Children's reading nook

With little kiddies in the home, I love the idea of having areas that "invite" reading. My children have a gazillion books; on bookshelves, in bookcases, in bins, in drawers, in stacks...but, the playroom needed a nook that suggested reading. I took a blank wall, hung white photo ledges from Ikea and in 45 minutes created this space. As I was measuring, hanging the ledges and placing the 50+ books, my children were under foot perusing the book selection...a huge hit!

What theory do you subscribe to, books hidden or books in the open?  Have a great weekend! 

When a friend decorates

I have a very dear friend who is in the medical profession and amazes me with her innate talent in designing her kiddies rooms. I begged her to use some images for my blog!

How cute is this sitting area in her five year old daugther's bedroom?

She turned the "what do you do with this space?" off of her son's bedroom into an adorable play area. In this room she focused on a space for creative play sans the electronic gadgets...quite a charming "hideaway" for her three year old boy.

For her two month old daughter she desired to create a non-traditonal girls room, yet still wanted it to feel girly and sweet...task achieved.    

What special touches do you like about her spaces? 

And, speaking of kiddies, check out the fabulous swanky-chic-fete blog for a post on my daughter's past parties. http://swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com/2011/02/little-girls-birthday-party-hamptontoes.html Her blog is one of my daily inspirations!

Small closet + wallpaper = transformation

I absolutely love wallcoverings and think that they are especially fab in small areas or "lifeless spaces." This weekend (during Superbowl) I transformed my son's small closet from drab to well, a tad more masculine and stylish. It's always neatly organized (well, at least while he's two and I still have control over it) but it certainly needed a little attention.

BEFORE

AFTER

I'm a firm believer in designing small spaces and not keeping them white. Small is small...white paint is not tricking me into thinking something is larger, whereas a well designed or styled space is what I remember...not the lack of square footage. What do you do with small spaces to give them style?

Birthday party supplies

I love to plan memorable parties and playdates for my 2 and 4 year old. I'm often asked where I get fun supplies for the gatherings. 

For my daughter's upcoming (March) Barbie themed 5th birthday at Lyndhurst castle... 
   
I'm making tissue paper flowers, with tissue paper from the dollar store.

For the "Barbie Beauty Boutique", I purchased feather boa's from Halo Heaven. 

I scored these gown boxes at Christmas Tree Shop...in packs of 10 for $1.00! For treats, jewels or place settings, still deciding. Necklaces are from Target's $1.00 bins...do love you the $1.00 bins as much as me?  

Also, at the Christmas Tree Shop I purchased dozens of colorful rings for just a few dollars!

On Martin Luther King day I was in Greenwich with my children. A stroll through town lead us to Claire's and to these...33 ouchless hairbands rolled to look like a lollipop! Is there anything cuter? Each girl will receive one so that she may sport the iconic Barbie ponytail!     

Homegoods currently has lots of Barbie stationary with Robert Best artwork. I grabbed a couple of boxes of these notecards so that I can hole punch the corners, add ribbons and hang them from the gift bags sans the envelope!     

Now, I'm working on some of the "Barbie" details to pull it all together! What are some of your birthday party resources? Have a fabulous weekend!

Fireplace before & after

Our basement consists of two guest bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry and a playroom/family room with a fireplace. The fireplace was in need of desperate attention, as this is what it looked like before we moved into our home. 

Before

The day after signing papers of home ownership, I found myself at a stone yard placing an order to create a new look. Since the family room/playroom is on the basement level I desired to create a comfortable, warm and inviting place to gather as a family. Also, I switched out the carpeting for a warmer option and replaced all trim work with six inch baseboard.   

After

Fireplaces in formal living rooms, master bedrooms and dining rooms usually look nicer with a mantel, but for casual spaces I prefer not having a mantel. What a difference a little stone work makes!  Your thoughts on mantels?  

winner of the sister parish design book

Congratulations to Natalie of http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/!

Natalie is the winner of the Sister Parish Design book giveaway! I had it signed by the two authors while at the NYIGF.  The authors, Susan Bartlett Crater (Sister Parish's granddaughter) and Libby Cameron (Sister Parish's last protege) authored this book along with a stellar list of interior design contributors. The authors and contributors weigh in on various design topics.      

 

Enjoy Natalie! 

your tour of the nyigf, part two

Another tour of the NYIGF! 

Go Home Ltd.'s blue bamboo lucite chair is fabulous...it will soon be in my daughter's room!   

This handsome bookcase has "ski home" home written all over it!     

Paulette Rollo has gorgeous cashmere, lambswool and merino wool throws. Exquisite!

I'm absolutely loving this mirror by Royal Pacific Designs!    

Diane James Home offers stunning floral arrangements. There was a time when I had an adversion to faux flowers and it was certainly related to the fact that I wasn't shopping at Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus for my faux florals, where Diane James is sold. I think it would be nice to have orchids that look this good all year round!  

Lazy Susan USA always has so many pieces that add chicness to a home. This vase is the perfect dose of yellow to keep a space feeling fresh/modern day.   

Oh, how I love these leather baskets with amazing braided handles. Perfect for tossing the paper, magazines or the kiddies toys!  

Leyla's makes this super adorable pillow! The below images are of one pillow with several detachable "outfits"...what little girl would not love to design ensembles on her pillow?     

 

 

 All felt clothing pieces are stored on the back of the pillow in this heart.

Any favorites?    

Visit yesterday's post to enter the giveaway!