INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURE GUIDE

BABY FURNITURE IDEAS

Armoires for Kids

December 30th, 2009

When designing and decorating your child’s room and making a list of furnishings you want to include, an armoire might not seem like a priority. But there are several reasons why an armoire is a good choice. Since most armoires are multi-purpose, if you buy one for your child’s nursery, it can adapt as your child grows, providing many years of storage, from toddler to teen, for toys, clothes, shoes and accessories, no matter the developmental stage. 

A nursery armoire is ideal for storing clothes, blankies, bibs, shoes and other accessories; even toys. As they get older, the armoire’s multiple compartments become more and more practical. Especially if it can accommodate a television or computer, this type of armoire becomes particularly useful when they reach the tween and teen years. And no matter how adequate the closet, a child always needs plenty more storage space. The best part of a children’s armoire is the doors; it’s easy to hide things away and keep the room neat. The following guide will tell you how to choose a children’s armoire that will last through all of your child’s developmental years.

Versatile storage 

Manufacturers offer children’s armoires, designed with kids in mind, in a wide variety of styles, types, configurations and colors. A well-built, multi-purpose TV/wardrobe armoire will have a number of functional and organizational features. Select an armoire that will best suit your child’s needs.

  • A children’s TV or computer armoire should have wrap-around or pocket doors so that they stay out of the way when watching television or working at the computer.
  • Especially if you plan on using and re-using the armoire, adjustable shelves will allow you to easily adapt it for a variety of uses.
  • Drawers, in the base of the wardrobe armoire or in its interior cabinet, make it easy for children to store and locate things.
  • When purchasing a TV or computer armoire, consider what kinds of features, such as an adjustable keyboard tray, storage slots for discs or cork board, will be most useful to your child.
  • When selecting a TV armoire for your child’s or teen’s room, choose one with shelves about the TV area. Depending on the size of the television, not only does this prevent from the opening from appearing too large, but it also adds more storage capacity.
  • Purchase a children’s TV armoire with a slide out panel. This will give you the option of converting it to a wardrobe armoire at a later date.
  • A removable clothing rod increases the functionality of the armoire. When the clothing rod is in place, your child can use the armoire for clothes; once removed, it makes a great TV armoire. 

It Has To Look Good 

A well-chosen armoire enhances the room by adding charm and sophistication. Particularly when buying an armoire for a younger child, if you want the bedroom set to last through a couple of developmental stages, choose a style that will have lasting appeal over the trendy armoire that might not be as appealing in two years. Decorating a child’s room today is an adventure. Gone are the days of yore when parents had limited choices, mostly available in basic white. Today, with all of the choices manufacturers give you, you can design your child’s room to exactly fit his or her both current and future needs.

Traditional 

Lea Jessica McClintock

Traditional style has an understated elegance that is adaptable. Furnishings typically have lots of decoration, flowing lines and curved profiles. Traditional style children’s furniture is generally made of wood, with finishes that range from dark wood finishes to painted finishes in bold or pastel colors. They are often distressed for a worn or antique look. Traditional styles such as Sheraton, Queen Anne, Neo Classical French Provincial are modeled after historical fashions, periods and trends. A Victorian reproduction armoire has a fanciful and romantic feel that is perfect for princess-themed rooms; a traditional style bedroom for a child that will last until the college years; or a classic décor for a teen with discerning tastes. 

A bedroom is as much a play area as a place to sleep. In addition to creating a more formal and sophisticated feel, a traditional décor has proportion and symmetry that is soothing, welcoming and inviting. A computer armoire or TV armoire is exceptionally useful in accommodating modern technology while maintaining the room’s timeless atmosphere. 

Contemporary 

Berg Furniture

A child’s bedroom in a contemporary style has a clean, streamlined look that is both inviting and practical. Contemporary style armoires have smooth, clean lines and can use geometric forms in unique ways. While the emphasis is on function rather than decoration, contemporary style still includes decorative elements. Contemporary furnishings are typically made from lighter woods. Profiles tend to be relaxed, lending the room a calm and uncluttered appearance. 

