Archive for October, 2008

Decorating for your child is where you can really let loose and have some fun. There are so many amazing products that are available in almost any theme you can think of. If you are open to something a little “different” you will create a room that your child will always remember. I want to list a few options for themed kid’s rooms that I think are exciting both to look at and to put together. They are what could be considered sub-categories of common themes…but sometimes by taking just one part of a theme, you create something truly unique.

1. Nature – Birds
This is personally a favorite of mine. There is something about birds that is so happy and peaceful…I think they have a perfect place in décor especially for children. They represent nature in a most calming and melodious way. Today’s décor gives you a range of possibilities in this specific theme that are sure to catch your eye as you begin decorating a perfect nursery or bedroom for your child. Here are some of the best pieces for a bird themed room in my opinion.
Bedding: Wren; Bird’s Nest
Art: Oopsy Daisy; MaryJack Studios; Dwell
Décor: Bird Bank; Nightlight; Lamp

2. Western – Cowboy / Cowgirl
The western theme is actually very commonly used when decorating for your child. Let’s narrow it down just a bit into specifically cowboy and cowgirl themed rooms focusing on the print itself and see what happens. First of all not everyone wants to open the door to their child’s room and feel as if they stumbled onto the set of Tombstone, but by focusing on just one aspect we get a sophisticated and livable version. There is something beautifully rugged and simple about cow print fabric, and when you add that touch of pink for a girl or blue for a boy, who can resist? This is also great for the person who loves to keep a room simple in style – by adding a cow print throw to a solid cream duvet you have completely transformed the entire look of the room without much effort.
Fabric: Doodlefish; New Arrivals
Wish Upon A Star Décor: Doorhanger; Frame; Wall Peg; Bookends
Other Decor:Clock; Wall Letters; Iron Bed

3. Alphabet – Your Child’s Initial(s)
Choose pieces of décor that start with your child’s initial – like a page out of the ABC book by Alison Jay. This book is one of the favorites in our house because all the images are so visually appealing and intriguing. For each letter of the alphabet there is the obvious image (c – cow; b – balloon, etc.) but then as you look further you notice all the details (a car, cabbage field, cat, chickens) that are part of the scene. I know it may sound silly, but think about it for a moment, and hopefully you will see it as I do. Let’s say your child’s name starts with a “K”. In decorating their room, you look for pieces of décor that incorporate things such as kites, kangaroos, keys, knitting, kittens. Think of the possibilities! Decorating your child’s room this way would definitely make every item for your child’s room truly special. Yes, it may take a little more time for you to complete the room, but for the person who loves a challenge, this provides one. It is also a good way to start decorating especially when you are overwhelmed with all the possibilities that are available. How fun will it be when your child grows and starts to realize the correlation of everything that surrounds them? Here are a few art pieces that would work out great…
K – Kite
M –Monkey
B – Balloon
F – Fish
W – Walrus
D – Dragonfly

Rhonda's Retreat Panel Bed

Organization is something that I love. I am not sure if this was a natural personality trait or if it was so engrained into me as a child that it has become second-nature. I have to have everything in its place, and when I scan the room (I am always scanning a room) and see that naked doll lying on the floor next to the couch, I cannot be at peace until she rests fully clothed, comfortably and properly in her high chair. Some would consider this to be a flaw, but for me, it is a way of life. Sometimes I wish I could loosen-up in this regard, but after many failed attempts I have come to terms that I am happier when everything is in its place, so why fight it? Of course keeping organized really becomes more of a challenge once you bring children into the picture because when they are born, they bring with them an unexplainable ability to make everything they touch multiply. Seriously. Toys, dvds, dolls, rattles, pacifiers – they grow in numbers. Rapidly. And sometimes by the hour. Until one day you look around and realize that the color scheme of your home has become primary colors, flashing lights, hundreds of pieces that will never be put back together in one place to make a whole game again, and sounds…oh, so many sounds.

When this happens we have a couple of options. We can succumb to our fate of living in Fisher Price world for the next oh 10-15 years; we can teach our kids a lesson in giving and gather every last thing and tote it to Good Will; or, we can compromise. I am sure you all chose to compromise, which is a good thing…now what does that mean exactly? Well, to put it simply – Time to ORGANIZE!

Organization is something that I believe comes naturally to some and not so much to others. When you don’t necessarily enjoy or know how to bring order to your space, then what? This is where you shop. Oh boy, another favorite hobby of mine…this is great! Seriously though – you shop for pieces of décor that have storage built right into them. And for this, the possibilities are pretty much endless. The obvious ones like a toy box, shelving, bookholder, bins and even step stools with storage are all great (and should be incorporated into your décor), but lets not stop there. We should look “outside the box” if you will and think on a much larger scale – your child’s bed. I want to bring to your attention some of the not-so-obvious storage and organizational solutions that are literally built right in to your child’s bed. Gone are the days of the simple bed frame. The here and now of kids beds will not only amaze you but make you stop and think – wow, that was a really good idea why didn’t I think of it? Now, on to these amazing beds…

