All American Kid’s Decor…

In honor of Memorial Day, I thought I would focus on some great kids décor that is, well, very “American” if you will. Not that you are going to suddenly drape your child’s nursery in red, white and blue, but for those of you who like that look or theme, or for those who may want to have a splash of patriotism here and there, I have found there are some very interesting and tasteful children’s décor options. I also think that if your child or a relative has their birthday around the 4^th of July, these could be some fun ideas for birthday gifts that would be really special.

First of all, check out this great nightlight. It is so cute and simple, and can work for both boys and girls. I am a firm believer that every nursery needs a nightlight, so why not go with something that makes a statement, but isn’t too much.

Next, is a great area rug – this would be so great in a little boy’s room. The bold and strong colors are very masculine and this doesn’t have to be the overall theme of the room. A friend of mine has superhero posters in simple wood frames on the walls for her son and the colors in this rug would coordinate perfectly…don’t be afraid of mixing themes, as long as the color scheme blends, it will look great.

I absolutely love these bookends for a bedroom or playroom. They are slightly distressed which makes them seem like something grandpa may have made himself. Any piece of décor with a nostalgic feel to it will make your child’s room stand out among others.

Lastly, this picture frame is a great find, and can really go anywhere in your home to proudly display the image of a parent, sibling, relative or good friend that has done more that their part in protecting and defending our land.

There are so many more great Americana décor pieces on Rosenberry Rooms that you will just have to peruse through all of them yourself. Don’t forget, these make great gifts and hold a little bit more sentiment and meaning behind them than your ordinary décor. Happy Memorial Day!

Adriana Dehring

Choosing Practical Nursery Furniture

You are counting down the days until a new little life will join your family, and it seems like they just don’t go by fast enough. Then you walk into the nursery (or former-storage-space-soon-to-become-the-nursery) and there is a slight wave of panic. Nothing is ready. You realize you still have to decide on furniture, bedding, window treatments, and décor – basically everything. But at least the paint is done…that is a big thing, right? And it is such an awesome shade of blue…hopefully…you stare at the unopened gallon sitting on the floor. Panic. Oh, where to begin at this point, how to choose the right furniture without spending money on something that only gets used for a few months, or is that just what everyone does? The answers and ultimately the decisions are far easier than it seems in this overwhelming hormonal state you may be in. I will highlight the nursery furniture pieces that I think are essential, functional and will transitional when baby becomes toddler and his needs change.

Instead of going into details regarding the obvious piece of furniture that every nursery needs, I will just reference you to my last article Some Easy tips on Choosing the Right Crib. I outline certain things to look for, options, styles, types to give you a little more insight when choosing your crib.

Next, let’s talk about the changing table. I never used one, I know many people who never used one either, but I also know many people who would NEVER have survived without one. So…I would say this is personal preference. Don’t feel as if you need to buy a changing table because you don’t. Personally, I find them to be difficult to use once baby gets active and starts kicking and twisting, so for me the floor is much easier. And, once baby is grown, the changing table can’t really move onwards and upwards unless it is to the garage or storage room. I would suggest instead on purchasing a dresser that has an optional changing tray that either sits on top or is attached but removable. These are so common now that you may find this easier than just a typical changing table. With this piece you will get your storage, place to change baby, and added bonus of it transitioning with baby right into the big kid room.

The one piece of furniture that I did not have, that I wish I had is typically not one many new parents think of – a glider. New baby = sleepless nights, multiple nighttime feedings, diaper changes, story time, nap times, and then everything in between. That is a lot of time in the nursery, so have some seating that you don’t mind spending hours in. A glider is the ideal furniture piece and is as essential as the crib, just more for mom and dad than baby. The best part is that the glider can also transition to the big kid room because there will still be many more years of cuddling up with your now toddler to read books before bedtime, or soothing him when he wakes up sick in the night.

The last thing I will touch on that I think is an essential piece for the nursery is actually two pieces working together. It seems simple enough, but everyone should have a side table or end table with a small lamp. We know lighting is always essential, but for the nursery make sure you keep the wattage really low – this is only secondary room lighting and should not be bright like the ceiling fixture. Obviously the table itself will easily transition out of the nursery with all the other pieces, so you are addressing both a current and future need.

