My Design Secrets

The simple design of the Audrey Bedroom set works with many color palettes and styles. Plus, a platform bed means you don't need to buy a boxspring!

You have finally decided it’s time for some new bedroom furniture and you deserve it!  You are done with the lumpy mattress, sick of the broken drawers, and frankly you are ready to select furniture that suits YOUR style (even though the hand-me-downs were great at the time!).  So where do you go?  Well, sometimes when you shop at a furniture store that carries everything, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted.  This is not the case at BedroomFurniture.com.  They specialize in, you guessed it, BEDROOM FURNITURE. 

Their site is super simple to navigate and allows you to search by the item or brand.  Their finish swatches are large and easy to see, so you know what you are getting.  They give you stock information right away PLUS you get free in-home delivery and set up.  They carry top brands like Stanley, Tommy Bahama, Lexington and Broyhill; and at great prices.  They have everything from luxurious canopy beds to bunk beds (I won’t tell the kids). 

I love the hand painted details on the Froggy Book Case. Imagination on the oustide and books on the inside.

The folks at BedroomFurniture.com would really like you to get to know them so stop by the site and have a look around.  And becasue they are so generous, they are offering this darling bookshelf to one our lucky readers.  A kid can never have too many books, but they can certainly have too many books on the floor.

Check out the hand painted details. The colors would work for a girl or boy.

Would you like to win this bookshelf for a kid you know?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit BedroomFurniture.com and browse around.

2. Leave me one comment below telling me what item you would use to help create your Dream Bedroom.

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, July 7th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Are you following me on twitter?

~ Lorrie

Hey there!  Welcome to My Design Secrets 2009!  I loved the little holiday break but I am excited about the year ahead and have lots of great ideas and tips to send your way.  So let’s get started!

This high-chair is pure genius and can be used from infancy through toddler-dom. With super-adjustability and an easy-to-clean surface, it will last at least a few years.

Today I would like to introduce you to a very cool company by the name of giggle.  Their motto is “healthy. happy. baby.” and that basically tells it all.  They carry everything you could need for babies and small children with an emphasis on style, innovation and health.  I know you’ve heard a lot about eco-friendly and sustainable products in 2008 and let me tell you, it’s just getting started!  We have seen an influx of products that give consideration to people and the planet.  But you probably noticed that many of these products were falling short in a few areas: 

1. they were too expensive;
2. they did not give you enough information; and
3. they were not as stylish as you would have hoped. 

This Chalkboard Table & Stool Set is another great idea. At $200 for the set, it offers a play table that doubles as a chalkboard, complete with spot in the middle for chalk.

Well, I predict that much of that will change this year and giggle has gotten things started.  Their site is very easy to use and they have come up with 10 criteria by which each product is evaluated.  Only products that meet at least 3 of these criteria are included in their offerings.  A few of the criteria are:  Good Value, Innovative, Portable and Responsible. 

The Luca Glider is made of super supple suede microfiber that is water repellent and stain resistant. This style could easily transiton from the nursery to the living room.

Good Design + Eco-Friendly = Sustainable

Most of us are willing to do the right thing but the change should come slowly and thoughtfully so it becomes a habit instead of just a fad.  No one expects you to throw out to go green.  It would be ridiculously expensive and you would just be throwing usable items into a landfill.  Instead, when it’s time to replace or add something to your home, consider all facets of the product.  Eco-friendliness is important but so is design.  A well-designed product uses materials and processes that do not harm the environment and will serve its purpose for years to come.  That’s what makes it sustainable.

giggle is making it easier for us all to move in the right direction by educating us on the items we purchase for babies and children.  And I think that’s a great place to start

~Lorrie

Click to Win a $250 Gift Card from Amazon!

The Rowan Crib in Antique White is a great, basic style. I recommended upgrading to the luxury crib mattress.

Did you know that right now we have 550 companies in My Secret Database?  Pretty good, huh?  My aim from the start has been to weed through the oodles of online shops and give you my best professional recommendations.  I include a mix of familiar retailers with the smaller ”Designer Secrets” that you are less likely to find on your own.  All sites are carefully reviewed and categorized.  I look for a creative and thorough product selection, user friendliness and solid customer service options.  Only the best make the cut.  I am adding a couple of new vendors each week but unfortunately some sites fall by the wayside and one such favorite did this week.

Brocade Home was well-known for their laser cut furniture such as the headboard above.