1. Bed with Trundle / Super Trundle / Captain’s Storage
Okay, so this one is probably the least surprising on my list, but it should still be mentioned. Most beds come with the option of a trundle. You may pass on that given that you don’t really need the extra sleep space, but think again. A box trundle serves the purpose of not only holding a mattress but allow for extra under the bed storage for blankets, sheets, even off-season clothing. And the best part is that it is all nicely tucked away under the bed for no ones eyes but yours. Many trundles will come with dividers so that you can organize further until (and if) you need the space for a mattress…a simple and yet very practical way of adding organization to your child’s room. If your bedding includes a bedskirt, then you don’t even have to look at the trundle at all…just an added bonus.
One Manufacturer decided to give you the best of both storage and mattress in what they have termed the super trundle. The unit holds a mattress and below that is a row of three drawers for that much needed extra storage…I think they named it perfectly!

The second part of this would be what is often called a captain’s storage unit. This is a unit that can include a combination of drawers, shelving and cubbies. Although this does not allow for an extra mattress it is typically built in to be more visually appealing as it matches the style and details of the bed and other pieces in that line. Just another way to utilize that “dead space” under your child’s bed for storage and organization.

3. Bookcase Bed
This is exactly what it sounds like…a bookcase built into the structure of the bed – specifically the headboard. Now, you can organize your child’s books, dolls, or other collectibles without having to add another furniture piece into their room. What a great idea especially if space is limited!

4. Loft Bed
Now this is where it gets exciting. Loft beds come in a variety of options – it’s like Baskin Robbins…a flavor to suit every taste. There is the basic loft that creates a study and storage space without taking much more room than a twin bed. You can incorporate two beds into a loft system and there are even options for more than two beds with extensions from certain manufacturers. Bottom line is that someone was really thinking when they created the loft bed. They are utilizing the space above the bed that typically can be considered “dead space” and filling it with shelving, cubbies, memo boards, etc. This is the all-in-one dream bed for anyone longing for organization and storage options. Some of these loft beds are so well-made that there is not a single inch of space that is not being utilized in some way – truly genius.

Explore all of these amazing beds on RosenberryRooms.com as you start on the road to a more organized and peaceful room for you child. I have a few of them right here for you (the ones that impress the most!) but hope that you will take your time and look at all of the options you have. I also threw in a crib with drawer unit – just in case you aren’t quite ready to shop for the big kid bed. So, happy shopping and remember that sometimes the solution is not the most obvious answer!

Bed with Trundle
Bed with Super Trundle
Bed with Captains Storage
Bookcase Bed
Loft Bed
Crib with Drawer

Personalized Train Canvas

Trains, trains and more trains. Some little boys have a one track mind (railroad track, that is)! If you know a little engineer who adores everything about trains, train themed boys artwork is a must-have for his bedroom. We have compiled a selection of customer favorite Train Canvas Reproductions for you. Ranging from ultra-modern to classic, train canvas reproductions make a wonderful addition to a little boys room. Here are 4 must-have train artwork pieces for a little boys bedroom:

Favorite train artwork includes ‘working on the railroad’ scenes, train station modern art, vintage train wall hangings and choo-choo train wall art that is personalized with the child’s name.

See all train-themed boys room decor selections at Rosenberry Rooms.

I recently came across an interesting design article about lighting and it inspired me to write this entry because it touched on some very unique points and one in particular that I want to focus on. I think most of us can agree that lighting sets the mood, tone and overall feel for a room; however what I wasn’t aware of is that it is the most overlooked aspect of design. Let’s think about this for a moment – when planning out the playroom, nursery, or kid’s bedroom the top things on our list are typically the large and “must-have” pieces: crib, table and chair set, area rug, furniture and sometimes art. Rarely does this list include lighting fixtures. Somehow they become an afterthought, the last thing that we add to the completed room. The funny thing is that until we incorporate the proper lighting in a room it will lack that special something.

The lighting tip that really stood out to me was that all well-designed rooms should have multiple kinds of lights for two reasons: visual interest and practicality. Visual interest breaks down pretty simply: a hanging chandelier or pendant light will grab the eye as it travels throughout the room then a floor lamp or accent lamp will bring your eye downward, thus allowing you to take in every aspect of the room. Practicality, because we use our rooms for different things throughout the day and should have lighting to coordinate with these needs. Now lets look at all this in relation to your child’s décor, focusing on children’s bedrooms, playrooms, and nurseries…

Beginning with your child’s bedroom – it really doesn’t make sense to only have a ceiling fixture as the sole source of lighting because this will obviously be too bright when trying to calm your child right before naptime or bedtime. But, you also can’t get them ready in the dark! Here is where adding a floor lamp or accent lamp will offer a much softer glow and not over stimulate your child before climbing into bed. Also, if you are like us and read books as part of the bedtime routine, then accent lighting is just enough to see comfortably and is a great transition before “lights out”. When the lighting is not needed (daytime, for instance) these fixtures act as the accessories to the room. They should highlight the colors and other décor and be the finishing touch much like jewelry is for your outfit. Moving on to the next room…