Look at the great selection of Nursery Furniture at Rosenberry Rooms and for some great options for gliders. Don’t forget amidst all the chaos to have fun and enjoy the decorating!

Adriana Dehring

Easy Tips for Choosing the Right Crib

I don’t think I can stress how important the crib purchase is for both baby and parents alike. Obviously it will be baby’s first “official” bed (I exclude cradles and Moses baskets bc they are so temporary), however it also will be one of the few pieces of furniture that mom and dad will have to utilize every day for many months and probably years. So, not only should it be sturdy and get an “A+” in the area of safety standards, it should also be the right fit for the parents who are purchasing it. Here are a couple of things to think about (if you haven’t already) that will hopefully make it easier for you to make this first and all-important decision.

1. Consult Your Wallet First
We all want to imagine that when we start prepping for baby, we will not have any restrictions and only the best will do. And, to an extent all these things are all true however, let’s also be honest. The crib is just one part of what you need to purchase for baby, so a practical look at the big picture will help you set a realistic and feasible price point…just be sure to stick to it. I would say that cribs fall into these three price ranges:  under 500.00; 500-900.00; 900.00 and up.

2. Focus on Quality
I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for, however I don’t think you have to spend a grand on a crib in order to get a quality piece of furniture  (hey, if you can and you want to, then go for it!) Use your good judgment to see if it has the features of quality furniture (the same standards you would use for the rest of your home). If you don’t trust your judgment, then look at a few cribs that fall in the middle price range that I gave (500.00-900.00) and see what structural features they have – then compare to ones you may have on your list and see how they add up.

3. Realize Your Options
The first and obvious option you have is a choice between wood, iron, or combination wood and metal crib. Beyond that, there are a couple of other great options that you may not be aware of, like choosing a convertible (also called lifetime or built to grow) cribs which are basically an all-in-one…first a crib, then a toddler bed, then a twin or full bed. You can also decide to really break with tradition and purchase a round or oval crib instead of the typical rectangular.

4. Forget Trekking All Over Town
Before you start running all over town especially since you probably already have a large belly, stop to think how much easier it would be to do your preliminary shopping online. You can get a feel for what is out there, and even email different merchants to get more product details all from the comfort of your couch! Then once you have all of the information, you can decide which crib fits your specific needs. Just remember to ask any questions you may have – it is the job of online retailers to have a vast knowledge of their products, so you might as well tap into that and make a well-informed decision.

All that being said, be sure to have fun and enjoy the experience! Too many things can get stressful during the preparations for baby, so I hope these little “tips” will make this one aspect just a little bit easier!

Adriana Dehring

Meet Regina Nouvel of Doodlefish

This week turns out to be the perfect time to introduce our customers to the fabulous Regina Nouvel of Doodlefish. Since May is the month for mothers, it is my pleasure to write about Regina, who is not only a wonderfully talented and successful artist, but a loving mother of two. And, I must mention, that Rosenberry Rooms is offering an exclusive sale this May on the entire Doodlefish Art Collection…so now is a great time to buy the adorable artwork you have been admiring for so long!

Doodlefish is a fascinating and inspiring company, in that Regina creates beautiful and whimsical artwork in collaboration with Christine Senkiewicz, who designs top of the line bedding and together they offer the complete room look. Decorating for children has never been so easy with all of the coordinating pieces available in the Doodlefish designer line. If you fall in love with one of Regina’s art pieces, you can pick up the bedding and coordinating custom glider to accompany the artwork, and voila, you have the perfect nursery or big kid’s room. On the flip side, the extensive Doodlefish artwork collection is so versatile that any piece can easily coordinate with your existing décor or color scheme. If you already have your furniture and bedding, you can simply accessorize by adding a grouping of Doodlefish artwork as the finishing touch.