Contemporary furniture for kids, tweens and teens is specially designed to appeal to them while being well-constructed, durable and suited to your budget. Contemporary style is comprised of several sub-styles diverse enough to appeal to many different tastes. A contemporary style armoire is simple in form while decorative detailing is stylized or spare. 

Country 

Alligator Enterprises

Country style is rooted in the traditional, but has been adapted from its original location to reflect newer geographic locations and regions away from major city centers. Country style furniture characteristically is made of wood with lighter wood finishes such as pine or maple, possesses simpler decorative detail and is smaller in scale. Other popular finishes range from milk-painted finishes in white and pastels to finishes that have exposed grains or are distressed. 

Country style armoires are universally appealing with their unpretentious designs yet elegant and charming looks. This is a perfect choice for a child’s or teen’s room because decorative details like stenciling, a scalloped apron, blunt arrow or bun feet and wainscoting lend the décor an inviting and comfortable air. A country style TV or computer armoire will add a stylish touch while increasing the room’s functionality.

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Armoires for Kids

December 24th, 2009

When designing and decorating your child’s room and making a list of furnishings you want to include, an armoire might not seem like a priority. But there are several reasons why an armoire is a good choice. Since most armoires are multi-purpose, if you buy one for your child’s nursery, it can adapt as your child grows, providing many years of storage, from toddler to teen, for toys, clothes, shoes and accessories, no matter the developmental stage.

A nursery armoire is ideal for storing clothes, blankies, bibs, shoes and other accessories; even toys. As they get older, the armoire’s multiple compartments become more and more practical. Especially if it can accommodate a television or computer, this type of armoire becomes particularly useful when they reach the tween and teen years. And no matter how adequate the closet, a child always needs plenty more storage space. The best part of a children’s armoire is the doors; it’s easy to hide things away and keep the room neat. The following guide will tell you how to choose a children’s armoire that will last through all of your child’s developmental years.

Versatile storage

Manufacturers offer children’s armoires, designed with kids in mind, in a wide variety of styles, types, configurations and colors. A well-built, multi-purpose TV/wardrobe armoire will have a number of functional and organizational features. Select an armoire that will best suit your child’s needs.

  • A children’s TV or computer armoire should have wrap-around or pocket doors so that they stay out of the way when watching television or working at the computer.
  • Especially if you plan on using and re-using the armoire, adjustable shelves will allow you to easily adapt it for a variety of uses.
  • Drawers, in the base of the wardrobe armoire or in its interior cabinet, make it easy for children to store and locate things.
  • When purchasing a TV or computer armoire, consider what kinds of features, such as an adjustable keyboard tray, storage slots for discs or cork board, will be most useful to your child.
  • When selecting a TV armoire for your child’s or teen’s room, choose one with shelves about the TV area. Depending on the size of the television, not only does this prevent from the opening from appearing too large, but it also adds more storage capacity.
  • Purchase a children’s TV armoire with a slide out panel. This will give you the option of converting it to a wardrobe armoire at a later date.
  • A removable clothing rod increases the functionality of the armoire. When the clothing rod is in place, your child can use the armoire for clothes; once removed, it makes a great TV armoire.

It Has To Look Good

A well-chosen armoire enhances the room by adding charm and sophistication. Particularly when buying an armoire for a younger child, if you want the bedroom set to last through a couple of developmental stages, choose a style that will have lasting appeal over the trendy armoire that might not be as appealing in two years. Decorating a child’s room today is an adventure. Gone are the days of yore when parents had limited choices, mostly available in basic white. Today, with all of the choices manufacturers give you, you can design your child’s room to exactly fit his or her both current and future needs.

