I’ve started packing for my two week vacay in Europe in June and whenever I travel I prefer to carry a small backpack instead of a purse. It holds my camera, my water bottle, my phone, and leaves just enough room for a little souvenir. I like backpacks because they leave my arms free, I also prefer them on a beach vacation for the same reasons. Recently I got attached to the Herschel brand, their extra small backpack is the perfect size and this pale gray colorway is the second one I’ve purchased. My trusty black floral backpack (the one I mention among my travel essentials) was worn out so I was in need of a new one for this summer’s adventure. This backpack I chose is a pale gray but I wanted to personalize it, so I brought it to my local screenprinting and embroidery shop and had the black floral detail sewn on to dress it up. It wasn’t the exact design I wanted, I was looking for something a little more edgy, but my selection was limited so I settled on a simple floral stem in black and white thread. If you’re curious how I customized this backpack with embroidery, I’m sharing the process in my Instagram stories today. :)
A crossbody digs into my shoulder so I prefer the softness of a backpack straps for carrying all day when I’m sightseeing. I’ve convinced my travel mates to carry backpacks too! There are so many cute ones out there and I’ve grown so fond of mine I started to carry mine around town even when I return home.
grove island / miss plume / marc jacobs nylon (multiple colors) longchamp ‘le pliage’ (multiple colors) / fjallraven mini (multiple colors) / aotian daypack herschel brick red / downtown kane / taikan black & white
One travel tip: it’s always important to be aware of surroundings and pickpockets! In crowded places or on a train, I’ll wear my backpack on the front of my body just to keep an eye on zippers. I don’t care that it temporarily looks silly, I’d rather hang on to my money and bank cards :)
PS. I’ve mentioned I pack a few dresses when I travel to Europe, they’re so comfortable and work for day or night. The red striped cami dress is from a favorite source for inexpensive summer dresses, the one I’m wearing is less $20. :) from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/05/cute-backpacks-for-travel/
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With longer evenings and warmer weather, a glamping party is a perfect excuse for some outdoor fun! Pitch up the tipis, toast some marshmallows and share some funny stories with your friends! Pitch up a luxury tipi and fill with fairy lights, blankets, pillows and torches. The tipi is a great central area for the kids to gather, share stories, paint their nails and relax after all the fun and games. Decorate the gardenPitch up a luxury tipi and fill with fairy lights, blankets, pillows and torches. The tipi is a great central area for the kids to gather, share stories, paint their nails and relax after all the fun and games. You could either buy your own tipi from Hobbycraft or create your own using sheets and blankets (see our instructions here!). Click here to find out how to make your own tipi. For an extra cute look, drape fabric bunting across your tipi or along the foliage. The use of colourful festoon lights will give the garden a cosy, glowing effect long into the night. Barbecue and firepitWeather permitting, make sure your campers are ready for some outdoor adventures! Light up the barbecue to cook delicious food. Using hay bales or cushions as outdoor seating will give the party that glamping feel without straying too far from home! Serve out food on our Boho Mix floral plates for that outdoorsy yet glamorous feel and fill a Kilner drinks dispenser full of punch for your guests to help themselves to a refreshing beverage throughout the day. The firepit barbecue from Argos allows you to convert the BBQ into a firepit as the evening draws closer. It provides warmth after the sun goes down and is a great place to share stories and jokes. Place blankets and cushions around the fire so that all your guests are comfortable as they sit out and watch the stars. When the flames are high enough, open up a bag of marshmallows, ready for toasting! Put the glam into glampingHand out a bag to each of your guests filled with girly treats to enjoy in the tipi. You could include sweets, hair accessories and face masks so that your guests can feel well and truly pampered after a long day of camping and games! Have you thrown a glamping party? Let us know in the comments! The post Glamping Party Inspiration appeared first on Party Pieces Blog & Inspiration. from https://blog.partypieces.co.uk/party-ideas/party-ideas-for-kids/glamping-party-inspiration/ I was reading Julia’s article about the villa used in the film Under the Tuscan Sun, based on the book by Frances Mayes. The home featured is not the real Bramasole from the book, it was the home nearby that was used for the film, but it’s been completely renovated to capture that perfect Tuscany aesthetic but with modern amenities, and throughout the villa the flooring is terra cotta tile. The kitchen in the home I stayed in last week also had terra cotta tile floors (with radiant heat!), and loved how earthy they felt, especially since we see so many stark white spaces in design these days. Terra cotta is a material in its natural state has an warm orange base but when glazed it’s available in any color. “Earthy” is the perfect adjective to describe this tile since “terra cotta” literally means “baked earth”.
via hooked on houses In Mediterranean homes, terra cotta tiles look absolutely perfect. They’re a unique style that pairs beautifully with plaster walls, wood beams, and arched entries often admired in that style of home.
design by laurel beebe In a modern home, terra cotta tile floors are a more interesting choice, one of personal taste. They provide a warm and textural contrast to modern cabinets and appliances, and present a hint of Old World alongside the new.
Orange is the complement to blue on the color wheel, so terra cotta is a lovely accent in spaces decorated in blue hues. Doesn’t it also look fantastic with copper accents in this kitchen?
Blues and greens are mostly safe bets but because of its undertones, terra cotta orange can be trickier to pair with cool pinks, saturated yellows, or bright reds, they can clash if in direct competition.
Terra cotta is a transitional material, it can move from outdoors to interiors seamlessly. It’s also a perfect material to line borders, pathways, and pools in landscaped yards.
Some people are anti terra cotta tile as flooring because it can be uneven and a tripping hazard for the elderly (or clumsy!). I’ve tripped myself on uneven tile so I completely understand this sentiment. Despite the potential for slight unevenness, terra cotta tile possesses a wonderful warmth that can offset a bright white space, like in this combined kitchen and dining space.