Touching on popular children’s themes and current color trends, along with tried and true classics, the Doodlefish artwork line has something for every child’s room. With great boys’ themes, such as transportation, sports, safari animals, aviation, critters or by the sea and sweet girls themes such as, flowers, fairies, ballerinas, princesses, tea parties, and cuddly animals, it’s not hard to find exactly what you are looking for. In addition to the selection of wonderful themed artwork, Doodlefish offers seemingly endless options for size, matte colors, frame choices and personalization. Within each collection you can choose to purchase a few small pieces, one or two larger pieces or if you have the space, you can go all out and get a dozen coordinating pieces in varying shapes and sizes to fill your walls.

The Doodlefish art collection is colorful, whimsical and too cute for words. What I really love is the fact that the Doodlefish line is very up beat and happy, and it transitions very well from nursery to child’s room. Regina has an incredible eye for color and her talent for creating warm, inviting and best of all, FUN artwork is second to none. It’s no wonder why moms everywhere fall in love with Doodlefish at first sight.

I loved reading Regina’s personal interview, and as it turns out we have many things in common, not the least of which is our love for french fries. During all four of my pregnancies I consumed so many fries that I fear my children are part potato. I have had the pleasure of working with Regina for many years, and she and Christine have always been a great inspiration to me. I hope you enjoy learning more about what inspires Regina, and what makes the Doodlefish designer line so unique.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Doodlefish artwork style?

Most of the artwork is what I would describe as whimsical.  I have done all kinds of artwork, but gravitate towards happy creatures…smiling bugs, frogs and turtles and of course, dogs.

What inspired you to become an artist and start a business?

My mom is an artist and my father is an engineer/mathematician.  I am somewhat of a split brain.  My artistic passion has always been drawing.  I went to Georgia Tech originally to study architecture because it was a good mix of art and science.  In the end, I graduated with a degree in Industrial Management and went to work for several fortune 500 companies as a software engineer.  I have always loved antiques and specifically architectural salvage.  Around the time my daughter was born, I rented a space at a local antique mall and started painting on found objects like vintage tin ceiling tiles.  Eventually I started selling my artwork to several local stores and galleries.  After a few years of working full time, parenting and painting, I decided to stay home with my daughter and baby son and just paint on the side.  The number of stores grew to a point that I could no longer keep up and my giclee business began.  I met Christine about 5 years into my artwork business and we decided to team up to create one-of-a-kind embroidery designs.  This grew and became what is today Doodlefish Artwork and Bedding.

Why did you choose to design for children’s rooms?

I love to make children smile….there is nothing like a happy child!  I don’t understand children’s rooms decorated with adult items.  They are young for such a short period of time I think it is important for them to have a space that is fun, whimsical and stress free!

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?

I love the design process. Unfortunately, running a successful business, regardless of the product, is not always glamorous.  I guess the most rewarding part for me is how what I do sets an example for my own family.  My children know that I work hard, but because I own my own business, I have the flexibility to be there for them and watch them grow up.  For my daughter, she sees that someday, she too can have it all.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?

I have to remind myself that most of the expectations that I think I have failed, are my own.  Children are full of unconditional love and their standards are much lower than your own.  I try to remember what life was like when I was a child and encourage the same simple childhood for my kids.  The explosion of media has caused us all to be nervous about everything.  My kids love it when I have to work late because usually that means Mac and Cheese in front of the TV…I am the only one that feels guilty…they are in heaven!

If you had to pick a favorite design from your collection, what would it be?

My two favorite pieces are Whale of a Tale and Princess Frog.  I designed these pieces for the children of my favorite charitable organization – My House.  My House is a home for medically fragile children under the age of 5.  In most cases, the children have been abused.  They are well enough to be released from the hospital, but because of the continued care they require, cannot be sent home or placed.  Without places like My House, these children would remain hospitalized with nowhere to go.  My House provides a home like environment with around the clock care and most of all love.  I created these two pieces of artwork to go in the children’s rooms over their beds.  Because there are a lot of volunteers, having their names above the bed, allows the volunteer to say the child’s name when they enter the room.  The children can take the piece with them when they go home as a memory of the love and care they received at My House.  I decided to add the pieces to the line and donate proceeds from the sale of each piece to My House.  If you would like more information, please visit www.myhouseweb.org.

