Archive for October, 2009

If you ever wondered, as a working mom,  if it is possible to “do it all”, just take a look at Katy Mimari, the designer and owner of Caden Lane.   Katy is not only an incredible designer and business woman, but an amazing inspiration to all working moms.  Aside from being a ton of fun, super smart and talented, and always upbeat, she just exudes this creative energy that is infectious!  Always creating, always designing, always expanding her line and ALWAYS daring to reach in different directions with her style, refusing to be stagnant or safe, Katy is a breath of fresh air.  The risks that Katy takes with Caden Lane designs have proven to be very well received, as our customers are always anxiously waiting to see what is next.  Caden Lane is really a pioneer when it comes to baby and children’s bedding, in that there is NO other designer out there that offers anything similar in style or color, and the wide range of designs within the Caden Lane line is undoubtedly far reaching.  Although the various collections within the Caden Lane designer line represent varying moods, styles and tastes, they share a cohesive element that ties them together.

The first bedding line introduced by Caden Lane is appropriately called the Classic Collection, which is available in blue, pink and neutral colors.  This collection appeals to a more traditional audience with warm tones and classic colors, yet features contemporary elements in the fabric patters.  Next, Caden Lane introduced their Modern Vintage Collection,  which provides a modern feel with an ecclectic edge, and offers a variety of patterns in blue for boys and pink for girls.  The most recent collection introduced by Caden Lane is the Luxe Collection, which offers more vibrant and bold colors to the line, for the mom with a daring sense of style.  It is safe to say that the Caden Lane designer bedding line has “something for everyone”, but Katy didn’t stop there!  As Caden Lane grew as a company, so did their line offering, and shortly thereafter, Caden Lane gave birth to their “big kid” bedding collection.  The Caden Lane juvenile bedding line follows in the footsteps of the baby line, carrying through with similar fabrics and colors, perfectly styled and suited for your stylish child, from toddler to teen…so chic, so cool!

But wait, there’s more!   Caden Lane also offers a huge line of diaper bags, with styles ranging from backpacks, to hobos, bowlers, totes and messenger bags.   Let’s not forget the enormous line of accessories that are also part of the Caden Lane line.  These include, blankets, bibs, burp cloths, car seat and shopping cart covers, hooded towels and spillmats.  All of these fantastic and utterly essential baby items are available in all of the Caden Lane fabrics, so you can pick and choose, mix and match and have fun!

At this point you are probably wondering, as am I, if Katy ever sleeps!  It is no wonder that many celebrities have chosen Caden Lane for their designer nurseries, including Samantha Harris, Tori Spelling and Brooke Burke, to name a few.

Take a look at the Caden Lane Designer Collection on RosenberryRooms.com, to see the latest and greatest that Caden Lane has to offer….I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the Caden Lane style philosophy?

We strive to create stylish & funky baby necessities, and redefine the norm for nursery décor. The baby’s room should be your FAVORITE room in the house (and it’s the only room you can get away with putting rhinestones on the wall)!

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?

I was a children’s photographer before I started Caden Lane, and I was always amazed in the LACK of fashionable items for the modern moms. They used to carry around these tacky, quilted, diaper bags that were completely dysfunctional and even more unattractive! I knew there had to be better options out there!

Why did you choose to design baby & children’s products?

I couldn’t find any other profession that would let me work with tulle, rhinestones, textiles, and lace all together!

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

I love seeing the finished nursery! We have a collection of pictures that our customers have sent us to show off their nursery, and it’s always so amazing to see each individual’s personality come so alive in the baby’s room. You can see the love and dedication on every part of the room.

Do you have any advice for other working moms?

Drink a lot of wine and get a great nanny! Hahaha, just kidding (but not really).  You know, I think for any working mom, the biggest challenge is finding balance between your work and family life. This is what keeps us sane. The best part for me is that when I am with my children, I give them 110% percent, and when I’m at work – it’s about me. For me, that is balance.

