Monthly Archives: September 2012

Colour Wednesday: Monochromatic Blues

Standard

As I continue my investigation on colour combinations, I remembered one of my favourite combos is the monochromatic colour palette.  We often pair colours together, but I think some of the most genius colour schemes come from a monochromatic arrangement.  Just think of a nursery exploring blues with a base colour of Cool Breeze CSP-665, with an accent wall of New Providence Navy (1651), all the decor along the lines of Robin’s Nest (618), and all trim in an off-white with a blue tint such as Chantilly Lace (2121-70) – All from Benjamin Moore Paints (see below).

Check out the following pic for more ideas on creating a monochromatic child’s room with beautiful blues…

Sourcing:

1. ‘Read With Me’ Illustration in Blue, Sarah Jane Studios $16

2. Eco-Friendly Latex Paint in Cloud Blue & Navy, RH Baby & Child $39/gallon

3. Junior Lampert Sofa, Jonathan Adler Junior $2,095

4. Ahoy There Mirrors in Blue, Land of Nod $69 for set of 3

5. Wheels Motif Crib Set in Cobalt, Oilo Studio $399

6. Grace Square Set in Navy, Jennifer Delonge $549

7. Stripe Double Cylinder Light in Cobalt, Oilo Studio $249

Lay Lay’s Picks: One Daybed Three Ways

Standard

I love daybeds (probably because of the amount of pillows you can use with this type of bed), and if you can get one with a trundle then this is a bonus as it provides extra sleeping space – and with a family like mine, trust me, extra beds are essential.

Posh Tots has a beautiful daybed with trundle system called the Mix and Match Sleighbed.  The daybed is priced at $1,149 and the trundle is $499, and it is available in a variety of colours.  The great thing about the Mix and Match line is that you can purchase many different items that have different styles and colours but are all compatible with one another.

One Sleighbed three looks

Sourcing for The Preppy Boy look:

1. Organic Star Sheeting, Pottery Barn Kids $18-$135, 2. Jonah Drum Chandelier, Rosenberry Rooms $560, 3. Red Letter Pillow, Serena and Lily $58, 4. Junior Anchor Rug, Jonathan Adler $695

Sourcing for the Girly Girl look:

1. Morgan Blush Lantern, Layla Grace $300, 2. Mix and Match Oval Mirror, Posh Tots $349, 3. Belle of the Ballet Canvas Wall Art, OopsyDaisy $149, 4. Paint in Shell and Juice, Serena & Lily $45/gallon, 5. Plum/Putty Diamond & Jaipur Pillow Covers, Serena & Lily $64/each

Sourcing for the Gender Neutral look:

1. Serena Chandelier (small), Currey and Company $2,042, 2. Green Lemon Pillow & Blue Apple Pillow, Jonathan Adler Junior $110/each, 3. Classic Wooden Block Wall Clock, Rosenberry Rooms $164, 4. Custom Upholstered Chakki in Dark Walnut, Serena & Lily $450

Inspiration: The Well Traveled Child

Standard

So Restoration Hardware Baby & Child has done it again!  They released their Fall 2012 catalogue, and to be honest, I am not surprised with the caliber of products being offered.  Always right on the mark, RH Baby & Child have some of the most wonderful themes for decor, and their collections of furniture have left me breathless.

One of the themes that I want to showcase is what I call ‘The Well Traveled Child’ theme.  These items are perfect for that adventurous, free spirited child that needs to let their inner traveler loose.  Check out these awesome picks to complete your little traveler’s room.

These Landmark Sketches can be bought for $275 as a set of 3, or individually at $99 each

For bedding options the Atlas Print Duvet Cover for $139-$169 continues the traveler theme, and if you want to go with a more modern traveler decor element the European World Tour Percale Sheet Set $149-$214 is a great option.

This Earth Desk Globe $89 lights up to function as a lamp as well as an educational decor item.

The above Hand-Folded Vintage Map Dresses bring me great joy.  I love that Restoration Hardware is embracing the idea of the female adventurer by including the ‘Fashion Roadmap’.  This marriage of travel and fashion is ingenious, and it is available in the maps of Paris and Rome for $599 each.

Aside

While nurseries can be a ‘labour of love’ for many individuals who want to create it themselves, there are a number of reasons why hiring a designer to complete your little one’s room is a good idea…

1. Safe products – When creating spaces for children, our first concern is that we are providing products that are safe for them.  From low VOC paints to nursery furniture that meet the highest standards for safety.  Designers know what to look for – and what to avoid – when designing a nursery, child’s room or play space.

2. Quality of overall design – When completing any project, it is always a good idea to consult the experts.  Interiors are no different.  As interior design specialists, we understand the principles & elements of design, as well as functionality and space planning.  We are able to create original design schemes, or enhance the design ideas that you already have.  Designers eat, breathe and sleep design… we know what works, what doesn’t work, what products are out there, the current trends, the next big trend, the outdated trends… I could go on and on, but I won’t – you get my point.

3. Help to set and maintain a budget – Most people think that hiring a designer will be more expensive, than completing a project themselves.  The truth is that you are more likely to set a realistic budget (including the designer fee) – and stick to it – if you have a professional monitoring the cost of the job.  Problems arise on every project, but with a design professional you are better equipped to avoid mistakes that can be quite costly.

4. Extensive resources – Designers have access to a number of stores, products, and services that are not available to the general public.  By hiring a design professional you can gain access to these benefits, and in some cases, discounts to stores that you do have access to.

5. Stress Free – Problems arise.  This fact cannot be avoided in most design projects.  If you are creating a nursery or a child’s room, then you probably already have your hands full.  Hiring a designer helps to eliminate the stress involved in completing a project on time and within your budget.

Keep in mind that hiring a designer does not mean that you will lose all creative input.  Your design ideas can be enhanced if you already know the look and feel you want to achieve in your child’s space.  Just keep in mind that interior stylists, designers and decorators are there to help you achieve a harmoniously designed space that you and your child can enjoy.

Lay Lay’s Tips: 5 Reasons You Should Hire a Designer

Inspiration: From the Orient with Love…

Standard

I love Asian inspired decor for the nursery.  Whether you want to keep a traditional palette, or use Asian inspired items made specifically for the nursery, this can be a really fun theme for any child’s room.

The above pictures show how you can create an asian inspired child’s room with a childlike colour palette.  Blues, pinks, purples and yellows are great in this decor scheme because they incorporate Asian elements like Chinese paper lanterns, pagodas, Chinese birdcages and cherry blossom patterns that are typical of Asian decor.

The other option for an Asian inspired child’s nursery is to streamline the furniture and go with a more traditional Asian colour palette like black, gold and red.  This take on the Asian theme works well with wood elements too.  Check out the items below if you want to create a look of the Orient for your little one in a sophisticated way.

Sourcing:

1. Lantern Festival Bedding (toddler set), Kukunest $95

2. Round Paper Lanterns, FavorsPlus $3.50 each

3. Pagoda Fabric, Pixie Dust Decor $19/yard

4. ‘Asian Birdies’ Canvas Wall Art, Oopsy Daisy $119

5. Pink Pagoda Pillow, Posh Tots $79

6. Its A Small World – Japanese Boy Nightlight, Oopsy Daisy $25

7. Shinto Nesting Tables, Serena and Lily

8. Pagoda Beaded Pendant Lantern, Posh Tots $592

9 & 10. Hanami Accent Pillows, Posh Tots $123

11. Regal Three Drawer Chest, Posh Tots $1,390

12. Patterson Cradle by Green Frog Art, Lux Baby $390