scrape off rocket ship wallpaper and redo the walls.

Walls

Oak Finish Bookcase Bed 4 Piece Bedroom Set

Make it colorful but don’t base the room’s décor on your son’s current favorite color in case he changes his mind next week. If you would like to include his favorite color, use it as an accent color rather than for the whole room. Avoid papering the room in a particular theme. Use a border in a particular theme instead.

To create a space that will grow with your child, the same principle applies when decorating the walls. You can advance the theme throughout the room in non-permanent ways by adding posters and pictures that can be changed or updated as required.

Furniture

Lea Deer Run Kids Captain's Bed in Brown Cherry

Select a bedroom set that is well-constructed, durable and stylish. Choose furniture in classic colors like black, dark brown or espresso.

Select as many pieces on casters as possible. This allows you (and your son) the freedom to alter the room’s configuration as his needs change. It will also make it easier to add certain pieces, like a computer desk or TV armoire when he wants someplace to study or play a computer game.

Include lots of storage options. Freeing up floor space for play and exploration is a must in a young boy’s room.

Share this Post[?]