On the Losing Side – Brocade Home is a catalog and online company that carried items that had a feminine, romantic feel mixed with crisp, modern colors.  It was started by Restoration Hardware and was a nice contrast to their classic buttoned-up look.   Unfortunately, after two years in the furniture arena, they seem to have closed their doors.  If you go to their website, there is a message that thanks you for your patronage but indicates that they are no longer taking orders.  Rumor has it that new investors took over Restoration Hardware and they are cleaning house. 

Very pretty collection for a sophisticated young lady.

But on the Winning Side – The Stork has arrived!  If Restoration Hardware is your go-to spot for furniture, lighting and accessories, then I am sure the “mini-you” will find the selection at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child delightful.  They carry all the basics: furniture, bedding, lighting & decor.  There are seven styles in the crib collection that are tested to the highest JPMA standards.  Everything comes in coordinating colors and with customized options such as monogramming and a selecting the lamp shade of your choice. 

My gripes:  I realize they are trying to continue their brand identity but I think they wimped out on the colors a bit.  This is pastel to the extreme and they are a little late on the chocolate brown/pastel trend.  They have conversion kits for the cribs but the styles don’t translate well. 

The solid colors give you flexibility and the border on the drapery gives it a finished look.

Overall, I am most impressed with the one-stop-shop window treatment options.  They have various lengths of basic drapery panels in many colors with the valance and shade options as well as hardware.  It makes it simple.

As a welcome gift, they will give you a $100 gift certificate if you create a registry online.  It can be used toward any purchase of $400 or more.  Make sure you register before September 18th!

Make sure to enter our Giveaway for a $100 gift certificate today!

Summer is winding down and school preparations are amping up.  We want to set up our kids for success so perhaps it’s time to create a study area that functions a bit better than your living room floor.  Kids don’t have a natural aversion to desks, they just want them to be comfortable and cool.  If they are too small for the dining room table and too big for the desk you bought them 3 years ago, then it’s time for an upgrade.  Here are 4 desks that are high on style and quality that will also stand the test of time.

The Little One’s

This cool little number is colorful and gets children accustomed to using a desk.  It could easily be moved from room to room if they want to keep Mom and Dad company.  Plus it has a cool little drawer under the seat for supplies.

Orange Mini Drawer Doodle Desk at Bellacor ($200)

Elementary School 

If your daughter has modern sense of style, then I am sure she will love this simple take from duc duc.  They offer the desk in two heights: 23″ high and 30″ high (standard).

The Austin desk and optional CPU Storage Unit from duc duc (Desk $795 and CPU unit $150) in pink and white (I think it looks lilac)

Middle School

This setup from The Land of Nod features a keyboard tray, storage drawers, a cork-board and shelves.  With hardwood tops and drawer fronts it should safely survive the slings and arrows of childhood. The chair cushion comes in 3 different colors.

Espresso Simple Desk & Hutch from The Land of Nod (Desk $599, Hutch $299 and Chair $119) 

High School

Trophies and books are really starting to accumulate and flexible storage is critical.  Therefore, a desk with add-on shelving might be your best bet.

The Pottery Barn Teen locker desk collection has 11 colors to choose from and many different configurations. 

Planning is the key to success, so here are some points to consider as you shop:

• Children use desks for work and play so make sure there is room and storage for both.
• Even if they don’t have a computer right now, plan for one in the future.
• Don’t be tempted by cheap deals. You get what you pay for!
• Consider how much assembly you are willing to do and find out how many pieces it comes in.
• Try to stay away from sharp corners for the little ones.
• Include your child in the final decision and make it exciting and special for them by personalizing it with their name or letting them choose the color. 

I hope you all create a spectacular study area!  Let me know if there’s anything else that’s got you stuck in your kids’ rooms.  I am here to help!

Excitement is in the air!  Parents and students are gearing up for the big trip to (or back to) college.  It’s an exciting time and there is a flurry of preparation and anticipation.  One of the best ways to make your son or daughter feel at home in their new digs is to give them a chance to choose the style of their decor.  Time to let go a little and let their personality and taste shine through.  Dorm rooms are usually pretty basic so they’ve got a blank canvas to work with (within reason).  

I have a few tips that may help you agree on the things they choose and you pay for.

1. Have your child call their roommate and chat a bit so they can coordinate their styles.  Just agreeing on a basic color palette will help immensely.  (I started college in the late 80’s and our palette of choice was light grey, pastel pink and peach.  Yikes!)
2. Kids may not realize their limitions in decorating so give them the lowdown on where they can show their style:  bedding, table lamps, towels, artwork, rugs and technology.
3. Having a place to put the “stuff” is vital.  Hooks for towels, shelves for books, clothes hangers, boxes and bins help keep a small space livable.
4. Storage is usually minimal so bed boosters and slim storage help create some much-needed space.
5. Choose bedding that is easy to wash and hides stains.  Pizza and white sheets don’t mix.
6. Have an area set up to store food with a couple of place settings of plastic wear.

