"throw on and you're out the door" by Sheridan French

And now our monthly break from children's room design to children's fashion, take it away Sheridan...

Given that summer is in full force and there are activities galore, outfits that are literally "throw on and you're out the door" are essential. I envisioned an older brother, baby sister {and maybe even a newborn?} sibset for this month's clothing combo. Mom is yelling up the stairs for the big bro to "just get ready already! Put anything on! Let's go!" while simultaneously attempting to clothe her daughter and change the new baby's diaper. Sound familiar?

One of the easiest ways to instantly make a little girl too cute for words is to dress her in Rickshaw Design clothing. Easy breezy kurtas will transform her into a little bohemian babe in a heartbeat. Top it off with a darling hat and charming bloomers, and she's too precious to resist - and comfortably dressed for a day of birthday parties, errands, or cheering on big bro from the side of the pool at swim lessons. Rickshaw also offers baby sacks - a newborn essential if you ask me. Drawstring ties at the bottom for easy changing {and optional hand-mits on the sleeves} make this a can't go wrong purchase.

Start your son's day off right with the short of the season: an elastic drawstring waist chambray short that goes with everything. He can live in these all summer - what more could you ask for?! Paired with a classic cotton pique, this piece is easily worn throughout all the activities of his day. It, like the shorts, will truly go with everything, and it's perfect layered or on its own. Nothing completes an outfit like a classic pair of Sperry's. The original boat shoe is back and better than ever, featuring non-skid treads and top-quality leather with a perfect worn-in finish. Finish such a classic, versatile outfit with an accessory that, although just for fun, makes any big brother feel like king of the world - classic, vintage-inspired aviators in the exact shade preferred by pilots.

This busy mom certainly won't look it as her children attend the day's events looking too good for words....her secret of classic and easy pieces is safe with me!

xoxo Sheridan

The Southern Eclectic

1. polo 2. pull on shorts 3.aviators 4. sperry top-siders 5. green sunhat 6. baby sack 7. bloomer 8. kurta

New Decor Items from New Arrivals Inc.

The Alphabet Pillows are finally here from New Arrivals Inc. They are 12" square and include an insert for $48 a piece. Pretty reasonable and three cute color options: Blue/Green, Khaki/Chocolate & Pink/Green.

I also just saw this cute Monogrammed Wall Plaque. They are quite large which is nice, spanning just about 24". And hung high enough (for safety reasons), they would look nice above a crib.

Play Kitchens Suitable for a Boy

I wrote a post yesterday on Project Nursery about whether or not to get a play kitchen for a boy. My final decision was yes, and to view the whole post click here.

But here is a basic recap of my favorite kitchens suitable for a little boy and new finds suggested by readers:

This kitchen is by Camden Rose. It is made of 100% real hard wood, no plywood, particle board, paint or fancy colors here. My friend Chelsea likes to call this the ultimate kitchen for the hippie parent. Honestly I really like the old fashioned simplicity which will help a child use their imagination a little more. Plus what could be more neutral than brown wood?

I'm sure most of you have seen this kitchen fro Ikea. It is swedish and simple with clean lines and no fuss. At the base price of $99 you really can't go wrong. The size is small enough to fit in a child's room and the bright colors of fake food will help brighten up the design.

Now if you like red this is a great set from Pottery Barn Kids with a retro twist. The pieces can be purchased individually but are expensive ranging from $500-$700. What I like about his set is that it actually looks nice and is very sturdy. Every Pottery Barn Kids store has a few of these pieces on the floor and they are played with hundreds of kids everyday and still look good. Expensive but built to last.
I'm not sure about the quality of this one by Guidecraft because I have not seen it in person, but it looks pretty darn cute. I personally love the unisex turquoise color and like the fact that you don't have to purchase multiple pieces to have the whole kitchen. It looks like there is quite a bit of assembly required with this one so parents beware, but if you have the space for a large kitchen like this in your room or playroom this looks like a wonderful choice.

My personal pick (mainly because I am partial to the look of stainless steel) is this one by Kidcraft. I like that it has a low profile so that it can fit under a window and that it does not have a microwave (I personally don't like using them unless I have to). The finish is a high gloss which will help avoid chipping and the size is just big enough so that more than one child can play at a time.

After I wrote the post a friend of mine e-mailed me and suggested this wonderful compact unit by Guidecraft.

Then a reader on Project Nursery suggested the Educo My Creative Cookery Club by Hape , I just love the simple compact design and the green accents.

Do you have any play kitchens in your home that you love? I would love to hear your suggestions!

Decorating with Maps...Again

I know I've already written a post on decorating with maps a few months ago but I ran across this wallpaper from Cox & Cox today and needed to share it. I really like how the wallpaper takes on the curved appearance of a real globe. You can't use it on a really large wall but on a small blank wall in a child's room or playroom would look fabulous!

Ever thought of using a globe as a mobile? An interesting idea?

