Inspiration: Bugs, Bugs…and More Bugs!

I am not a big fan of bugs, but for some reason boys and girls alike love them.  I’m not exactly sure what the big fascination is with these little critters but the following decor items show how to incorporate them into your little one’s room with pizzazz.

These pillows from Posh Tots are great starting points for a dragonfly or ladybug theme.  Priced at $48 (1) and $40 (2) they are an excellent addition to the bug inspired room.

The entomology tapestries are available individually from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child for $139 each or as a set of 3 for $375.  I must admit that even I think the beetle tapestry is pretty cool.

Now we’ve included the dragonfly, the ladybug, the grasshopper, the bee and the beetle, but I think my favourite bug (for right now anyway) is the snail.  I just love this little guy.  Here we have (1) a snail print priced at $15 (what a steal!), (2) a snail figurine from Jonathan Adler priced at $78, and (3) a snail applique throw pillow from Decaf for $66.

Inspiration: Let’s Give Thanks…

Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays (right after Christmas of course), and us Canadians get to celebrate it in October – and again in November if we have family members south of the border.  While looking for some fun and creative ways to include the kids (trust me when I say we have a million coming over) I stumbled upon some creative decor ideas from Pottery Barn.

I love the little hats that hold the crayons… what a good idea!

These dinner accessories will add an element of fun to any thanksgiving table.  The Thanksgiving Vinyl Placemat Set (1) comes in a set of two for $14, and the Toddler Divided Plate and Sippy Cup Set (2) $30 ensures that even the little ones are not left out on this special occasion.  Also, this personalized Thanksgiving Bib (3) priced at $24  is definitely something to treasure.

The above items serve as great inspiration for DIY projects.  The glittery ‘Give Thanks‘ garland is 5’ long and you can create it yourself, however, if you don’t have the time to complete this task it can be bought from Pottery Barn for $24.  The Bottlebrush Turkey ($10-$30) and the Kids’ Turkey Headpiece $15 require a little bit more DIY expertise but serve as great inspiration non the less.

Hope these items inspire you and your turkey celebration… Once again, Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

-Lay Lay

Inspiration: The Well Traveled Child

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.

Inspiration: From the Orient with Love…

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

Inspiration: Fabric Wall Decals… Simply Amazing!

Elephant & Monkey Trio by Meghann O’Hara

I love wall stickers, but these fabric wall decals from Oopsy Daisy are simply amazing!  What a fun way to let a child get involved with decorating and personalizing their space.  These Fabric Wall decals are made from products that are good for the environment, non-toxic and phthalate free.  Priced at $129 per set these removable and repositionable fabric based wall stickers include a full number and alphabet set for personalization.  The other thing I really love about Oopsy Daisy is they give each of their artists credit, and include a mini profile on them too.  Kudos!

i Gumball Tree Wall Decal by Gale Kaseguma

Once Upon a Time Wall Decal by Jill McDonald

License Plate USA wall decal by Aaron Foster

J’aime Paris wall decal by Shelly Kennedy

Inspiration: Up, Up and Away…

One of the themes that I am loving right now is the hot air balloon theme.  I am currently working on a project for a little girl who is as much spirited as she is passionate – making this the perfect theme for her (stay tuned for the pics).  Hot air balloons can be used as a unisex theme that not only screams adventure, but can also be tweaked to have a vintage feel as well.  Check out some of these hot air balloon items for some inspiration!

-Lay Lay

Sourcing:

1. Pink Hot Air Balloon Kids Rug (also available in blue), Rosenberry Rooms $104

2. American Byways – Air Balloons, Oopsy Daisy $119

3. Vintage Metal Hot Air Balloon Money Box, Baby & Child Restoration Hardware $39

4. Vintage Hot Air Balloon Art, Baby & Child Restoration Hardware $99.99

5. Hot Air Balloon Mobile, Baby & Child Restoration Hardware $38.99

6. Hot Air Balloon Toy Chest, Art for Kids

7. Antique Balloon Penguin by Art Fronckowiak, Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids $119

8. Antique Balloon Elephant by Art Fronckowiak, Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids $119

9. Antique Balloon Unicorn by Art Fronckowiak, Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids $119

10. Hermes Hand Painted Hot Air Balloon Decorative Pillow with Flange, Posh Tots $242

11. Hermes Hand Painted Hot Air Balloon Decorative Pillow with Cording, Posh Tots $172

Inspiration: King of the Jungle

One of my favourite themes for a boys room is the ‘jungle’ theme.  Nowadays there are so many products to choose from so instead of incorporating all of the animals in the jungle, why not focus on one.  My favourite for a boys room is the lion (although I currently have a thing for elephants – but we’ll discuss that later).  The lion is the quintessential symbol for courage, strength, influence and respect – all qualities that we hope to instill in our young sons.  Check out my picks for a lion nursery.  Enjoy!

-Lay Lay

Sourcing:

1. Lion, $138 Jonathan Adler

2. Lion Nightlight, $48 Jonathan Adler

3. Ben Crib Bedding, $33 – $325 Serena and Lily

4. Lion Friends Wall Art, $32 Land of Nod

5. Menagerie Bookend Lion, $58 Serena and Lily

6. Lion Needlepoint Pillow, $98 Jonathan Adler

7. Lion Rug, $795 Jonathan Adler

8. Lion Head Knob, Art for Kids

9. Hansa Large Male Lion, $498 Art for Kids

Inspiration: The Queen, her Town and her Flag

With all the hype over the 2012 Olympics I am pleased to see a resurgence of the ‘London Town’ theme in fashion, design and art.  Being a fellow “Londoner” myself there is nothing that warms my heart more than seeing things like The Union Jack, The map of London, and queen-inspired elements in accessories, furniture and decor.  I have put together a little compilation of things that can definitely be used in children’s rooms and play spaces to add a royal touch.

-Lay Lay

British Flag Needlepoint Pillow, $110 Jonathan Adler

London Subway Wall Decal, $29 CityStic (Etsy)

‘London Collection’ Cushions by Lizzie Allen $102 each

‘London’ and ‘London Bus’ Illustrations by Alice Tait, $29 each

‘Crowns & Coronets’ Wallpaper $70 per roll with ‘Royal Jewels’ $9, both from Graham & Brown

Union Jack Ottoman, $169 Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

So much nostalgia… I love it!  Happy Olympics friends…