Aside from the look, installing tile is a question of practicality. In warmer climates, tile keeps a house cool, I know from living with them in the desert climate of Las Vegas. Tile is waterproof but hard underfoot, and less kind to your back if you’re walking around on it all day. Tile is also unforgiving on anything breakable, say goodbye to glass or ceramics if you drop them on tile floors, unlike wood or vinyl where they might stand a chance. Some people argue terra cotta tile is a dated look, and I agree if absolutely everything else in the space (furniture and decor) is dated as well. However, terra cotta floors are a timeless material that feels most at home in Spanish revival homes or spaces with a Mediterranean vibe. I’m a fan because terra cotta tile floors take me back to many of the places I’ve visited in Italy and France.
source unknown And as several of the above examples demonstrate, terra cotta tiles can warm up a modern space when used in a thoughtful way. What’s your experience with terra cotta tile floors? Do you have fond memories of them in a relative’s home or in a sunny vacation spot? Or do they just come across as “ick” to you? . from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/05/terra-cotta-floors/ With all the recent travel, I’m ready for a quiet weekend at home! Most people I know are off doing exciting things, not me. :) That’s okay, June is shaping up to be a busy month, I’ll be in Europe for two weeks and having a few other adventures too. This weekend I’m organizing and cleaning my house and getting my children ready for their school promotions next week. I’ve got one off to junior high and my daughter is starting high school next year, life is moving so fast, it makes my head spin. :) Favorite links:
Tour this Mediterranean style home bungalow in California. More images here. A pale and pretty home office makeover. Jen’s dining room is so lovely, I really like her classic fabric choice. Attractive and functional uses for lace on windows. Perspective: maybe there is nothing wrong with your house. Girls ages 5-18 talk about what makes them beautiful. I try to resist cheese and pasta but this recipe is calling to me. If you’re doing this, you’re a good mom. :) To be happy, you need to speak your truth. Have you heard? West Elm is now in the hotel business. Oh John, your new music video makes me cringe/laugh so hard.
Enjoy the long weekend. :)
from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/05/weekend-reading-159/ A friendly tomato twist on the favourite samosa. Once you’ve mastered the folding method, you’ll be making them in your sleep. VEGETARIAN | MAKES 8 SAMOSAS Ingredients:
Method:
Love Your Lunches by Bec Dickinson (Hardie Grant, £12.99) Photography © Bec Dickinson The post Recipe: Filo Ratatouille & Ricotta Samosas appeared first on Party Pieces Blog & Inspiration. from https://blog.partypieces.co.uk/recipes/party-food-recipes/recipe-filo-ratatouille-ricotta-samosas/ For Mother’s Day, all I wanted just a long afternoon of retail therapy, just me and my latte, strolling around favorite home decor stores like West Elm and CB2. I did just that and while I was out made a few purchases, one was a modern palm hurricane that I’m using as a planter. And may I mention CB2 is killing it with their spring vessels this year.
Those who read this blog know I have an teensy addiction to white ceramics, I collect them for use all over my house. On a weekend daytrip to Bainbridge Island, I found two handmade sculptural white cups made by a local artist and surprise! I had to bring them home for use in my bathroom vanity.
For storing stuff around the house, I prefer textural or sculptural or patterned containers instead of the more mundane or plain. I like containers with character! I spied a bunch of them at the stores mentioned above, and a few more online. Unique vessels to have so you can stash you stuff with style. Here are some standouts:
lupa planters / tides storage basket / beaded hanging planter parkay hamper / herringbone cachepot / wide stripe basket two tone basket / totem vase / kalahari basket conway basket / dipped belly basket / isabella baskets .
Summer is just around the corner! The British public love throwing a good summer barbecue, so make sure you’re prepared this year! We’ve put together a list of our top five favourite outdoor dining essentials. Bring on the Pimm’s and hot dogs!
The post 5 Favourites: Outdoor Dining appeared first on Party Pieces Blog & Inspiration. from https://blog.partypieces.co.uk/themes/holiday/summer/5-favourites-outdoor-dining/ Waiting to hold your baby and welcome them into their and your lives is a nerve-wracking and exhilarating time for parents. It’s only natural to want to make sure everything is spot-on for their arrival. As parents, you always want to feel you’re giving your kids the best life possible by giving them all that you possibly can, starting from day one. Whilst waiting for the baby can be excruciating, it should be seen as a valuable time to sort out what you need to do for the baby’s nursery and day-to-day life. Whilst you don’t know yet what kind of character you’ve got on your hands, speculating can sure be very exciting, and regardless of who the baby is you know that there are some staples you can already put in your nursery. Whilst you may feel the pressure to get everything done and dusted before the baby’s arrival, this isn’t exactly healthy, and it’s okay to have some bits of your nursery left to do whilst the baby is already here – it probably won’t notice! So take the time before the baby to have fun and hang loose, decorating the walls and furniture to your heart’s desire and putting your own spin on a classic nursery. You may also find that the time, until the baby is here, passes quicker when you have a big task to be getting on with!
If you are REALLY savvy, you may be able to find the kind of pieces that adapt well to a nursery, but that your child may want to hold on to even as an adult because they like it so much! There’s no reason why a nursery can’t be a space that you enjoy too, instead of just the baby. In fact, it’s preferable to have a space that pleasing for you AND the baby, as you will find yourself spending a lot of time in there too.
No-nonsense NeutralIf you want to get the majority of the decorating done before the baby is here, it would be wisest to stick with a more neutral and classic nursery. Once the baby has arrived, you can adapt and modify the space however you wish, with quaint furnishings to add some more colour and character to the room. Using a colour like yellow as your theme is a brilliant way to achieve a chic and interesting look in your nursery. If you are preoccupied with other things before the baby has arrived, and are unable to find the time to make too much progress with the nursery, you can always just go for some staples like cribs and cots in some basic and neutral colours. You can then use a later date to update the room with some quirky and colourful stickers and prints, which help to make a room more personal when you have started out with something generic. You can even experiment with your curtains, opting for ones with interesting and eye-catching designs and patterns to add an extra dimension to the room. The advantage of using furnishings and decorations to bring life to a room is that these are cheaper and quicker to swap out as the baby grows older, and their one-size-fits-all nature means they are fantastic for storing away and bringing out either for someone else’s baby or for yours. The classic grey theme is pretty much perfect for any nursery and any baby. It manages to be elegant but still comfortable and relaxing and complements a lot of accent hues that you may implement for something bold and striking. Traditional accessories like cuddly toys and rocking chairs work well with a classical theme too, not to mention they can be reused for further babies down the line. In a similar vein, you can go for the popular pastel theme, for a soothing and calm vibe in a nursery for the baby and for you! However, as you’ll learn later on, pastel themes may soon have to make way for a new, scientifically-approved trend. Before all else, you must decide on a theme when it comes to decorating your nursery. Otherwise, you will find yourself trawling page after page of web results and aisle after aisle of baby products, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety and choice presented to you. It helps to narrow down your options and lets you know what you are looking for when you are online or wandering around a store, making the job of renovation cost and time efficient. Don’t shy away from your theme – follow it down to the nail, for the most emphatic and cohesive effect on your interior. Use the theme as the inspiration and guidelines for accessories to create something aesthetically pleasing. As always, don’t forget to plan something special and personal for the nursery rather than something that is simply aesthetically pleasing, though if you can kill two birds with one stone then you’ve truly mastered the interior design game! Timeless TraditionOf course, we have to begin by talking about the traditional nursery – usually white, blue or pink, but always pale. A pale nursery is handy if you are prone to chopping and changing your décor and themes often, as it is very versatile. To achieve this look your furniture and other essentials would need to be a white or equally pale and neutral tone. With your furnishings, however, you have some more liberty and can add colours however you see fit for some extra warmth and comfort in the nursery, as all white can be a little stark and intimidating. If you find you have a lot of furniture or little toys and trinkets that take up a significant amount of space, it may begin to feel very cramped in the nursery. To alleviate this use the easy hack of installing large mirrors that reflect light and give the impression of a room looking bigger than it actually is, whilst still remaining homely and warm. Blue, in particular, is a very popular shade when it comes to nurseries because it is seen as being very soothing and relaxing – perfect for babies! If you yourself also favour blue, add in some greens and light purples into the décor – these are complementary colours that will help to add a little touch of vibrancy to the room. Be sure to read up on the colour wheel to have a better understanding of which colours complement or contrast each other well and which colour combinations aren’t as attractive. These cool colours all have a similar calming effect on us, helping us to wind down, and so are perfect for your nursery, and may put you to sleep as well as your baby! If you don’t want to be dominated by pastel in your nursery, add in some light and refreshing greys for something a little different but still not too “lively” as that isn’t always the best option, or at the very least, it’s not the traditional one! A traditional theme is timeless – it can be used for all of your children without really needing to be chopped or changed unless you are wanting something new, otherwise, you can keep things as they are guilt-free because the nursery is as snazzy as it was five years ago! What more could you ask for? If you aren’t really sure what kind of nursery you want to achieve, it may be wise to stick with traditional and make little alterations whenever you see fit. In order to create a nursery atmosphere that is sufficiently relaxing, go for the likes of pastels and pale colours, and even neutral in some cases. If you go for plain white, it gives you a lot of scopes to add some vibrant colours in other ways, in the form of shelving or curtains. If you aren’t too hot on colour then sticking with neutral colours rather than implementing contrasting ones will be the way to go for you. Neutrals are great at making a place feel crisp, clean and sophisticated. Light tones also help a room feel airy and spacious. Out With the Old…However, if you are wanting to break away from tradition completely and experiment with something new, then you’ve got to start with the colour scheme – out with the blue’s, pink’s and yellow’s. More chic colours like grey that have come to the forefront are amongst the trendiest colours right now, meaning you will be able to find accessories and essentials in these sultry hues with minimal fuss. Grey does not date and will grace your nursery for as long as you want it to. Another refreshing idea for your nursery can be a floral theme. It focuses heavily on using bright, contrasting colours to create a truly vibrant environment, so it’s perfect for those of who always like to splash on the colour rather than use it more moderately. You can still achieve interest in a nursery without going fully overboard with some commanding colours – just try using lighter hues of a few primary colours for a complementary effect that isn’t at risk of becoming an eyesore. And why stick to just walls? Your curtains or drapes could also pull off themes like these immensely well, and work perfectly as accessories for pretty much any theme you choose. The notable benefit with the likes of curtains is of course that they swapped and changed whenever you are bored of them or if you feel they aren’t complementing the décor to their maximum potential. Pick out colours from your prints, be they floral, nautical, etc. and keeps these colours in mind when picking accessories for the nursery, to bring a complete and cohesive feel to the room. You may be one for geometric – shapes, lines, crisp clean patterns – if so, don’t be afraid to express this side of you in the nursery too! Just be sure to not go too heavy on this theme unless you can manage to not make it look too formal. No matter the theme, try and make sure it looks as cute as your baby! If you are going to have a co-bedroom/nursery then you can still incorporate nursery vibes without making the room a bit too sickly sweet and childish for your older one. Try and match colours when it comes to walls and beddings so that each side of the room isn’t clashing together but instead working with each other. Try and go for a look that is youthful and comforting, and be sure to incorporate some of your older one’s interests into the décor so that they also feel a sense of ownership of the room. Try and go for a look that can be constantly updated to accommodate the evolving taste and outlook of your growing kids to save yourself some bother in the coming years – they aren’t as far as you think! Co-bedrooms are a fantastic space saving alternative if you think it is feasible for you, and may even lead to some quality and awfully cute sibling bonding time! If you’ve got double the trouble on your hands in terms of twins, then you might think: “Well, that’s two of everything right?”. Well, not quite. Having two of everything you need is not only quite expensive but incredibly impractical, and most things apart from cots and cribs can be used for both babies Interchangeably. You may have to opt for larger and/ more heavy duty furniture for both of them, but having two dressers, two changing tables etc. will in most circumstance look very clunky and take up more space than you actually have, so don’t bother. What you will need more of more than anything else are pairs of hands! Now, more than ever, you have an unlimited variety of options when it comes to themes and colour schemes for your baby’s nursery. You aren’t forced to just stick with traditional pastels and neutral for what can sometimes be a very bland and uninteresting nursery – you have the resources to craft your nursery in whichever way you wish. Try and strike the balance between a space that is best for the baby and also stylish and soothing enough for others who also spend a lot of time in the room. Be sure to seek the advice of those around you too, as they can help you add a personal touch to a nursery. Of course, you’ll most probably have a few guests in the nursery from time to time too, and a personal touch is always very endearing and comforting. Colourful ContrastsRecent research seems to suggest that our traditional soft colours are maybe not the ideal colours to implement in a nursery, so whilst pastels traditionally have been the first choice, it may be time to knock them off the top spot and replace them with something more daring! Contrasting colours like black and white are great at stimulating babies even when they are very young. Sure, pastels are pretty, but it seems there’s a new sheriff in town that can not only look snazzy but also aid your baby’s development – what more could one ask for?! Black and white is a strong contrast having the greatest impact on your baby’s eyes and stimulating them the most, leading to quicker developmental growth in the brain and eyes. Take your pick from any combination of sharp contrasts for your nursery, by taking a look at the colour wheel and seeing which colours are directly opposite each other. You can find variations of the colour wheels online, for free. A feature wall is a great way to bring some of the prized contrast and boldness into the nursery for your baby. Not to mention, they are incredibly versatile and you can overhaul the entire look and atmosphere of your room by simply starting from scratch if you grow tired of it. Equally, bold wallpaper will also be great at creating a contrast with the rest of the room. Painting or wallpapering other walls in softer, complementary hues is a great way to nicely balance out the colourful with the calm. You may instead opt for fairly neutral walls with bold stickers and decals that will command attention from all ages and hold the attention of your baby as they explore the walls and ceiling. Clean geometric designs are fantastic if you want sharp contrasts in your room, as their crisp and clear nature make them very eye-catching indeed, and they also help to keep a room flowing rather than stuck and stilted. If you don’t want to go too heavy on the contrast, something smaller like painting ledges and doors in a bold colour may be a great way to introduce some variety into the room. Stripes are also a brilliant alternative if you don’t want to slather an entire wall in hot pink but still want to be dazzled! Perfect PatterningA great way to incorporate some pattern is using art or wallpaper, but it can also be found on carpets and rugs which will offer soothing and pleasing textures for your baby. Patterning can have a greater effect if used sparingly rather than anywhere and everywhere, so as to not to overwhelm a room or make it feel cramped and suffocating. Perhaps try patterning out on an accent wall, and pick out colours from the patterns to implement in the rest of the décor for a cohesive look. If you want something truly ambitious, try and see if you can get some patterning on the ceiling, to offer your baby something to gaze at and peak their interest as they lie on their back. The ceiling is oft ignored when it comes to the renovation of any room, but it should be taken into consideration especially in a nursery, as babies tend to spend more time than most on their staring up the ceiling, so it’s worth giving them something to look at. At the same time, make sure the ceiling isn’t too busy so that they aren’t distracted and stimulated when you are trying to get them to wind down and go to sleep. Trying out ThemesAn interesting nursery idea could be the simple but scintillating Scandinavian theme. This style of décor calls upon crisp neutrals and clean and sharp lines for a minimalist effect. Simplicity is truly the keyword here: don’t keep what you don’t need, to keep the room as airy and free as possible. A classic trope of Scandinavian design would be the stark white walls, which are then balanced by softer neutral via furniture and accessories. If your room has light filtering in in abundance then you can go for colder hues of white but if your room lacks light then you’ll have to pick shades that are warmer for a more comfortable room. Your furniture should also reflect this minimalist approach, and wood, in particular, will help to give that bare but warm and homely look to your nursery. Wooden toys and accessories are a great way to balance out a living room, should you need to do so. However wood also complements an already neutral design like a Scandinavian one perfectly well, considering it is so versatile. Use a variety of shapes in your décor to achieve that modern look, where a fresh design can also double as an educational tool for your child. You can even DIY shapes on cots and cribs if you’ve got a steady hand! The use of more refined, abstract artwork also complements a Scandinavian theme very well, offering more sharp contrasts and a clean look. Not to mention, abstract art is something anyone can enjoy throughout all ages. Another snazzy theme idea for a nursery is luxury. This doesn’t always require the kind of budget you may be expecting, though you may have to splash out on a couple of things. General colours associated with luxury would be your golds and silvers, but even the likes of purple fit the role well. Gold painted cribs, cots, ledges and shelves all contribute to this lavish theme. Even frames and art can give off a luxurious vibe if you opt for the right piece, framed and hung in certain ways. To prevent a metallic overload, balance out the chrome with some neutrals like creams and whites, perhaps in the form of bedding or wallpaper. Gorgeous rugs and upholstery will help to complete this stunning look! Amazing AccessoriesIf you want some refreshing greenery in your nursery don’t hesitate to put some plant pots (maybe in high places!) as well as other nature-based scenery. Not everything has to be alive and often time fake plants can have much the same effect, depending on what you’re going for. And of course, it’s difficult to imagine a time when nature isn’t beautiful to the eye anymore, so your plants won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon! Try opting for prints that aren’t quite fully sophisticated and adult, but aren’t too childish either. This means you can reuse the same prints over the years and minimise costs, rather than finding that your kids keep outgrowing your décor! Whilst cartoon honeybees and animated cars are very appealing to your toddler, in a matter of years, they will suddenly be insufferable! You could even try your hand at some cute and sentimental DIY accessories. Take, for example, origami. Not only is origami incredibly cheap but incredibly fun too (if you stick at it)! Origami figurines are very charming and of course, you can keep trying your hand at new shapes to keep the nursery fresh and exciting. You could even get your little ones involved and help them to make some figures to be proud of and display in their rooms! If one or two large prints will prove to be simply too costly, a neat little hack to cover the same amount of space for less money is to buy a few, smaller prints. Small prints generally tend to be significantly cheaper and so you can invest in a few at a time. These would look at home on a gallery or accent wall because they bring their own unique brand of charm and charisma. Another useful tip is to use Velcro hangings when displaying frames, because it is easier to switch out frames once it is time to move on and update your artwork/ Gallery walls offer a lot of versatility and room for expression – so go wild, and adorn the walls with whatever makes you and your baby happy, be that in terms of colours, characters or coats of paint! You could even try 3D prints if you want something that catches the eye and stands out rather than blends in. Another idea that is sure to be a hit with kids is chalkboard paint. This kind of paint will ensure that your walls can be drawn on by creative kids without being ruined. They are easy to wipe down and will look good as new. Chalkboard paint on your walls is a great way to give your kids some artistic freedom and a way to cause controlled chaos, letting off some steam in the process. When it comes to accessories to for your baby’s cot and/or crib, you most definitely are spoilt for choice. There are endless lines of gorgeous blankets and clothes in any scheme and theme you could possibly conjure up in your head, so before you begin shopping it is advisable to have of an idea of what you are looking for beforehand! Shopping for accessories is a great way to bring a variety of textures into your nursery for your baby to explore – like soft blankets or feathers. Who doesn’t love something soothing and velvety after all? Soft textures also play a hand in making a room less “hard” or cold, giving instead a homely and warm vibe that is sure to be a comfort to both you and your baby. Of course, be careful that blankets and other clothes you might use to keep your baby warm throughout the night are thin so that they don’t start to feel too suffocated. Vintage and traditional décor pieces also work fantastically well in nurseries, often vintage items will retain their use once your baby is all grown up. Take, for example, a rocking chair or horse. Both are traditionally associated with nurseries because they complement them so well, and they can be found for not too much at local thrift stores. Accessories like fairy lights also help to achieve more ambient and whimsical lighting whilst helping your baby to begin to settle down to sleep.
Top TipsWhilst going about putting your nursery together, it’s worth keeping one conscientious eye on the environmental effects of the options you go for. You’ll often find that greener products are not only better for our planet, but for your baby too! They tend to have fewer of the harmful chemicals and preservatives that you that to tend in regular products. Some products can even be toxic, so make sure to do your research on what materials and chemicals the item is made out of, as you do not want your baby to get poorly. While you’re at it, make sure as much of what you purchase is easy to wash should it ever be stained, because as the baby grows it will find a way to tamper with everything and you don’t want a full washing machine every day! When the nursery is in the process of being renovated, remember to keep in mind that it needs to be baby-proofed thoroughly. Make sure plugs, sockets and wires are safely contained and taken care of, so as to ensure your baby doesn’t zap themselves! Make sure all shelving and bedding is secure so that it won’t fall over or fall apart. Tightening the screws and checking and double-checking will help give you the peace of mind that there are no safety hazards in the nursery, and help you sleep at night! What’s more, at a certain age they will put anything and everything into their mouth as they explore the world around them, so make sure all small and/or toxic items are kept well out of reach, with the same going for medicine. It would be advisable to put high them up in a cabinet or on the top shelf. Before beginning, you must also make sure you know what your budget is, how much money you can reasonably and comfortably put towards renovating the nursery. Remember, the baby isn’t going to notice whether you’ve spent a lot or a little on the nursery, so this is more about you than them! It’s better to splash out more on things the baby will remember, like family holidays or meals out when they’re older. Have a clear plan for what you make to make a bigger investment in and what is fine if bought second-hand. Don’t worry if you haven’t managed to get the nursery to be sick and span and fully stocked before the baby’s arrival, as long as you have what you need to look after the baby, you can still go on chopping and changing the nursery as times goes on. Certainly, restocking baby supplies will seem like an endless endeavour! Your nursery doesn’t need to be in any fixed state, whenever you see fit, switch up the theme, the colour scheme or even the layout of the entire room! You know best whether anything needs to be supplemented or changed because you likely spend as much time in the room at the baby does! So there you have it, these were some tips and tricks and ideas for your baby’s nursery. There are many more ideas on the web, but also seek the influence and advice of those near and dear to you as well as some professionals in order to achieve the perfect nursery for not only this baby but potentially more down the line! If you can lay the foundation for a fantastic nursery now it leaves you with minimal work to do should you any other babies that need a nursery in the future. It may be some blood, sweat and tears now, but when you look back you will be oh so glad that you did it then and not later! Remember, don’t get too stressed about the project, see this time as the precious moments where you prepare to welcome your baby into this world. This is an opportunity for you to truly get immersed in some design and let your creative side run free, after all, you may not get as much time to do so once the baby is here! from Otomo - Blog https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/stylish-nursery from https://otomouk.tumblr.com/post/174188116713 Last weekend, I did something I’ve never done before. I rented a room and stayed inside a stranger’s house while I was exploring a new city. I came home from Seattle yesterday and instead of a separate apartment, while in town I rented a private bedroom and bathroom on Airbnb. It dawned on me that the same amenities that made for a great rented guest room are the same amenities that make a great guest room if a friend or family member was coming to stay in your home. So what is it that makes a great guest room? These were the little details that made my stay so fantastic. Instructions for AccessMy hosts have a a Schlage automated deadbolt, and provided me with a code to access the house since I arrived when they were at work. I used the code to come and go as I pleased! Without a similar setup, providing a separate set of keys for access is a nice gesture so your guests don’t feel the need to inconvenience you!
Comfortable Place to SleepI rented a private room with a big comfortable bed that I got to enjoy all by myself! (One of the perks of traveling solo). It’s nice to provide a stack of fresh towels too.
I paid for a private room, but if you’re hosting friends or family, it’s not essential to provide a separate room. If a comfortable sofa or air mattress is all you have space for, that works too! Provide some good smelling clean sheets and blankets and you’re good to go.
Access to Clean BathroomThis is a given, but it’s considerate to provide towels and a clean bathroom for any guest. I had this cute bathroom all to myself, I loved its traditional blue wall tile and yellow floor tile.
One thing I noticed which I just bought for my own house is was the hideaway toilet scrubber/plunger in a streamlined caddy. This is nice to have so your guests don’t have to ask if it’s ever necessary to use one!
Super Comfy BeddingMy hosts provided comfortable cotton sheets, pillowcases, and a down comforter inside duvet with extra blanket on bed. I slept great in the bed because of it!
Also I loved that they provided two different densities of pillows, one that was fuller and one that was more flat, which I prefer. I need a flat pillow! Everyone has a different preference so I love that they provided two sizes to choose from. :) Local Maps & GuidebooksLike most people, I gather a lot of information from my phone and use the GPS a lot when I travel, but I always appreciate a great guidebook and map! It helps me get oriented quickly. If you have out-of-town guests, consider providing some information on the area for if and when they go out exploring on their own.
Bottled Water & Basket of SnacksThis was a thoughtful amenity. Having bottled water and a few little snacks is a nice thing to offer guests from out of town, also coffee, tea, and hot chocolate too. :)
Disclose PetsIt’s important for guests to be aware of animals living in the house, dogs, bunnies, snakes, whatever. My dad has a cat allergy so he can’t be a guest in anyone’s home who has a cat. I made friends with my hosts’ doggie Nigel who barked whenever I showed up at the front door (good boy!) but wagged his tail and licked my hand when he saw me, he was such a sweetie.
If you want to see more of this living room, follow the link to the Airbnb listing below. :) Little Extras & Necessary InformationMy hosts had a sheet of necessary information waiting for me so I didn’t have to bother them. It included the wifi password, recommended places to eat, and special instructions about the house. For example, since this older home’s electrical system could only handle so much they asked that I don’t run a kettle and the hairdryer and the towel warmer at the same time or the electricity might short out! Good to know. :)
Kitchen AccessMy hosts encouraged me to use their kitchen and provided coffee for me in the morning and told me I could cook anything I wanted while I was there.
I made French press coffee here each morning, while I waited for it to brew I admired their classic kitchen with its terra cotta tile floors, shaker cabinets, and dark green stone countertops. :) I loved all the classic touches in my hosts’ beautiful colonial home. Here’s a peek at their dining room with built ins.
If you want to tour the rest of the home where I stayed in Seattle, visit the Airbnb listing! . A lot of people bristle at the idea of renting a room inside a stranger’s home, but I had such a great experience! If renting from a website like Airbnb (my preference), it’s essential to read the reviews from people who have stayed in the home before. My hosts were so kind and thoughtful, and made sure I was comfortable during my entire stay. They recommended great sights to see and good restaurants in the neighborhood, and I was so grateful for that inside information. I encourage anyone to give the private room rental experience a try! After all, strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet. :) Happy travels. from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/05/what-makes-a-great-guest-room/ When your baby arrives, it is important that you have created a warm and homely setting so that they are as comfortable as possible, to try and keep the late night tantrums to a minimum! It’s important to note that you will also be spending a lot of time in that room with the baby, so it needs to be an ideal space for you too. If space works for the baby but not for you don’t forget that this will impact the baby too – if you are grumpy or tired or in pain, you might not do as good as a job tending to your baby – especially because it requires so much patience. Preparing a nursery can seem like too much to handle or to do in 9 months, but rest assured if you plan and organize what you need to do before you start knocking down walls you will be left with an end result to be proud of! Instead of buying everything from stores, you may find that furniture in your home that is obsolete can be repurposed to function just as well as the latest gizmo you see online and feel like you “have to” buy, in order to give your baby the most comfortable experience possible. This really isn’t true, if you put your resourcefulness to the test you will start to see opportunity where you first saw only blank walls and empty floors. In all the madness, do not forget to try and enjoy the experience – after all, it is the prelude to welcoming a beautiful baby into your home! Adaptable and Adjustable
Babies grow rapidly – they will outgrow clothes, cots and cribs fairly quickly, and you’ll have to keep adapting to their rapidly changing size. To ensure this isn’t a costly process, you’ll have to be savvy and plan ahead. The number one tip would be to buy items like cribs and changing tables that are adaptable in size and/or height so that as your baby grows you can simply adjust the equipment. This means you don’t have to buy anything new and leave cots and cribs that have been outgrown to gather dust in a corner. For example, even wardrobes and shelves that have room to be adapted will be of great benefit to you, as you can adapt them depending on whether you need a lot more or a lot less storage space. There is a specific marketplace for modifiable furniture, so make the most of it buy things that will last a few years rather than a few months – it may be more costly initially, but in the long run, you will thank yourself for having saved a lot of money! Cost-Saving Conversions
Examples include convertible cots that, once your baby is big enough, can be transformed into a bed, meaning one less costly purchase for you to make. The bed should then last you a good while before another upgrade is required to a more standard sized bed. Even the seating options you may install for friends, family or yourself, can serve a double function. An example of this would be a daybed where parents can rest in between shifts, but which can also be turned into a bed for your child once they require one. More conventional seating like sofas and armchairs are also fine for when visitors want to pop in and spend some time with the new addition! You don’t always need to shop on baby sites when shopping for a baby. Conventional household furniture and other items can be adapted so that they can serve a dual purpose. This is also a great way to minimize the amount of floor space you use, which is effective in making a room feel less cramped. You could convert a dresser or drawers into a surface where you can change your baby and take care of some sanitary needs. All you would need is a simple mat for the baby to rest on, and for the dresser to be fairly low so that you can comfortably tend to your baby. Padding of other sorts can also serve the same function as a mat or blanket when you are looking for something comfortable to rest your baby on. If you do opt for a changing table made specifically for changing babies, keep in mind that they can often be pricey. It is advised to make sure it is the kind of table that also offers a lot of storage, so as to ensure that you are getting more bang for your buck. You could even buy a detachable changing table top, to use in coalition with a dresser or drawers. This is a great way to be space and cost efficient. Another useful idea is to get something similar to a kitchen or drinks cart and convert it into a portable storage option. It would be particularly apt for storing day to day goods like diapers and milk and can be wheeled around easily to take the stress off your joints. Little conveniences like these add up to make your day a whole lot easier! Convenient CribsYou may be tempted to shell out a lot of cash for premium, sparkly, state-of-the-art cribs, however, you’ll come to find that that really isn’t the only and necessary option. If you do a bit of digging around online, or even if you simply ask for advice from friends and family, you’ll begin to realize that there are a lot of alternates, and sometimes cheaper and more convenient, ways to do things. As an example, multi-purpose cribs can be an even better bet as they kill two or even three birds with one stone. These are great for supporting your little one from their baby through to their toddler stage, without any need for any more shopping around, saving you a lot of time and energy in the future. If you have opted for a second-hand cot as a money saving alternative, always take caution and make sure it is structurally sound and poses no harm to the baby in terms of jagged edges or splinters. Cots with a collapsible side are also very convenient because it is easier to lift your baby up as and when needed, without excessive strain on your back or neck. Sleep and Storage
Another important feature to consider implementing in a nursery is a dimmer switch – it ensures you can adapt the lighting level to your exact needs – so that it is easier for the baby to go to sleep, but you also aren’t left stumbling around in the dark, which can not only be frustrating but also dangerous for you. In a similar vein, blackout curtains ensure that even when your baby is going down for a daytime nap you can omit all light from the room, which makes it substantially easier for your baby to wind down. It’s certainly not a purchase you will regret! In fact, you may like it so much you get it for your own bedroom. It could be especially important for those who have to sleep during daytime hours but might struggle due to the sun streaming in through the window. When it comes to making the most of a small space, you’ll find that your creativity and problem-solving skills will be pushed to new extremes. Babies, along with their essentials, end up occupying more room in a house than one may assume at first. They need food, diapers, cribs, rockers, walkers and the list goes on and on, and you need to find a way to store all this too, not just buy it! Try to achieve the kind of interior where you can clean up as you go with ease, rather than having to put aside all other responsibilities to clean up the nursery because it’s a mountain of mess. While it can be tempting to buy a million and one toys and gadgets for your baby, it would be better if you could restrict yourself to only the items actually worth having – you’ll find that you may become frustrated trying to pack away dozens upon dozens of things night after night, half of which were not really essential, but bought on a whim. Having too many little titbits lying around can even be a potential danger to a baby who can swallow them or crawl on them. To be truthful, the baby is entirely oblivious to 90% of the cuddly toys you bought them so that they had a lot to play with – we buy a lot of things for our own satisfaction rather than for the babies. It is vital that you have a functional storage system in place for small items like bottles, clothes and toys so that they aren’t left lying around and can be taken care of quickly and in an organized manner. Heaven forbids you should stumble upon something in the middle of the night that you forgot to pick up off the floor, it could be perilous to you and your baby’s health. Shiny ShelvingShelves will be your saviour when it comes to maximising storage space in a nursery. While you may be told that being organized when you are the parent of a young child is impossible, you’ve at least got to give it a try. Shelves can also be great at displaying decorations and art, as well as things like storybooks for your child to look at or read. You can even keep stuffed toys up there to create a quaint display piece that adds some new colours and textures to the nursery, as well as makes space the baby’s own. You can experiment with the types of shelves you opt to install, and could even try out something like a hexagonal shelf, which will serve the same function but adds something quirky and clean to the exterior. It is strongly recommendable to go for wall shelves rather than floor shelves, as they take up significantly less space and are apt at giving your nursery a modern and fresh feel. It is also quicker and easier to give wall shelves a wipe down should they start collecting dust or suffer any spills or scribbles because of a mischievous child! If floor shelves are preferable to you for whatever reason, try to go for shelves that are tall rather than those that are wide – it’s often the more space efficient option. Of course, if you have very low ceilings in the nursery then a tall shelving unit may not be a viable option. Ensure that any kind of shelving is fixed firmly to the wall and cannot be pushed or swayed by even the most determined of toddlers. If you are short for space in the nursery then floating shelves should be at the top of your list, offering you a lot of storage whilst taking up the absolute minimum amount of space. Your shelves can hold everything you need for your baby’s night-time routine, be that a bottle or a special cream – everything will be at hand if you install a floating shelf next to the cot or crib. If you hang a floating shelf low enough it can even double as a desk or table for a little one, and if they make a mess you can simply wipe it right off. Another space-saving method of storage would be to install some hooks on the wall – most useful for clothes, hats, socks and other garments so that you don’t have to go searching for them deep down in the cupboard somewhere! Book ledges are even slimmer than floating shelves, though your compromise will be that they are of course less versatile. However, if you already have or want to raise an avid reader, start now with a range of books on some charming book ledges! They are certainly not a pricey investment and don’t take much to put up, so what are you waiting for? Grab a book! Storage, Storage, Storage…There are a variety of nooks and crannies that are empty but have the potential to be a convenient storage space. Look in places like behind doors or under cribs. Places like these would usually be used for storing surplus or out of season items that you use infrequently. Clean away the cobwebs under the crib and store spare powders and creams that you won’t be needing for a month or two. For clothes that you aren’t using because of a season or other reasons, it may be best to store them away in a drawer or dresser rather than hang them up – if they are exposed to the outside environment they will only start to pick up dust and maybe even get vandalised by a little one! When it comes to toys, you inevitably are going to build up a mountainous collection over the year – especially if you have had previous children. Get a toy basket or hamper the chuck toys in quickly and easily when playtime is over, and just tip them all out whenever the baby is full of energy. You can even find storage boxes that are wheeled, meaning that if you are storing heavier items you can move them around easier without straining any muscles. If you are in need of a whole lot of space, a floor to ceiling cupboard or cabinet may be for you, considering it stretches the entire height of the room. Changing a diaper can be a whole operation, particularly if you are new at it. It seems like you need a million things all at once all whilst trying to keep a crying baby under control. You may be using a lot of space to accommodate diapers and changing tables and the like, but this isn’t really the most efficient way of doing things. You could opt for something like a changing “tray” – a changing table that can be attached to the top of a crib, and then removed and stored under the crib once the baby has been changed. You could consider it a changing station that takes up next to no space whilst doing the exact same job to the same standard, without compromising comfort or safety. You can fix these changing tables to the crib so that you have the peace of mind that they aren’t going to slip off. Another practical tip is to ensure that essentials like diapers and powders are stocked nearby when it comes to changing time so that you don’t have to go rummaging around the room and instead can keep a hand and an eye on your baby. Also make sure to have a bin nearby to quickly dispose of the unpleasant sights and smells, as a favour to others and yourself! Having essentials in close proximity just goes that little bit further in ensuring the safety of the baby. If you are working with a small space, you cannot overlook any corner, any inch of the room – rack your brain to see if you can come up with a function for it, without making the room too cramped. One slightly more “out there” idea is to go for closet cribs, which can go in the closet so that more of the floor space is conserved. Alternatively, you could go for a “mini crib” that are designed specifically to take up the least amount of space possible – they are often very versatile and practical, offering 2-in-1 functions for added ease and adaptability. It doesn’t hurt that they don’t require you to break the bank as cribs can sometimes do! You can even make sure the door to the nursery swings outwards so that there is more space behind the door where you could keep a small box or hamper for dropping things in on your way out of the room. Educating and ExcitingA nursery is a great place to implement educational décor that your baby can delve into as they begin to explore their surroundings and stimulate their senses. You can create an alphabet wall through a variety of means like banners, posters or cards. You can create a visually appealing collage of letters by cutting, sticking and drawing, and this is often an enjoyable activity for younger children to participate in. Décor likes maps and globes are also great at simultaneously adding interest and information to your walls. A large scare whiteboard or chalkboard is great for noting down important to-do lists and even track your baby’s growth in terms of height and weight. It’s also fun for young siblings to blow off a bit of steam whilst expressing their creativity. Other features like a rocking horse are quintessential nursery décor, providing both a desirable aesthetic but also a bit of quirkiness and enjoyment. You may find that some features only really come into use once your baby becomes slightly more independent as a toddler. Top TipsHere are a few safety tips to keep in mind whilst you go about renovating, so you can implement health and safety features as you go along. When installing carpets or rugs into your nursery ensure they are firmly fixed to the floor and are not in any danger of becoming trip hazards. Whilst you may have fun matching cute bedding with other elements of the interior, keep in mind that it’s better to have a few thin blankets rather than one thick one when wrapping up for the baby for a sleep – it makes it easier to cool down and warm up the baby as and when you wish. A money saving tip is to try and pick the kind of décor that can suit a variety of ages, so that even when your baby is all grown up they may still be open to having the same décor that was used in the nursery. When placing furniture in the room consider the positioning of your baby’s crib or cot, just to make sure you aren’t making any unsafe decisions. Allow for plenty of space on the floor so the baby has some room to go roaming about and learn about the world. And when they get to an age where they can start crawling about, it would do you good to ensure you have washable wallpaper installed in advance, because of the inevitable mess that can be caused with paints and crayons – otherwise, replacing wallpaper could be a very costly alternative. The same goes for rugs, carpets and other features that will be a real drag to try and clean once they have been stained. Regardless of what furniture you order or buy for your nursery décor, make sure the most important pieces like the baby’s sleeping crib is ordered ahead of time, to account for any delays or other issues with delivery, after all, it won’t hurt to be on the safe side. Putting in some furniture for your own comfort, rather than just the baby’s is important too – after all, you’ll be doing the hard lifting looking after them! You can create a mini nursery by bringing the baby in your room but separating it with a curtain, to give the illusion of two different spaces. This is particularly good when you need to keep an especially close eye on your baby, and you’ll be able to pick up any sounds they make without the need for a baby monitor. For many, the nursery will not be as spacious space as we may want it to be. Often we have to design a room that is more reminiscent of a cupboard to be the baby’s haven. If this is the case for you, fret not, for there are a plethora of ways to make your nursery seem like an airy and spacious place. Using light colours on your walls and ceiling will help to create the illusion of the space being larger. Darker colours will have the opposite effect, making space feel even more constricted than it already is. Go for lighter or neutral hues instead of deeper and darker tones. Having a curtain or other features hung up high on the wall directs our eyes upwards, which plays the trick of making a room seem like it stretches farther. Avoid cramming the room with toys, clothes and furniture so that the place doesn’t feel too tight. Stay away from the kind of décor that sticks out of your walls too much, as they feel as though they are intruding, and will take up valuable space. So there you are! There were some very practical and useful tips when it comes to décor for a nursery. Of course, you can adapt these tips so that they make sense for whatever type of space you are working with. Sometimes décor isn’t about the aesthetic or making a space as pretty as possible at the expense of other factors – at times we have to put functionality first. If a room is not functional you will find that you try to avoid it anyway, so suddenly it ceases to matter how gorgeous it may be. Hopefully, these tips will make those early mornings and late nights more bearable! Happy decorating!
from Otomo - Blog https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-make-a-nursery-pretty-but-practical-with-wall-art from https://otomouk.tumblr.com/post/174157211118 |
About MeHi I am Albin Adamski from Brynrefail, I am 32 years old. I always surf web for buying antiques for home decoration. Archives
April 2019
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