And while we are on the topic of maps, another image using real charts as wallpaper

...via Elle Decor of course

Boys Loft Spaces on Nesting Newbies

The third issue of Nesting Newbies came out this month. What I like about this on-line magazine is that is combines articles on entertaining, food, design and blogging. All things that I love!

But in keeping with what is relevant to this blog, here are some photos of a pretty spectacular and innovative boys loft bedroom. The ceilings in this room must be close to 20 feet, which is not a reality for most of us, but this helps spark the imagination on how to bring activities and playfulness into the bedroom.

The best part about this room is that even though the boys have to share, they still have their own private "nooks" where they can have their own "private space".

Some fun facts about the room include:

- wall mounted televisions in each nook

- punching bags, and climbing walls, and basketball hoop in the room

- private above-bed areas for hanging out or doing homework

- custom storage under the beds, behind the headboard, and on the walls

I'd definitely call this a dream middle-schooler's room!

Photos by Zoe Chan, room designed by Hilary Unger with Perianth Design

Lilac & Sherbert

I'm apologizing in advance that my posts are going to be pretty weak this week. Mom is coming into town , I'm planning a wedding shower for the weekend and am working on a few big projects. Anyways, I've always loved this little girls room, and since I have been focusing on nurseries lately, I thought the older kids needed a little bit of inspiration.

This gorgeous room was designed my the talented Kelly Wearstler herself. Unfortunately I can't remember where I got the photo but regardless, I still like this fresh combo of lilac and orange sherbert. Sophisticated yet and playful!

Happy Father's Day

a cute golf Father's Day card in honor of the US Open via Paper Source

A thoughful gift that I left out of my father's day picks...a special journal to help a dad share his stories with his children. Maybe for next year or Christmas...

available at Paper Source

...but back to the real reason for this post...

I wanted to wish a Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful father's out there. But most of all to the father's in my life...my dad, stepdad and husband, father-in-law and grandfather.

My husband Bill (Tripp is tending to call him "Bobby" lately, and his dad "Granddaddy".

Bill thank you for supporting me in all that I do and for being a wonderful father to our son Tripp. I hope that he turns out to be the man that you are.

Big Bill, thank you for taking me in as a daughter and for raising such a special and loving son.

My dad "Dido"

Dad thank you for exposing me to the arts and the world at such a young age. You taught us to aim high, not to be afraid to stand out in a crowd, and to live life to its fullest.

My step-dad "Poppy"

Elton thank you for teaching me about the importance of education and competition, and for guiding me to UNC where I met my husband. Your love, advice, and support is greatly appreciated.

And to my grandfather Didi, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have always admired your courage and love for your family. Thank you for being an inspiration for us all.

A Nursery Designed by Anyon Interior Design

My dear friend (and mother of three adorable blonde boys) Tina sent me a link yesterday to a nursery that she thought I should feature on Nursery Notations. And man was she right! This nursery is simply gorgeous. Don't you love the vertical stripes in the hallway and the horizontal stripes in the bedroom? (The vertical stripes looks like the Farrow and Ball wallpaper Broad Stipe, but maybe it is painted?)

This nursery was designed by Lindsay Anyon Brier for her son Hawken (how cute is that name first of all). And was featured on Raenovate this week.

The subtle grey and white horizontal stripes in the room create a wonderful classically modern neutral base for the bright turquoise and orange Ben bedding by Serena & Lily. Also take note that the furniture in the room is not all from the same source. The crib is the Sutton from Restoration Hardware and the bookcases are from Pottery Barn while the changer is from West Elm. The pieces are all white but are not matchy matchy, and doesn't it look great?

I really like how she paired the contrasting grey ottoman with the white chair, another unexpected twist that works really well. The jute rug adds a wonderful layer of texture to the room and the orange bent wood side table reiterates the thought of the bright orange. The artwork is simple as it should be with the dominant horizontal stripes around the room.

Such a lovely space, Lindsay you are a very talented designer.

For more information regarding the sources for items in the nursery please visit the blog Raenovate and thank you again to Tina to forwarding this to me. And congrats to your new son Lindsay!

Oopsy Daisy's New Peel and Place Art

Oopsy Daisy has done it again! They have now come up with their own line of canvas wall stickers. Best part is that they are re-stickable and come in packs of 50-205 pieces depending on the style you choose. Most sets include a full set of the alphabet and numbers so that they can be customized to a child's room. If used completely, the oversized wall decals can cover a space from 54"x 45". Now that takes care of one wall in a room!

Radiant Flowers

Additionally the canvas decals have the same clarity, depth and color resolution as Oopsy Daisy's standard stretched art. Overall they are bright, easy to clean, durable, and repositionable. And reasonably priced at $109-$129 per collection. These stickers are available at your local Oopsy Daisy retailer or on-line at Colorful Rooms.

Giraffe & Monkey

Airport

Gumball Tree

Urban Grace Interior's Nursery

One of my favorite blogs to read weekly is Urban Grace Interiors. Erika is a beautiful mother, a talented published interior designer and a fabulous blogger. I wanted to share some images of her gorgeous, unique, budget friendly, DIY nursery for her little daughter. One of the fun parts about the nursery is that she takes you through an eight part chapter series on her blog through every step of the design journey. It is pretty rare that a designer tells and shows you how they go through their design process and projects. Click here for the summary and for links to all of the chapters.

