Category Archives: design stuff

cosy kiddy nooks

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With the cooler weather setting in around here, I have gone in search of some inspiration for fabulous cosy nooks to create for our little ones to escape to read, chat and relax.

vintage bunks rudy and the dodo

image courtesy of http://scandinavianretreat.blogspot.com.au

This make shift camp ‘ground’ would have been my ultimate escape as a kid.

image courtesy of pinterest

image courtesy of pinterest

And I always dreamt of an attic space to hide in.  This one would have been perfect! (Image courtesy of pinterest)

image courtesy of blogs.babble.com

This would no doubt become a race car in our house, but I love, love, love the idea.

If, like me, you only have a corner or small area to work with, it’s all about finding the perfect chair.  Yes, make it a statement piece, but be sure it’s comfy too!  Here are some ideas I found on pinterest;

reading chair collage

Do your kids have a reading nook, play nook or special place they escape to?

you asked for it – lego display

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Our fab follower Leanne asked us for some ideas on displaying and storing Lego for her little man.  We know this is a common problem (it’s up there with how to store kids artwork!) so we did some snooping around and came up with these inspired ideas.

This one provides a constantly changing artwork for the wall.  Simply remove the glass from an existing frame (or maybe the kids have already done this accidentally for you!) and voila!  Courtesy of 2 little superheroes.

lego display frames

These plain white shelves make the perfect backdrop for all the latest Lego creations to pop, as do the glossy red shelves and black boxes below.

lego white shelves side

lego red shelves

Image courtesy of minifigfun.wordpress.com

Now, I know you will all be rolling your eyes at the thought of dusting these BUT how fabulous do they look??? Image courtesy of ohdeedoh.comlego white shelves bigAnd for storage ideas to help avoid those middle of the night foot injuries, how about this great desk design from IKEA hackers (if you love IKEA furniture be sure to check out this site for awesome ideas on modifying store bought designs);

lego table storage

If your little one is TOTALLY obsessed and the odd framed artwork or storage box just wont cut it, then this may be the answer to your prayers …

lego walls

Image courtesy of http://www.houzz.com

Pheeeew.  That should keep you going for a while, no? x

 

playroom inspiration

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I’ve been scouting around pinterest for a while now seeking inspiration for our new playroom.  Yup, call us crazy but we have moved all three boys into one “sleeping room” with the goal of giving them a dedicated play space in the other bedroom.

Here are my favourite inspiring images … you can find them all, including links, on my pinterest board ”stuff for kids (home)” …

1. Loving a bit of blackboard action, although will need to stock up on dustless chalk to save my own sanity!

playroom blackboards

2. Gorgeous seating options – we currently have a day bed which will also serve as a spare bed for visitors and sleepovers. More on day beds later.

playroom seating

3. Another staple piece of furniture we have is the IKEA expedit bookshelf.  They are hard to beat when it comes to affordable, stylish storage for kids stuff.

playroom 123

playroom storage

4. Our littlest guy (2) is right into trains at the moment and we love the idea of having a permanent track set up for him (or at least a dedicated table for him to create, and keep, a masterpiece design).  This one is brilliant.

playroom train storage

5. And just for fun …

playroom fun

Do you have a dedicated play space or play room?  What are your ‘must have’ tips?

getting sorted 1.01

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I am on an organisation MISSION this week – sorting toys, paperwork, clothes, artwork … you name it! I’ll be blogging about it in detail when I get a second but in the meantime am just sharing some of my favourite ideas in a snapshot.

These hanging shoe storage pockets make a great home for all those ‘bitsy’ pieces – much better than the floor!

shoe storage

And a good ole dishwashing rack makes a great place to store favourite colouring books and pencils.

dish rack

stuff we love – kast van een huis

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I have admired these cupboards for some time now and thought you might all love them too.  They were designed by Marie-Louise Groot of The Ever-So-Stylish-Netherlands brand Kast Van Een Huis when she was decorating her nursery and could not find shelves or cupboards she liked.

Marie created unique facades that hide shelves and hanging space inside.

A room can be converted to a whimsical small town whilst remaining practical. You’ve got to love that!

Here’s where you can buy them in Australia.

not your average home makeover

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When I was little, my sisters and I would create all kinds of teeny tiny dolly furniture from cotton reels and matchboxes.  If only we’d had one of these fab book shelf conversions to house them all in!


image courtesy of diaperstylememoirs.com

This one comes complete with carefully chosen wallpaper, wooden train track garden path and stacked books for stairs.  These home owners have also added a roof line and chimney using thumb tacks and string.  Oh the possibilities!

If you are thinking about taking on this project, check out the free printables and step-by-step guide on how to wallpaper a dollhouse by our friends at Ferm Living.

Here is another “house” project that could be added to whenever little ones feel creative.  Start saving your cardboard boxes now!

image courtesy of nessadeeart.blogspot.ca

 

 

fun stuff – crochet playground

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I can’t crochet.  I can’t knit, and I can’t really sew unless we count the turtle cushion I made in Year 8 Home Economics class (yes, I am that old).

If I could crochet, this would totally (like, totally) be my next project.  A crochet playground!  How amazing is it?

images courtesy of playscapes.com

Terribly talented Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam is the artist behind this incredible Rainbow Net playground at the Hakone Sculpture Park, Japan. The idea for the crochet playscape happened by accident, after Toshiko observed two little kids interacting with a crochet art installation she had on exhibit.

For the moment, I might just try a crochet square coaster … or maybe a scarf …