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

Well, the Cade Bedding set was designed for my son when I couldn’t find any bedding out there that didn’t have a “theme” to it! Then… when I was pregnant with my daughter, I wanted a more “anthropologie” feel to the room. It was my favorite store at the time, and well… sometimes you find inspiration in the strangest places! So the Ava Bedding was created for her, and her room is still my favorite room in the house! Of course, now I love the Ashlyn Bedding from the Luxe Collection. Just can’t decided if it’s worth a whole new pregnancy! Hahaha….

What sets Caden Lane apart from other children’s bedding & accessories designers?

I think we are all unique in our own way. Even though each of our Caden Lane collections are so different, I still feel like the collection flows. It’s funny – some describe us as a modern children’s company, and others think we are simple and sweet. Honestly, I love being in the middle. You can take the most modern of our cribs (like Tori Spelling did) and put any of our bedding on it, or, you can take a sweet traditional sleigh crib (like Samantha Harris did) and compliment it with any of the collections. I think they call it “transitional”? I like to refer to it as “perfect”. 

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

Ummmm, yes!!! We only have a HUGE new accessory collection coming out this December! We’ve added new products to the line like tutu bow holders, hair accessories, paci-clips, closet dividers… and my favorite – Big and Little (brother/sister) shirts! It’s funky, eclectic, and totally Caden Lane! The new bedding will be out in 2010!

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food Queso (I’m from Texas)
Favorite TV Show at the moment, it’s Fast Forward. Everyone thinks the main character looks just like my husband! Ha!
Favorite Movie The Hangover or Ace Ventura Pet Detective.
Favorite Weekend Activity staying in my pajamas all day and hanging out with my wonderful hubbie and 2 kiddos!
Favorite Band Norah Jones

As I drive around these days, I can’t help but be in awe of the changes taking place all around me in Nature. The leaves are just beautiful: fiery reds, bright yellows, and bold oranges – they have turned the landscape into an amazing art show. And to think that we get to view this for free every fall! As I take all of this in, I being to think of how there is a nostalgia that comes with the cooler weather and changing leaves as the days grow shorter and the nights take the lead. We tend to draw inward, to focus more on ourselves and our families. This is the time of holidays and memories, of family and friends. With the fall comes our getting back to the basics…trying to keep warm… coming up with creative indoor family activities…balancing daily life with the upcoming holiday travels and visitors. Yes, there is a distinct dynamic in the fall, and though it is very different than the dynamic and emotion we feel in the Spring, it is just as powerful and wonderful.

What better way to ride out these amazing emotions than to focus on some beautiful fall-inspired art. Now I don’t know if these artists actually created these pieces after a long fall drive, but for me, they reflect the changes and emotion that come with this time of year. Much like nature, art has the ability to immediately inspire, change, and alter our moods in a matter of moments, and that is why art so often imitates and reflects nature. Here are a few pieces of kid’s art that are wonderful visual reminders of how cleansing and calming this time of year can be.

Forest Fun Canvas – The colors and overall feel of this canvas definitely remind me of Fall. The trees are almost completely bare and all the colors are reflective of the ones that we see around us during these next months.

October Memories Wall Mural – You may not be the “cabin type” but even so, you have to appreciate this amazing image. You can almost feel the crisp air and the sound of crunching leaves in the forest.

The Path Canvas – Many may see this canvas as more fitting for Spring, however for me, the cool colors and scarce leaves on the branches speak of Fall and the beginning of wintertime.

Fall Tree Canvas – This is the most obvious Fall canvas, as is obvious by its name. I especially love the overall simplicity that is blended with great detailing throughout the image.

Happy Decorating!

Adriana M Dehring

Create the perfect vintage-inspired nursery with products featured in the Pregnancy & Newborn magazine October 2009 issue. The Sock Monkey Crib Bedding – Three Piece Set by New Arrivals Inc and myHaven Built to Grow Crib by Young America by Stanley will create an old-time flare to your little one’s space.  For a more classic look, the magazine featured our Vine and Roses Toy Box by Three Little Ziglets, the perfect addition to your little girl’s sophisticated space.

With the holidays fast approaching, I have started to pay closer attention on a day to day basis for things that my girls could use to better keep their things easily accessible. Tonight, while we had reading time with them, I took a long, hard look at their books that were piled haphazardly and disorganized on an old bookshelf of mine with two or three falling onto the floor every time they would grab one for us to read. Yes, I started to obsess over the fact that the books never stay standing up nice and proper, from largest to smallest, grouped with like kinds…okay, I am probably the only one that notices, but still…I immediately started to think how our girls will soon have more books to add to their collection, and how I have to somehow resolve the issue of falling books. Then my mind quickly flashed to the fun options that there are out there that not only keep books better organized, but make it easier for kids to reach and put them away. It is not always easy to find the right combination of style and practicality, especially when it comes to children’s décor, but when you can find a place that offers you great options, then it becomes much less of a hassle and much more fun. Stores like Rosenberry Rooms carry such a wide range of designers that you will find things that you may not have otherwise known existed, such as some of the most amazing book holders. I am actually having a hard time narrowing it down! There are ones that would be just perfect for the playroom, and those that work if you have limited space, plus all the other styles in between.

Here are some of the amazing options you have to better organize and keep all the amazing books that your child has collected over the years. I am sure you will be just as impressed with these styles and creations…plus what a great holiday gift these would make for the child that loves to read and has an ever-growing collection of books!

Wall Bookholder – A wonderful alternative for those who don’t have the floor space, this vintage styled bookholder allows you to clearly see the books while keeping them safe. There are three different sized rows that allow you to properly house the many stories and books your child has.

Book Trolley – This is sectioned much like the towers you find at the library, so that you can keep big and little books organized, plus the wheels make it easy to relocate it from one side of the room to the other and the built in easel creates the perfect book prop for easy reading.

Book Bound – Modern through and through, these are perfect for those who want to add something different to their child’s decor. They will add color and a lot of interest to your child’s room in a fun and artistic way, as your little one’s books actually become a part of the room decor!

Bonsai Book Caddy – This incredibly fun and unique book caddy allows children to easily slide books right into place, with the spine facing outward, so there is never a doubt as to which book they are grabbing for mom and dad to read. Added bonus – it is an eco-friendly product!

Blue Stripe Wooden Bookholder – A little bit more traditional in style, this wooden bookholder has a wonderful vintage feel. It is divided in the middle, and can sit on the floor right next to the bed, making it easy for little hands to store and grab books.

Be sure to check out other book holders and bookcases on Rosenberry Rooms that may suit your needs, and remember that the sooner you start your holiday shopping, the less stressful they will be! Happy Shopping!

Adriana M Dehring

I consider myself to be a very lucky girl, in that I am blessed to work with amazing designers and beautiful products every day.  I adore all of the talented artists and designers who are featured on Rosenberry Rooms, and am in awe of their amazing creations.  Every once in a while, though, a designer comes along who really knocks my socks off.  The kind of designer whose products I can’t stop staring at and thinking about, who inspires awe and renders me somewhat speechless.  A  designer such as this not only warrants tremendous respect, but sparks my own creativity, and leaves me almost short of descriptive words to express their infinite style and class…this designer is Amy Blanchard of AB Designs.

I know I’m in love when i want to use words like droolicious to describe a product line (this is a first, I promise)!   You might think a picture frame is a picture frame, but you ain’t seen nothin’ until you’ve seen an AB Designs picture frame!  Amy Blanchard, the creative designer and owner of AB Designs has redefined the picture frame and transformed an ordinary, every day object into a true piece of art.   What is it that makes AB Designs so phenomenal?  Well, let’s start with the thick, hand painted, lightly rubbed wooden frames which are available in a fantastic palette of irresistible colors.  Add to that, the most gorgeous dupioni silk ribbons available in a myriad of colors, which you can layer for a diverse look.  Last but most certainly not least, each AB Designs picture frame can be adorned with a sparkling brooch in any style or shape to suit your taste, from simple to elegant or whimsical.  For a personal touch you can even choose a covered button in place of a brooch, and have it monogrammed.  The great thing about AB Designs is that it isn’t any one of these components or even the sum of the parts that make these picture frames so special, but the secret ingredient that Amy Blanchard brings to each and every custom and exquisitely made frame.   The quality, workmanship and passion that Amy brings to her designs really transcend each piece.  When you see an AB Designs frame you know it is something special, something extraordinary.

If you are looking for a place worthy of your most precious baby photo, your wedding or anniversary picture, a snap shot of your loved one’s birthday, or even of your favorite pet, there is no place more appropriate than an AB Designs picture frame.  AB Designs encompasses not only a sweet baby and children’s line, but a stylish home line, a classic bridal line and, yes, even an adorable pet line.

Shop the incredible assortment of AB Designs frames on RosenberryRooms.com, or come on by for a visit to see Amy Blanchard’s picture frames in person at our store in Raleigh, NC.  If you don’t see the perfect frame to suit your needs, we can custom design one in any size or color, just for you!

Please read Amy Blanchard’s personal interview below to learn more about this incredibly talented artisan.

Susie Fougerousse

How would you define the AB Designs style philosophy?
-The AB design philosophy is simple – undeniable high quality using only the best materials available, beautiful color and brooch choices and great customer service!

What inspired you to become a designer and start a business?
-I never set our to be a designer or business owner.  God had other plans!  My love and passion for photography lead to me doing photography on a professional level, which lead to offering frames for my clients.  I have always loved playing around with beautiful colors and design.  So for fun I started embellishing the frames I bought at market with beautiful ribbon and jewelry pieces.  Word of mouth of what I was doing was instant!  Fast forward 4 years and we are working hard to make AB designs a recognized brand around the world

Why did you choose to design for children’s rooms?
-Children’s rooms are so much fun because it is such a happy time!   A child’s room can be very elegant to fun and whimsical.  The design possibilities are limitless!

What is your favorite part of your daily work … when you reflect on the day, what is most rewarding?
-I am big on lists!!!  So at the end of the day if I have scratched off every item on my list then I am a happy girl!!  We also hear great stories from our customers on how our frames have made someone happy – that is very rewarding!   It is not just about a frame – it is about a moment!

Do you have any advice for other working moms?
-It is the old cliché – you must love what you do and completely believe in your dream!  Have a support group who loves, understands and believes in you and what you are doing.  Include your children in your business as much as you can.  Our children feel like they are very much a part of what we are doing and get very excited about our growth.

If you had to pick a favorite piece from your collection, what would it be?
-I am in love with our Cheetah and new Zebra ribbon!  Both pieces make such a statement and can be either elegant or whimsical!  We have also been getting in some amazing brooches that are so beautiful and fun to work with.

What sets AB Designs apart from other designers?
-I think our customer service, quality and attention to detail sets us apart.  Also, we allow customers to customize their pieces to fit their personal needs.  By offering as many choices as we do make the design possibilities endless!

Do you have any news that you would like to share, perhaps about upcoming designs or introductions to your line?
-We have slowly been introducing our new lamps.  Customers will be able to choose ribbon and brooches to embellish lampshades.  We are very excited about our Lamps and have already been getting orders for them.  Response has been great!  As far as frames, we will continue to add ribbon selections that follow the trends in home décor and brooches that are unmatched.  We are also adding more frames with smaller brooches on the corners and larger portrait frames.  I offered the larger portrait frames to my photography clients but we have just started to include them in the AB designs’ line.

Now…Just for Fun

Favorite Food -Mexican

Favorite TV Show – Sex & The City

Favorite Movie – Steel Magnolias, Remember the Titans

Favorite Weekend Activity – Spending as much time as I can with my children – Zachary & Georgia!