The first challenge was that the nursery was small, 10'-8" x 11'-4". (Well that is standard for NYC or LA Beach Cities living).

Erika started the nursery with a few pieces that she already owned so this helped save some cash. Amazingly the crib was her old one (except she re-painted it), the changing table was formerly a bar in her dining room, the green stool was in her garden, and the two bookcases were from a former project. I think she did a great job stylizing the bookcases and really like how she placed the lamps on top of the bookcases to draw your eyes up. The gold chosen for the crib is a nice surprise from the standard white and adds a bit of eclectic glamor to the space.

There was no theme associated with the room, just a color scheme based around the Oscar de la Renta bedskirt fabric that she had been hoarding for years. Isn't it just gorgeous! Would love some curtains made out of that for my office/playroom area of my house.

The decoupaged plates above the crib is a sophisticated look but has a playful paperdoll dress theme. Although beautiful, she will need to take away the lower row once her daughter can stand and grab things in her crib. My son can open his plantation shutters above his bed already!

The idea of using an antique drying rack (seen below) as a posting/collection board was genius and has a country feel. Erika is so good at taking old items and changing their use to make them new again.

For more images of her design portfolio and to visit her blog click here.

Thank you Erika for letting me share this nursery with my readers! I can't wait to see her big girl room in a year or so.

Modern Triplet Nursery

My mother forwarded me the photos of this nursery featured on Belle Maison last week. The nursery is just stunningly simple and modern and I had to share it with my readers. It was designed by Marsh & Clark Design out of San Francisco for the 2010 San Francisco Decorator Showcase. I'm still trying to figure out the manufacturer of the dresser and cribs but I love them and the serene color palette of the nursery. Truly a calming and sleek space.

For me the furniture and lighting steals the show in this room. I love the whimsically modern custom chandeliers over each crib.

This dresser could work in any room of a house and the one painted accent wall breaks up the powder blue solid color on the rest of the walls.

The naturally dramatic lines of the ceiling in this attic also help make the space more interesting. And notice how none of the cribs touch the walls? They are just floating on the center of rug "islands".

And take a look at the mirrors, they double as changing tables.

For an idea of what it would look like for just one child here is a shot of just one of these cribs.

Again a special thank you to Belle Maison for showcasing these photos on their wonderful blog.

Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn's Children's Rooms

Check out the children's rooms of Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn in NYC, owner of the chic gallery Salon94. She is one of the stars of Bravo's new reality show Work of Art. For more photos of her amazing art-filled home visit Habitually Chic (where I was lucky enough to first read about these rooms). Photos were sourced from the talented Diana Vinoly's site who designed the whole townhouse.

It is interesting how the bedrooms are the exact same except for the color schemes. The design and the carpet are identical in each room. (That makes building easier).

Father's Day Suggestions from The Tech of Joe

Do you have a friend who you always call or e-mail when you can't get something to work on your computer or phone? Or when you are looking for a computer shortcut, which camera to buy, or how to do something on iMovie?

Well the person that I call or e-mail is "Joe". He just started a new blog where he answers just those questions. He's honestly the one I call when I have a computer related question and now he is available to answer anyone's questions!

This week he came up with his own list of techy Father's Day gifts. Please visit his blog The Tech of Joe to find the right gift for your techy husband or dad for this father's day and feel free to ask him questions...seriously!

Lonny Spring/Summer

Yes the June/July (5th Issue) of Lonny Magazine is officially out. This one was well worth the wait. The pages download faster and there are more links than ever to find the sources for the items pictured in each room. I also like how they always seem to incorporate at least one children's room in every issue. Below are some of the highlights in children's design:

Catherine from Rickshaw Design has a one page feature in the magazine highlighting her new adult line of bedding and clothing. You might be more familiar with her bohemian-inspired crib bedding sets and recent children's line release. But now the older kids (and adults) in the house can enjoy some Rickshaw themselves.

Bunny Williams showcases a wonderful beach condo in Sea Island, Georgia. The home is simply stunning, tasteful and beachy without screaming vacation home. (Would you expect anything less?) Below are images from the two children's rooms featured which could easily double as guest rooms.

Designer Lee Kleinhelter (she also owns a great furniture store in Atlanta, called Pieces) shows us a glimpse of her son Holden's nursery. I just love the two tone seagrass wall covering. Her make-shift closet is from Ikea and is simply simple & functional. (Now the trick is to keep it organized by color and to have matching hangers to keep it looking nice.) Isn't that green zebra rug to die for?

This wonderful dresser turned changing table is from her store Pieces, as well as most of the other items in her home. I mean if I owned a great store like that I'd furnish my place with my own things too!

Visit the Lonny Magazine site for links to all products featured including wall coverings, flooring, accessories and bedding. (This is my favorite feature of the magazine.)

Photo images of rooms photographed by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine