CohabiTOT – living stylishly with children

Here’s something to keep the kiddos still during the Passover Seder.

View the whole article here and to print out the PDF.

Are you looking for something adorable and cuddly to add to someone’s  Easter basket–check out these chic bunnies made by LaLovie. So fashionable; personally I would love a new spring dress in the red crysantheum pattern!

Sometimes a space calls to be fun and funky and other times just sweet and simple! The above is a nursery I designed for twin girls.  A small space that has abundant sunshine. I didn’t feel the need to add visual clutter; after all there are two babies that provide enough visual (and mental) stimulation!

Simple white cribs against a  pale blue background create a serene environment. The framed names above were made by the talented people at Inviting Company and  filled  with beautiful  paper. The photos were taken by the talented Dian Lofton and  are a wonderful reminder of how quickly time goes!

I was going to write about spring cleaning. But let’s face it ; Carol Channing sang it best– “Your mommy hates housework, Your daddy hates housework, I hate housework too. And when you grow up, so will you. Because even if the soap or cleanser or cleaner or powder or paste or wax or bleach That you use is the very best one, Housework is just no fun.”

So Instead; I decided to write about  a simple way to freshen any room— paint! In the above picture, the white furniture comes to life against a turquoise background. And you asked, how did I pick the color?The answer is  after all the furniture, rugs and fabric were selected. It’s always easier to pick your furnishings first than trying to coordinate to a specific paint color.

Also, always always put samples up  on the wall.  What may look good on a paint chip may read very differently on a wall that interacts with its surroundings.

My Friday Flickr search came up with these great pictures. Are you noticing the retro feel, I am feeling it. It’s often my client’s or friends that inspire me. Fresh, fun and funky were words a potential client used to describe the space she wants for her family. I am starting my look book and these are just a few of my findings. (fyi…that’s usually how my whole interior design process starts)

And apple green seems to speak to me today! With this beautiful weather, I am turning to all things crisp and sunny.  The first picture put Ikea curtains to great use.  If you been following, you know I love a good menagerie.I love the  over-sized fruit decals; it works so well in conjunction with the scale of the stripes.  And lastly, kudos to  a  great paint job on the mod refrigerator.

Hope you get to go outside this weekend and enjoy all the shades of green.

Over the last couple days the topic of kitchen/dining tables has been discussed multiple times with my clients. The consensus being that no matter how many play areas/desks /work spaces you have; at some point in the day everyone ends up at the dining table for something other than eating.  School age kids are doing homework, pre-schoolers are playing with play-DOH and parents are sorting mail  or reading the newspaper at this table.

A dining table is a big investment and one I would not want to see  destroyed with markers,etc. (Unless of course you are embracing the distressed farm house look; then be all means let them go at it!) My solution for us more modern folk who might not want an oilcloth tablecloth  is a corian or sill stone top. I just installed the above table by Michael Berman at my client’s residence. She is beyond thrilled that she nevers has to worry about her kids drawing on the table. The surface is impervious to stains; if she spills something she can quickly wipe it up and the table always looks brand new.  Also note there are a wide range of colors to choose from and some that look just like marble.How great is that?

Next up, I must solve my flooring solution. My 17 months olds have taken to throwing their food everywhere!  Maybe with this warm weather…we can just eat outside and let the squirrels have their feast. 🙂

Are you like me, anxiously awaiting the start of spring? I am looking forward to the girls wearing all their cute spring dresses and those adorable little hats!  Mostly I am looking forward  to not  wrestling them  every day while I put on their winter coats and boots!

It would be too optimistic to put the winter gear into upstairs storage; but I am strategizing! I have one tiny closet that the girls share in their bedroom and lots of outfits. And it’s in need of  redo! My girls don’t really share their clothes and of course as luck has it they are different shoe sizes! Most importantly I don’t like to have to rummage their closet to find the coordinating shirt to their jumper.

I have been searching for just the right thing and I think I found it!  The storage  solution from Kangaroom is excellent and quickly divides the closet in two. And everyone out there with boy/girl twins isn’t this the perfect solution? You can order it in several colors. Also check out all their other nifty storage ideas.

Animal silhouettes made from vintage wallpaper…it’s one of those clever ideas that makes me wonder why didn’t I think of that! They are made in the Netherlands by designer Inke Heiland and can be shipped world wide. They come with do it yourself instructions for installation. The complete line can be seen here; personally I  love the lion, the giraffe, the ostrich….ok I love the whole menagerie!

Forgive me, I said I would be back to add a touch of spring to your boy’s room!  Sorry for the delay, but a project got the better me.  It was a rush to find  a new material when the loved when suddenly became out of stock. (and when quarries run out of stone that’s  just one of life’s natural occurrences!)  Now that is behind me and this great weather is ahead of me!  Actually you can step right outside for a touch of spring; but if you need some to last all year round check out these lovely wall decals. These birds have a great spirit, I could see them nesting right above your son’s headboard. Check it out they come in custom colors!

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Spring is just 22 days away! Looking outside my window in New Jersey, I fear that spring may never arrive.  Of course it will, but until I see those first daffodils I am wary.  With no control over mother nature;  I an  taking  control on bringing on spring!  These wall decals touch my soul are super stylish and a great  addition to a girl’s room. I’ll be back tomorrow with something to add a touch of spring to your boy’s room.