Traditional

Lea Jessica McClintock

Traditional style has an understated elegance that is adaptable. Furnishings typically have lots of decoration, flowing lines and curved profiles. Traditional style children’s furniture is generally made of wood, with finishes that range from dark wood finishes to painted finishes in bold or pastel colors. They are often distressed for a worn or antique look. Traditional styles such as Sheraton, Queen Anne, Neo Classical French Provincial are modeled after historical fashions, periods and trends. A Victorian reproduction armoire has a fanciful and romantic feel that is perfect for princess-themed rooms; a traditional style bedroom for a child that will last until the college years; or a classic décor for a teen with discerning tastes.

A bedroom is as much a play area as a place to sleep. In addition to creating a more formal and sophisticated feel, a traditional décor has proportion and symmetry that is soothing, welcoming and inviting. A computer armoire or TV armoire is exceptionally useful in accommodating modern technology while maintaining the room’s timeless atmosphere.

Contemporary

Berg Furniture Armoire

A child’s bedroom in a contemporary style has a clean, streamlined look that is both inviting and practical. Contemporary style armoires have smooth, clean lines and can use geometric forms in unique ways. While the emphasis is on function rather than decoration, contemporary style still includes decorative elements. Contemporary furnishings are typically made from lighter woods. Profiles tend to be relaxed, lending the room a calm and uncluttered appearance.

Contemporary furniture for kids, tweens and teens is specially designed to appeal to them while being well-constructed, durable and suited to your budget. Contemporary style is comprised of several sub-styles diverse enough to appeal to many different tastes. A contemporary style armoire is simple in form while decorative detailing is stylized or spare.

Country

Alligator Enterprises Treasures

Country style is rooted in the traditional, but has been adapted from its original location to reflect newer geographic locations and regions away from major city centers. Country style furniture characteristically is made of wood with lighter wood finishes such as pine or maple, possesses simpler decorative detail and is smaller in scale. Other popular finishes range from milk-painted finishes in white and pastels to finishes that have exposed grains or are distressed.

Country style armoires are universally appealing with their unpretentious designs yet elegant and charming looks. This is a perfect choice for a child’s or teen’s room because decorative details like stenciling, a scalloped apron, blunt arrow or bun feet and wainscoting lend the décor an inviting and comfortable air. A country style TV or computer armoire will add a stylish touch while increasing the room’s functionality.

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Pets and Kids during the Holidays

December 21st, 2009

Evenflo Clear Gate

You’re number one priority is keeping everyone in your household safe, including the family pets, and of course, especially your children. But what about the holidays? Your beautifully decorated Christmas tree with dangly ornaments and blinking lights; candles and bowls of Christmas treats dotted around the living room or family room; the potted poinsettias and pine boughs adorning the hallways, tables and stairways all can pose potential hazards to children and pets alike. Particularly if there are very young children in the home, there are things you can do to keep everyone safe and happy during the holidays.

The Tree

Choose decorations for your tree that will not become potential choking hazards. Avoid tinsel and both children and pets can choke if it is swallowed. Some cats especially like to eat tinsel. Ditto for angel hair.

Save the really dangly ornaments for the higher branches where they won’t pose a temptation to be grabbed or played with (by little fingers or paws).

Make sure the tree is level and secure. If possible, place a screen around the tree to keep pets and toddlers away.

Potential Poisons

Fake it! Holly, poinsettias, mistletoe and pine cones call all be dangerous to pets and young children if ingested. Use artificial versions of these holiday plants to be on the safe side.

Bubble lights sometimes contain methylene chloride, and even if they are labeled non-toxic, can pose a threat to children they drink it.

Avoid using snow sprays on windows, mirrors, etc. that are accessible to children.

When young children are around, don’t leave drinks unattended. Whenever possible, clear away the glasses with left-over alcohol in them before you go to bed. Young children and pets can be very susceptible to alcohol poisoning.

While we’re visiting with family and friends, it’s easy to forget about putting away food that has been sitting out for awhile or immediately wiping down a counter where raw egg was spilt. Because incidents of food poisoning rise during the holiday season, remembering simple food safety rules is important.

You may have managed to train your kids not to feed the pets from the dinner table. But during the holidays it may be tempting for them to give their pet friends a little taste of chocolate or other holiday goodies. Chocolate can be toxic to pets. Foods like cheese and rich pastries can really upset an animal’s digestive system. Pets can choke on the small bones in pieces of meat like chicken and turkey. Discourage family and visitors alike from feeding the pets.

Other Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

You’ll be doing a lot of baking and cooking during the holidays. Be extra vigilant regarding kitchen safety.

Put candles out of reach. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Dogs and cats can react differently to strangers or having a lot of “extra” people in their space. Give them down time or a place of there own that will be visitor-free. This will prevent them from becoming agitated and perhaps prone to biting or attacking.

Never assume that just because there is an adult or older child in the room, that they will watch the younger ones or keep an eye on the pets. If you have to leave the room, “assign” someone to be the “room monitor.”

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Decorating a Kid’s Bathroom

December 10th, 2009

Giving the kids their own bathroom makes it easier on your morning routine, helping you to separate the eye shadow or the aftershave from the toddler toothbrush. Giving them their own bathroom allows you the freedom to choose the designer marble vessel sink for you ensuite, secure in the knowledge that it won’t be painted with experimental hair dye, lipstick or nail polish. Designing a kid-friendly bathroom that is just for them is also a great way to establish early morning, nighttime and bath routines. 

Potty and Step Stool

The one room in a home you don’t want to have to repaint often is the bathroom. When planning a kid’s bathroom, make sure that it will grow with them. Whimsical themes that include involve undersea creatures can be eye-catching and fun, but more work for you in the long run when they’ve passed that stage and are on to something new. You can still create a magical space that is both appealing and functional by picking universal themes that will last at least a couple of developmental stages. But no matter how old they are kids love color. If you are reluctant to paint the walls something bold, bring color into the décor when you accessorize. 

Arm Chairs Dining Set

Who will be using the kid’s bathroom? If the bathroom is going to be used by a boy and a girl, consider a unisex color scheme. If more than one child of the same gender will be sharing, you can choose a décor that’s more gender-specific. When the bathroom is being used by two children, select a double vanity bathroom sink. This will let them have a sink each. You can also use a double sink to define each child’s “territory.” Especially if one is two or more years older than the other child, it will be easier for them to share if they have clearly established boundaries. Give each child their own stepstool or clothes hamper; this will also help create their own space even though they are sharing the bathroom. 

Select kid-friendly materials for your child’s bathroom that will be durable and easy to clean. Porcelain sinks, ceramic tiles and quartz or laminate countertops are materials that can be easily cleaned and maintained. Ensure that any cabinets, drawers and doors all include age-appropriate hardware and will easy to use. 

Keep these interior design tips in mind when planning, designing or decorating a bathroom to be used by children, all you’ll have a kid-friendly room that will grow with child or children.

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On Safari

December 9th, 2009

There is something about jungle animals that is not only exotic but is also exciting, as well. A jungle theme or safari theme is ideal for a unisex themed nursery because it can have whimsical appeal while creating a sense of adventure. Perhaps it’s the idea of gentle tropical rain that is soothing, conjuring shades of soft greens and trailing jungle vines; pools of water with exotic floating lilies; a watering hole where elephants and giraffes come to drink. Themes and motifs for a unisex nursery design are virtually limitless. What is important is to provide a beautiful, refreshing canvas for your newborn girl or boy to sleep, dream and grow. 

Baby Nursery Wall Art

Non-gender specific colors like soft yellows, pastel greens and mauves or neutral colors such as beige, white, cream and taupe are good color choices for a unisex nursery. You can use deeper shades like burgundy, purple rose, forest green or buttercup yellow as accent colors for one or two walls. Or you could choose two complementary colors, one light, one darker, and separate them with a chair rail or wallpaper border. Including a chair rail into your unisex nursery décor design also adds another decorative element to the room, allowing you to display pictures and other little collectibles like jungle animals and toys. Once the walls have been painted or papered, you can introduce your theme into the décor with safari-related wall art depicting lions, elephants, tigers or giraffes. 

Crib Bedding Set with Mobile

The BeBe Chic Monkey Business 4 Piece Baby Crib Bedding Set with Mobile is a perfect way to dress the crib in our jungle theme nursery. The crib bedding set has a chic sense of style. It also has stripes, solid colors and pretty patterns, giving the crib and the room a luxuriously textured feel, creating a cozy place for your baby to sleep. 

Sunny Safari Hand Painted Kids

Accessories with a jungle or safari theme are plentiful and varied. Take your pick: from nursery lamps to musical mobiles to window treatments, you’re sure to find the right accessories in the colors of your choice. For a finishing touch in your unisex nursery, add a floor rug or a toy chest to your décor.

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Visions of Sugar Plums

December 8th, 2009

Vanity Table Set with Mirror

There are varying definitions as to what a sugar plum actually is. One food website describes it as a small round or oval shaped candy made of fondant with a candied cherry or piece of dried fruit in its center. Another source claims that “sugarplum” was a term in Victorian times for a prune (dried plum) rolled in sugar. Sugarplums were served at holiday feasts as a special treat. Still another source dates sugar plums back to the 1500s when it was first discovered that sugar could be used to preserve fruits, although it isn’t entirely clear how the process was equated with just the plum. However, what is clear is that two famous works of art, Clement Clark Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more commonly known by its first line “‘Twas the night before Christmas”) and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” are solely responsible for correlating sugar plums with Christmas. For a toddler girl’s room, while a sugar plum motif would be especially relevant at this time of year, it is also a great variation on the classic princess theme.

Decide what to do with the walls. To create a “sugar plum fairy” mood, select soft pastels in ice cream colors like dainty pink, spring green and lemon yellow. Wallpaper is certainly an option, including anything in pink and white such as rosebuds, fairies with gossamer wings or ballerinas. Adding silver or gold sparkle to the walls via decals, a border or a mural enhances the confectionary fantasy.

Paris Toddler Twin Bed

Start with the Little Miss Liberty Paris Toddler Twin Bed. It has a whimsical appeal with its hint of sleigh-bed-like design and dainty floral motif.

Lea Elation Nightstand

Pair it with the Lea Elation Nightstand. This night stand has a delightful air and timeless charm, with its decorative molding, oversized bun feet and textured drawer front

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Bunk Bed Safety Tips

December 4th, 2009

Desk and Storage Stairs

Bunk beds are often associated with kids and are considered to be an easy and convenient way to decorate a child’s room, particularly if siblings have to share a room or if the room is smaller in size. But as a parent or relative furnishing a room for “the kids” when they visit, there are some things you should know about bunk beds and bunk bed safety that will keep all bunk bed users, adults and children alike, safe and secure when sleeping.

Bunk Bed Safety Standards

Creek Bunk Bed

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that any bunk bed sold in the United States must meet the following requirements:

  • a label on the bunk bed stating the manufacturer’s name, model number and mattress size information
  • includes a warning label advising against placing children under six years of age in the upper bunk
  • must have a continuous guardrail on the wall side of bed if the bunk bed is taller than 30 inches
  • openings on the unit, either as part of the upper or lower bunk, must be small enough that a child’s head, torso, or limbs cannot pass through

To prevent the possibility of strangulation, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the organization in charge of bunk bed safety standards, made recent amendments to their safety guidelines. Any vertical protrusion above 3/16 of an inch is now considered to be unsafe and largely affects the use of decorative finials.

A Word about Second-hand Bunk Beds

While flea markets, garage sales and consignment stores are great resources for families on a budget, there are some things to keep in mind before buying a used or second-hand bunk bed.