What sets the Doodlefish artwork collection apart from other children’s art?

Besides our smiling happy characters and amazing quality, Doodlefish Art offers a lot of versatility to match any décor.  We offer different background choices, frame choices and personalization.  I personally create the originals that are used in the printing process.  I also offer commissioned pieces if we do not have something that will work or if a customer is looking for a one-of-a-kind original.

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?

We have some exciting things planned this year to coincide with the introduction of our new Doodlefish Designer for custom bedding…stay tuned.

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food – French Fries

Favorite TV Show – Chuck (channeling my inner nerd), Project Runway and Ace of Cakes.

Favorite Movie – Princess Bride

Favorite Weekend Activity – Going to my son’s soccer games, watching the dances my daughter choreographs and hanging out with my family at home.  We also have a new family member that we are loving!  He is an 18 month old English Springer Spaniel rescue we named Max.

Favorite Band – Bruce Hornsby

Create a Sports-Themed Room with Style

Most boys will begin to show an interest in one sport or perhaps many from a very young age. Then, they start to play, watch college and pro ball and slowly create a list of favorite teams, players, and coaches. Given this typical cycle for boys, it makes sense that one of the most common themes for boy’s room is sports. What I would like to do is give you some great options when it comes to decorating with this type of theme. Too often I think parents shy away from a sports theme because they don’t think it can be done in a tasteful or appealing way. By keeping it simple and focusing on bringing the sports theme out in the accents, I think you will find it very easy to please both parent and child.

To begin, I would suggest you use a neutral color on the walls – a khaki or taupe is always good. You could also use a basic color such as blue, however stay with tones that are still neutral – for example a darker and deeper tone like navy or if you prefer a lighter color, look for paler denim. Either of these will allow the walls to remain subtle and merely a backdrop for the rest of the décor. These types of paint choices also help keep the room mellow and less chaotic than if you were to go with a brighter or bolder color. However, if you (or your little boy) feel drawn to a bright and bold color, consider painting just one accent wall and keeping the rest in the more subtle tone – it will add great visual interest without becoming too busy.

Bedding is another area where you may want to play it “safe” if you will. A duvet and sham set that is solid or very close to solid will get more mileage because if themes or passions change, it can stay. You will focus on bringing about the theme – in this case, sports – with the sheets, accent pillows, and a throw or blanket. Check out this Cole bedding set by Serena & Lily…a little bit of pattern and texture still doesn’t take away from the overall simplicity and neutral tones:

With those two large focal points of the room taken care of, you can really have some fun. Things like lighting fixtures, accent pieces and art are great places to really bring out the sports theme. Just because your little guy is a die-hard Jets fan, doesn’t mean that every square inch of the room should look like a Jets locker room. Keep the big things (wall color and bedding) neutral and subtle and go wild with all the details. The result will be a room filled with the teams and sports he loves, while you have a room that remains coherent with the rest of the house. Here are some examples of great unique sports themed pieces which I think any boy would love:

Sports Bookcase:

Hockey Pendant:

Sports Growth Chart:

Vintage Sports Wood Sign:

Soccer Alarm Clock:

Michigan Rocking Chair:

Don’t stop with these – be sure to check out all the other sports themed décor pieces  on Rosenberry Rooms. Happy Decorating!

Adriana Dehring

Rosenberry Rooms is in the News! Cooking with Paula Deen – May/June 2009

The May/June 2009 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen featured great gifts for everyone on your list including the Baby Kaed Avi-U Diaper Bag for the Chic Mom-to-be. This all-purpose, chic diaper bag includes an easy to clean changing mat, cosmetics pouch, drawstring for messy days, pacifier purse, cell phone holder, wipes case, five interior pockets and 2 side pockets.

Rosenberry Rooms is in the News! Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine – May 2009

Thank you Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine for featuring Rosenberry Rooms! Pregnancy & Newborn magazine featured a variety of adorable products for your little princess. The whimsical Tea Party Floor Lamp by Just Too Cute and Damask Lattice Rug by The Rug Market will add the perfect touch to your fairy tale room.