A Room with A View

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Inspiration in A Perfect Gift for Little Tots

I love giving books as gifts to little children so I am always looking for fun, colorful, and at the same time, educational ones. A few weeks ago I came across two of these books by Dwell Studio at a local Papyrus store. Last week I found some more online at Dwell Studio and ordered them without hesitation.

My girls are avid readers and books like these were part of the foundation of their ability to read, identify colors and shapes and learning to count. And a touch-and-feel book is always a favorite! Today they are ever ready to read to littler ones.

Their reaction to these books today, at 9 and 13, would have been the same if they had been years younger. They opened the box for me when these books arrived in the mail yesterday and were so excited and wanted to read them - my reaction was not much different! The first thing that grabs you is the size of the books, and the colors are perfect and images are so playful.

I also added a set of adorable tear-off placemats to this amazing collection.

Aren't these the perfect gift for little ones!

I predict there is going to be some toddler reading-time reminiscing this weekend before these books are wrapped up for a lucky pair of one-year-old twins!

I think these would also serve as perfect inspiration for a kid's room. All it takes is one book. What do you think?

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Monday, June 6, 2011

Reflecting on Mirrored Furniture

Mirrors add glamor and sparkle to any space as well as visually expand a room (perfect for small spaces). The same applies to mirrored furniture. I recently came across this amazing collection of these from Horchow.

Buffet Console

Coffee Table

Lingerie Chest

End Table

John-Richard Collection "Gatsby" Mirrored Chest

Gatsby Chest

Console

Bench

Etagere

Desk

Take a look at these spaces where mirrored furniture pieces are so effective in adding interest.

Courtesy House Beautiful

via Elle Decor

via HGTV

via HGTV

Placement is important to ensure reflection of desireable images.

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Entryway Rug - Take the Poll

Last week I showed you a part of my entryway. The bench is really the focal point of the space. The room has no soft furnishings except the runner going up the stairs behind the bench (that does not count as it will be replaced soon).

I would really like to place a runner or rug of some sort in front of the bench to ground the space and add more visual interest.

Here are the options. Please take the poll at the end of this post to let me know which one you think would work and do leave a comment, too.

Cane Indoor/Outdoor Rug in chocolate

1.
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Arcadia Rug
Arcadia Total Performance Area Rugs

2.
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Woven Diamond/Denim Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Dash and Albert Rugs - RDB098 - Woven Diamond Denim / White Indoor / Outdoor Rug

3.
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Rajputana Indoor/Outdoor Rug
4.
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Embroidered Flatweave Rug
5.
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I do have another option which currently lies on the floor of my guest room (soon to undergo a makeover). This was purchased some years ago on a trip to India.

Multicolored Dhurrie

Again, here is the space.

I also have these plates on the wall across from the bench.

Please take the poll below and leave me your comments.

Which area rug should I use in the entryway?

poll by twiigs.com

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Discovering Decals

A couple of years ago I ventured into the world of wall decals. By "ventured" I mean that I researched and browsed a fair amount. I have since purchased a few decals for different spaces in my home. They are a quick fix to update a wall that is in good condition and one that does not require repainting. And it is an easy way to "install" artwork and some can also be utilitarian.

I came across some fun, interesting decals. One of these was to be for Emily's room. She wanted a tree with colorful flowers, birds, animals. Take a look at some of the options.

Lovely Branch and Birds - Wall Decals Stickers Murals Removable Vinyl Art for Home Decor

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NEW DESIGN - Animal Friends in Woodland (HUGE) - FREE 5 more BIRDS - Vinyl sticker wall decal children playroom 081

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Colorful Tree-Vinyl Wall Decal,Sticker,Nature Design

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As you can see, it was not an easy decision. We (she, really) ended up choosing this one. Any one would have worked.

Scroll Tree Mega Pack Wall Stickers - Wall Sticker Outlet

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Her bed has been moved around the room several times (I was trying to achieve a certain balance and flow) and it now sits "beneath" the tree...a perfect spot. She loves it.

I stuck with the suggested layout. Really, the colorful add-ons to the tree can be placed wherever one chooses. And the best thing about decals is that they can be repositioned. In this case, I would not recommend repositioning the tree as it could get unwieldy- just the flowers, birds, animals.

I decided the tree with its long branch would look more interesting across 2 walls. We had the wall space and it seems to work. What do you think?

Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Lisa

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Summer Dreaming

We have just returned from having spent the long Memorial Day weekend in Montreal (Canada) visiting extended family. Leaving 80 degree weather in NY we spent 3 days in wind and rain with temperatures much cooler. Unprepared for the damp climate there I found myself thinking, dreaming about a warm, sunny summer....

Dreaming.......