For playroom lighting, remember the more the better. This is the one room where we need our child to be full of energy so that they can use it up and be nice and tired when bedtime rolls around! Ceiling fixtures are an obvious must – if you are lucky and already have recessed lighting, that is great, but don’t stop there. Accent lighting is just as important. A floor lamp might not be practical in a playroom but wall sconces are great – they will bring the eye upward (and away from the mess of toys!) and will not be knocked over by little hands or feet. Why add sconces since the room is bright enough, you ask? Well, I mentioned visual interest which is so important in design, but also, with accent lighting such as sconces, you have the ability to create little “stations” for certain activities. Now you are no longer staring at a large oversized toy box that we call a playroom, but your child has a place to do arts & crafts, a reading corner, train set area, dress-up station, etc. I find that lighting is just as successful as an area rug when you need to divide a room without walls, and now you have a much more interesting space.

Now, the nursery – ahhh, the place where our littlest one sleeps and sleeps and sleeps (at least, that is what we all hope for!) Obviously lighting needs here are slightly different than for the other rooms in our homes given the minimal activities of a baby. Same as a child’s bedroom, you will want the ceiling fixture for all those daytime diaper changes, sheet changes, rug cleaning, bumper stripping, etc. The accent lighting however for the first few months (at least) can simply be a nightlight. This gives off plenty of light to navigate through the room for nighttime feedings and diaper changes but won’t be bright enough to disrupt your baby’s sleep (it will be your baby’s sheer will to keep you from sleeping that will keep them awake!) As your baby grows and you begin to read to them at night or play a bit before bedtime, introduce a floor or accent lamp which will give you the necessary lighting for these activities without over stimulating them.

Be sure to take all these ideas and shop with RosenberryRooms.com for the perfect lighting you may need for your child’s bedroom, playroom or nursery. There is an amazing selection of children’s lighting to cover all design styles including modern, traditional, whimsical and eclectic. I have a few of my favorites here for you to see (I chose to go with lighting fixtures that represent different design styles, however most of the lighting on RosenberryRooms.com is available in sets so you can have coordinating lighting in the room if you choose): chandelier; table lamp; accent lamp; sconce; nightlight.

While you check out the lighting, be sure to peruse the other kids décor that RosenberryRooms.com has to offer as you create the perfect space for your child. And take your time…there is a lot to look at! Happy decorating!

It is no secret that I love each and every one of the fun and unique products featured on RosenberryRooms.com. I am constantly blown away by the amazing creative work on the part of the talented designers that we are privileged to feature in our store. As it turns out, it is not only our wonderful customers (and me) who appreciate these one of a kind creations, as many of our products have caught the eye of the national media in the recent weeks, as well.

Romantic Homes Magazine featured the Watermelon Pagoda Crib Bedding by Pixie Dust in their special Bedrooms & Baths issue. What makes our bedding designer, Pixie Dust, so unique is that all fabrics in this collection are proprietary designs inspired by classic children’s nursery books, vintage French textiles, and 1960’s collectibles. Matching floor pillows and tuffets make this bedding line truly irresistible!

Speaking of Pixie Dust … the fabulous Pixie Dust Aprons were featured on Parenting.com’s Daily Fave list! Top picks are chosen from Parenting magazine editors, who called these aprons TRES CHIC! I think these aprons are so sweet and make a great birthday or Christmas gift at only $24.00!!

Chicago Parents Magazine just highlighted the Mermaid Performance Mural Banner by artist Jill MacDonald for Oopsy daisy, Fine Art For Kids a few weeks ago. This mural banner (also available as a stretched canvas and growth chart) got rave reviews by Cosmotot, the online blog brought to you by Chicago Parents Magazine! It is no secret that Oopsy Daisy offers the most comprehensive collection of quality fine art on the market today. We were also overwhelmed by the kind words written about Rosenberry Rooms in this review… ” The one-stop-online e-tailer’s shop has an amazing, all-encompassing selection of anything and everything you could possibly need, want, or dream of when decorating your child’s room, including bedding, lighting, rugs, seating, diaper bags, furniture, accessories, and of course, enough art to put the Louvre to shame.”

The Be Spicy Diaper Bag in Mint Julep by Ju-Ju-Be and Moderno Crib Bedding Set by Bebe Chic were just featured in Pregnancy Gear & Style Magazine. This issue of Pregnancy focuses on the best and most stylish new additions to the baby and kids’ world. Ju-Ju-Be is always on the cutting edge of diaper bag design….not only because each Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag has more bells and whistles than most cars, but because their fabrics and baby bag styles fall under the “diaper bags in disguise” category.

Bebe Chic is just a first class line of luxurious baby bedding, and the Moderno bedding set is a great contemporary choice for new moms, with its simple black and white design, with lime accents.

Stay tuned to find out about more great products in the news!

Susie Fougerousse