Dorm room decor is hugely popular these days so you will find that some of our vendors have created a specific “dorm room” section on their websites.  These include affordable options, a focus on twin bedding, and large selections of items in coordinating colors.  They also offer checklists that will come in handy so you don’t forget anything vital. Some of the sites I ran across:

Pottery Barn Teen – Dorm Central

The Container Store – Dorm

Linens-N-Things – Destination Dorm 2008

Enjoy spending time with your children and send them back to school with a bang!

The Land of Nod elicits images of sleepy children with visions of fantasy and fairy tales dancing through their heads.  The store does a great job of following up on this unique concept.  They have crafted a visually attractive (and functional) website in shades of light blue and green housing an array of products that are equally as appealing.

They go beyond the usual little girl and little boy themes by offering bedding with crisp ticking stripes and imaginative graphics.  And it’s all pulled together with furniture that’s available in a rainbow of colors.  They also have an enormous assortment of storage, wall decals, rugs and window treatments; plus a whole lot more.

They started their business in their basement with a noisy furnace and inventory stashed in bedrooms and bathrooms.  Now they have partnered with Crate and Barrel to increase their service level and selection.  They have furnishings that can take your child from newborn to early-teens.  Check it out!

 Visit Land of Nod and other vendors with great decor options for Babies & Children!

When I was poking around The Land of Nod, I was sucked in by some outrageously cute and very French children’s bedroom decor.  The name of the curtains is what got me.  They are called, “Zay Hallo to My Leetle Curtons”.  Go ahead; say it out-loud, it will make you smile.  Say it a few times, no one is looking.  You are transported to a small Parisian cafe enjoying a croissant and cafe au lait.  These charming curtains are simple and classic with a light feeling that is perfect for your little girl’s room.  At $29 per panel, they are a steal! 

The curtains look precious with their Ooh La La Crib Bedding, but the great thing is that they would look equally as wonderful in a young girl’s room (gotta love double duty) with their Ooh La La Bedding.  Everything is 100% cotton and 200 thread count.  No pilling polyester here.  Don’t miss the dainty little hand embroidered pillow that features a little girl walking Le Woof!

Land of Nod carries children’s furnishings in Classic, Modern, Country & Casual and Beach House styles.  There is something for everyone.

I thought it was a great innovation when they started making the synthetic “sisal look” rugs that you could use outdoors. It adds friendly warmth to your patio. In the past I have recommended that clients also use these rugs indoors for pet and children friendly areas. They give you the sisal look without the worry. Real sisal is a nightmare to clean and it does not feel good on bare feet and knees (for the crawlers). But now there are all-weather rugs that look just like the tufted rugs that you would use in your living room. Here are a couple of fabulous ones from Grandin Road.

Safety in our home should be at the top of our list of priorities. There is no reason why beauty cannot be married with practicality and safety. Today I would like to review some points on window safety and specifically how it relates to children.

October has been designated as Window Treatment Safety Month for the last few years. One of the potential hazards that most people have heard about is that children can become entangled in window cords. But beyond that, there are many other hazards that exist and often there are simple preventative measures you can take to decrease the potential risk.

• Furniture and anything that could be climbed should be kept away from windows.
• Choose tempered safety glass whenever it is an option. This type of glass will shatter but the pieces adhere to the interlayer preventing exposure to shards of glass.
• When you open a window for ventilation, consider who has access to the open window.
• Check the locks on your windows and how easily they are operated.
•  Screens will not prevent falls so do not rely on them to do so.

As a general point of safety, practice safety drills with children. Small children tend to hide from fire or danger. It is important that you direct them to a safe place and familiarize them with the route.

I have only touched upon a few points here but as you can see, small changes can make a world of difference.

If you happen to have an older window treatment that is a hazard, free retro-fitting devices are available by calling 800-506-4636 or going to the website of the Window Covering Safety Council. The website has lots of information and a video to help you understand the cord hazard.

To complete this room I would use the Benjamin Moore Paint color Waterbury Cream as a neutral wall color and then paint the ceiling Blue Allure for a celestial feel. Add some great little art pieces from the Yuki Lau Gallery on http://www.art.com/ and you are all set. When selecting the type of paint, you may want to consider using Benjamin Moore’s new EcoSpec paint. It has low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). That is what causes the “paint smell” that lingers. Even after the smell is gone, these compounds continue to damage the environment, not to mention your babe’s little lungs. Children are more sensitive to chemicals when they are growing so why not try to avoid all the chemicals we can!