Handmade spring items {etsy love}

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. Spring is here and with it come a parade of colors. The following handmade Esty items span a colorful spectrum of lovely and useful items for children. Which is your favorite?  1. Silhouette Portraits Custom Prints 2. L is for lion wee tea cup orange 3. Monogram Children’s Pillows 4. Crochet Rug Rainbow and Clouds Light Blue Nursery Rug 5. 10 Pins n Balls - Montessori and Waldorf Inspired Educational Rainbow Bowling Set

Continue reading



Quick design tips for kids' rooms

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. Flipping through the November/December 2012 issue of Australia's INSIDE OUT, three great tips for decorating children's bedrooms jumped off the pages. ONE: Think small; get down to a child's eye level when designing their space. Shelves for book displays, baskets with toys, posters and art should be a bit closer to the ground for their use and enjoyment (see top photo).TWO: Inspire creativity; offer chances for kids to show their inner creative. Hands-on objects and areas for making art (like chalk painted tables), displaying collections, or simply playing can go a long way. THREE: Don't forget the floor; kids spend a lot of time there. Roll out a cushy rug or throw some large floor...

Continue reading



Reflecting your roots via design {part III}

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin. Incorporating familial roots into interior design is a certain way to individualize your style and offer meaningful decor. When considering your child’s bedroom, why not draw from geographical and cultural elements?  Children Inspire Design’s very own Rebecca Peragine has created just that with her boys’ bedroom. A Wisconsin native, Rebecca shares pieces of her background while highlighting aspects of their current Californian state. The result is a tasteful Midwest/West Coast style where pops of color electrify the simplicity of gray walls.  With a more globalized society, it is no wonder our children have many cultural influences. Check out last week's mood board which conceptualizes a nursery for a child whose rich background includes: Colombia,...

Continue reading



Reflecting your roots via design {part II}

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin of Somebody's Home. Let's exhaust the nursery ideas a minute: blue, pink, monkeys, frogs, owls. When it comes to designing a child's room, there are countless cute themes and motifs. Yet, wouldn't it be nice to go with something that can "keep" for a few years. Trying to create a versatile space that grows with your child is a goal that saves effort and money years ahead. Selecting neutral colors and making smart furniture choices are ways to create a clever design. But, let's have fun with it too. One way to add color and interest to a child's bedroom is adding global elements that reflect your family. Using your kid's roots is a...

Continue reading



Owls? Intelligent taste

Written by contributing blogger, Christine Martin.  "We are all visionaries, and what we see is our soul in things." -Henri Amiel When it comes to selecting a theme for your child's room, animals are a popular one. Frogs, kittens, and monkeys seem to be the favorites. How about owls?  These great birds have varied historical and cultural meanings. To Athena, the Greek goddess of learning, the owl is sacred. In Native American traditions, this bird is associated with wisdom, foresight, and the keeper of sacred knowledge. Among other symbolism, the owl encompasses: protection, true sight, and intuition.  Owl decor pieces for kids' rooms are not only cute, but they carring meaning. Here are some highlighted items for your boy or...

Continue reading