Lay Lay’s Tips: Bling on a Budget

Everyone loves a great splurge, but the key to staying on budget when designing your nursery is knowing when to spend and when to save.  The most cost effective strategy for saving a buck is always reusing what you already have, but if you do need to go out and add to your decor repertoire, get creative and look for items that won’t break the bank.The above pink scalloped ceiling medallion from Rosenberry Rooms is priced at $52 and is a perfect way to add bling for less (especially if your lighting is a little on the plain side).

 

These white butterflies from Pottery Barn are $24 for the set of 4.  Talk about a steal.  This is a great and inexpensive way to make your daughter’s walls come alive.

 

Although each one of these knobs from Pottery Barn Kids is $22, I included these as items to be used when working with a tight budget because they can really spruce up furniture that you already have.  Think about saving that old dresser and sprucing it up with some new hardware.

 

This whale acrylic mirror is perfect for adding some interest to a child’s room.  Not only is it cute… its cheap too!  Priced at $36 this is a real steal.

 

Lay Lay’s Picks: Ikea to the Rescue – A Play Space to Inspire

Ikea has some fabulous finds at some really great prices.  If you’re looking for storage solutions (who am I kidding?  Us mothers always need more storage solutions), and some cute accessories for a play space, then Ikea has some great options without breaking the bank.  Check out these items to get the most bang for your buck.

The above storage unit can be customized with smaller bins as well if you need additional options, and there are many different colours to choose from when picking the storage bins.  Check out some other items that can make a really fun and special play space for a kid.

Sourcing:

All items are available at Ikea

1. Skojig Pendant Lamp, $34

2. Krokig Wall Hook, $2.99 each

3. Mammut Children’s Stool, $9.99

4. Trofast Storage Combination, $99

5. Ekorre Rocking Moose $39

6. Mammut Children’s Table, $49 & Mammut Children’s Chair $19

7. Krokig Clothes Tree, $29

8. Circustalt Children’s Tent, $19

Colour Wednesday: Monochromatic Blues

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Colour Wednesday: Analogous Harmony

When thinking about colour schemes we often take our cues from nature.  An analogous scheme is made up of colours that are located beside each other on the colour wheel.  These colour palettes appear in nature quite often – think of a field of sunflowers amidst green blades of grass with a backdrop of a vibrant blue sky.  Or the yellow, orange and red hues that can be found in a single flame.  Analogous colour sequences work quite well together and can transform children’s rooms, nurseries and play spaces into harmonious havens.  One of my favourite analogous schemes is the yellow-green-blue sequence.  If the right hues are chosen in this combo it can be quite stunning.  Check out my picks for an analogous themed kid’s space.

-Lay Lay

Sourcing:

1. Yacht Stripe Fabric, Pixie Dust Decor $19/yd

2. Sea Turtle Hook Pillow, Rosenberry Rooms $58

3. Serena Chandelier (small), Currey and Company $2042

4. Lemon Elephant Bookshelf by Dwell Studio, Rosenberry Rooms $124

5. Great Outdoors Number Poster, Land of Nod $99

6. Pondicherry Bed with nailheads in leaf diamond fabric, Serena and Lily $1850 (twin)

7. Moroccan Painted Lamp on green base, Oopsy Daisy $138

Lay Lay’s Picks: One Desk Three Ways – Back to School in Style!

As the summer comes to a close and the kids go back to school, we really owe it to our children to provide a comfortable and well lit study space so they can do their homework.  Today’s post highlights Pottery Barn’s Hampton Classic Desk ($499) and shows how you can use the same piece in 3 different ways:

This combination uses frills and ornate framing to keep the look ultra feminine.

1. Napa Chair and Ruffled Slipcover Pottery Barn, $64 – $199

2.  Hampton Classic Desk Pottery Barn Teen, $499

3. Vintage Hand Carved Chalkboard RH Baby and Child, $110

This look pairs the Pottery Barn Hampton Desk with industrial materials like metals and recycled elements to give the space a masculine feel.  You can also add rustic pieces to this scheme to enhance the vintage aspect.

1. Industrial Era Task Lamp RH Baby & Child, $159

2. Chalkboard Globe The Well Appointed House $342

3. Hampton Classic Desk Pottery Barn Teen, $499

4. Vintage Stool RH Baby & Child, $139

5. Upcycled Desk Accessories in Black/Gray Pottery Barn Teen $7.50 – $31

This look is fun and energetic.  It works well with any bold hue as the accent colour, but since I have a thing for yellow right now, I chose to incorporate it into this look.

1. Graphic Words Pin-It Pinboard Pottery Barn Teen, $61

2. Now Clip it, Clip it Good Lamp in Yellow Land of Nod, $29

3. Hampton Classic Desk Pottery Barn Teen, $499

4. Balloon Animal Bookend Land of Nod, $42

5. Stripe Ooh La La Armchair in Black Pottery Barn Teen $436

Colour Wednesday: Complement me!

Colour can play such an important role in any design scheme, and when it comes to designing a nursery or child’s room colour is often a key element of the design.  The colour wheel was created in 1666 by Sir Isaac Newton, and since then it is often referred to when trying to create harmonious colour schemes.  Today we are going to focus on complementary colours.

This colour combination pulls opposite hues on the colour wheel.  One of my favourite combos in the complementary chord is purple and yellow.  When done right, this colour palette can be quite stunning.

Sourcing:

1. Lemon Gumdrop Pendant $29.99 Serena and Lily

2. Lilac Diamond Quilt Euro Sham $34.99 & Marni Euro Sham $78, Both Serena and Lily

3. Dorm Trunk $199, PB Teen

4. Faux Leather Seat in Purple $79, Land of Nod

5. Brocade Orchid Crib Set $380, Annette Tatum

6. Benjamin Moore Paints in Spring Lilac (1388) and Hay Stack (317), Available in Natura Paint

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