{inspiration} truly great rooms for the kids

Good morning everyone and welcome back to the week. What do you do when you are decorating for a person who stands at waist level and drinks out of a sippy cup? In short, get truly creative, stretch your wings and use your thinking caps. Try burying yourself inside a few great children's stories or thumb through inspiring illustrations from Eric Carle. You see, kids dream big, they take risks with you and make truly fantastic audiences! Loving these inspiration pics. The rooms are clearly oriented for a child yet the palettes, finesse and detailing is as sophisticated as it comes. Just perfect! Have a wonderful week everyone!

*Photography via Suzanne Kasler (image 1), Elle Decor, Coastal Living (image 8)

{hello everyone+katie} Decor for Cool Tots

Hi Everyone! I'm so excited and honored to be a contributor on the fabulous Nichole Staker Design & Style Blog. I have so many great memories of working with Nichole at Anthropologie and I'm thrilled to be working with her again. So, let's get started!

I recently had a baby in November. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I couldn't wait to start designing her room. My search for inspiration led me to Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play, a beautiful hardcover book which I found on Amazon for $29.70! It has the most plush, colorful and chic children's room decor on every page. I knew I was in for a treat when I saw that Kelly Wearstler wrote the forward! Here is a tidbit from my favorite room...

This baby nursery has a very hip color palette (image courtesy of Rizzoli); ice blue walls, chocolate brown striped chair, cool window treatment and fuchsia carpet tiles all work together beautifully to create a bright, warm environment. I especially love the giraffe wall decal! Decals work wonders in children's rooms by adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness plus they are a non-commitment, allowing you to modify the decor as your child grows. I find that etsy and whatisblik have a great selection. And p.s., check out this grandfather clock decal with a real clock affixed to the top...a wonderfully clever and absolutely cute idea! (image courtesy of oprah.com).

- Katie