  • The information label required for new bunks with the manufacturer’s names, model number, etc. should also be on any second-hand bunk bed you decide to purchase.
  • The new safety standard regarding how high vertical protrusions can be was only introduced at the beginning of 2009. Any second-hand bunk bed you buy should not have finials or if it does, they should be able to be removed easily without compromising the structure or design of the bed.
  • Since safety standards are constantly being upgraded, know the current bunk bed safety standards and make that the second-hand bunk bed you choose meets all of them.
  • Make sure that the assembly instructions are included; check the bunk bed pieces again the parts list on the instruction sheet to see if there is anything missing.

Suggested Ways to Make Bunk Beds Safer

Bunk Bed in Golden Maple

Bunk beds should not be purchased for children under six. If you are buying a bunk bed for a child’s room that will be shared by one under the age of six and one who is older, the older child should get the top bunk. Encourage the younger child not to use the ladder to the upper bunk unless they are supervised.

For first time bunk bed users, consider installing a nightlight to make it easier to use the ladder safely if they have to get out of bed during the night. No matter what the age of the bunk bed user, adding a night light to a guest room furnished with bunk beds will make the journey to the bathroom or kitchen in a “strange” house a little safer.

Limit the number of children on the top bunk to one or the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Do not allow any bouncing or roughhousing on the top bunk.

Discourage your children from tying ropes or cords anywhere on the top bunk to eliminate any potential strangulation hazards.

Inspect the bunk bed on a regular basis; tighten any bolts or screws that may have loosened with use. If anything is broken, repair or replace it as soon as possible.

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Christmas is for Kids: Gifts for Children 3 and Up

December 1st, 2009

They’re asking a lot of questions; they have all sorts of crazy theories why the sky is blue and what snowflakes are made of. They’re out of the baby bed and sleeping in their own room. In a word, they’re growing up. And because they are growing so fast, their likes and dislikes are changing faster. How do you buy Christmas presents for the little ones (whether your own or someone else’s) in your life when yesterday they wanted the latest Nintendo DS game but today they want Happy Feet with all the extras on DVD? It’s easy: become a “detective’ and do some investigating. The clues are easy to decode if you know what to look for.

KidKraft Ride Around Town Train Set

Start by asking them what they want for Christmas. Make a list or if they are old enough, let them write it down themselves. Arrange the wish list in order of priorities. To weed out TV commercial-driven wants from genuine wish list wants, listen carefully. If kids keep repeating the same item over and over, then it’s most likely something they really would like as opposed to being TV-inspired.

KidKraft Fire Station Playset

While technology is constantly changing, wooden toys like train sets or train tables, dollhouses and rocking horses will never go out of style. Building blocks are another classic that will keep the boy or girl on your Christmas list busy for hours at a time. Another timeless gift idea is the traditional kitchen set – children like to pretend that they can cook in the kitchen just like an adult!

ECR-059-150X150

And for really keeping them entertained (while entertaining you), you can’t beat a musical instrument. This is the perfect age to help them discover their inner musician: children love sounds and to experiment with them. Give them a toy piano, a toy guitar or a something rattly and shaky like a percussive music table or drum kit they can really play.

Melissa & Dog Grand Piano

Other handy tips for buying Christmas gifts for children 3 and up include:

  • When selecting gifts for kids you don’t know really well, choose age appropriate, unisex toys
  • If you don’t have a wish list to work off of, base your gift on the child’s most recent hobby, favorite movie or literary/superhero/cartoon character
  • If you need to have a few “generic” children’s gifts on hand in case of the unexpected, choose economical but fun favorites like giant coloring books, crayons and inexpensive craft kits.


  • Still not sure what to buy the young child in your life? Just keep in mind…fun, bright colors and pretty noises! Young children are very curious, energetic and love to explore. Give them a gift that will capture their imaginations and engage their minds, and you can’t go wrong.

    P'kolino Kids Silly Soft Kiko Seat in Red

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    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.

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    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.

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