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Not so long ago children’s furniture was clunky, predictable and mostly a cliche. Not any more. Design- conscious consumers spurred the furnishings industry to introduce multiple models for all tastes.

I think it’s important to keep safety on the forefront of your selections along with practicality.  So consider wide seats, sturdy frames and durable finishes to minimize wear and tear.

My favorite for all the parents with pink in their homes is the Lou Lou Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell.  Offered in numerous shades it can work equally well for boys or girls.

LouLou Ghost Chair

Gummy Bear Chair

For a modernist interpretation check out the NotNeutral BB2 chair. It features stain resistant paint and exposed rivets.  The angled legs keep it firmly on the floor and difficult to tip over.

BB2 chair

Great for outdoors or indoors, the Panton Junior by Vitra from Kid O is an icon.  A nice feature allows these chairs to be stacked.  The curves soften the design so no sharp points interfere with play.

Panton Junior by Vitra

Tags: chairs for kids, children's furniture, color
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Do you want to add some zing to your home this spring? I have 6 tips that you can readily use to update your space.  Ready to begin?

1. Rotate Your Accessories  – you can change seasons with fresh colors and patterns. Choose 1 0r 2 accents colors that boost your mood and add them in vases, throws, pillows and other accessories.
2. Get Cagey in the Kitchen – can’t afford new cabinets right now?  Why not paint or replace the fronts.  Even replacing the hardware will provide a fresh look.
3. First Impressions Count – why not paint your front door?  You will enjoy this change immensely.  Test a few colors first but don’t be shy.
4. Give Open Shelves a Color Boost – check out Crate and Barrel for colorful bowls, mugs and other serving dishes.
5. Add Some Attitude on the Floor – rugs are affordable and today’s rugs colorful, graphic and fun.
6. Make Your Entry Standout – hallways often are neglected but with a strong color, a bright hallway runner, a stunning mirror you add glamour and pizazz.

Ikea PS Stuga Rug

Colorful Vases from Crate and Barrel

Orange Front Door

Bright colored tabletop

Tags: Accessories, color, redecorate, season, spring
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One of my favorite places for tile is Statements in Seattle.  Not only is the staff knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, they provide beautiful resource examples throughout their showroom.

Even more helpful is their blog and I feature in this post the top ten tips to consider when using tile in a remodel. (author:  Britt Bertolucci)

1.Something to consider when doing a kitchen backsplash is outlet placement. Jamen suggested placing outlets under the cabinets. This makes your design smoother and is easier to use in the long run.

2.If you have two different floors that bump up to each other, plan the thickness of the under-lamenant. Most installers can do this for you but it is still something to consider and discuss prior to picking your tile.

3. Like I mentioned last week Schluter is a great and often less expensive alternative to sometimes more costly bullnose or trim pieces

4. Very important: Make sure you or your installer remove all preexisting materials before the install. Also check for damages and see if any repairs are necessary. It is always better to start with a clean slate when remodeling. .The 20% your saving now by not doing having a clean slate now could cost you a 120% in 6 to 8 months.

5. When looking for shower pan tiles you should use 4″x4″ or smaller for proper sloping.

6.Time!! Research your tile choice ahead of time. Some tile is special order so make sure you have the time if necessary so you get something you truly want and not something you are ok with, but will hate in two years.

7. Remember your color choices. Try not to get something that will date itself in a few years.  

8. Remember it is NOT cheaper or faster to do it twice. On that note make sure your installer is a reputable one who preferably is licensed and bonded and will not take costly shortcuts.

9.When using grout and thinset, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and always read directions about application and sealing procedures.

10. Counting the cost.  Don’t be scared of the highest estimate. The highest estimate is not always the worst. It often will cover all your bases, because remember, there are always unexpected surprises. ALWAYS!

Tags: color, decorating, remodel, Seattle, tile
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After seeing the bold colors of red and gold during the Olympics, more of the same continued at Fashion Week.  No surprise to see the 2009 color trends reflect the synergy of commerce and culture.  The bold and saturated hues remind us of summer and beaches while connecting us to influences and themes of other places such as Russia, East Asia and Latin America.  As Thomas Friedman expresses, the world is flat. 

Interpreted for your home, orange becomes an appealing color for interiors but is not crayon orange but toned down with a touch of yellow and called ‘tiger-eye’.  Likewise red receives a hint of orange and becomes tropical and lush.  In a room setting this ‘Moorish’ red is enhanced by complements of tangy lemon accents.

From Project Runway to Fashion Week, vivid blues and purples are combined with neutrals.  Blue promotes optimism and it’s grounded with nature’s neutrals; think natural fiber, wool, and wood.  This combination of fresh blues with gorgeous gray grounds the palette and promotes stability – a perfect combination for a master bedroom suite. 

The Green movement is mainstream so certainly green is a star whether on the runway or in the home. Spring inspired daffodil yellow pairs with a muddier gold green and adds freshness to the interior.  An old friend, olive green, becomes a sophisticated companion.  One color that combines with all of the above colors is slate grey providing a visual ‘weight’ to the overall color scheme. 

Finally, I believe color is LOCAL. Explore your locality, see how the colors are nuanced at your local markets and store display windows.  Spin the color wheel with local hues for a timely update

Tags: color, decorating, fashion, forecast, Green Design, home, interior design, paint, Seattle, style, taste
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This year one unexpected but hot trend is gray. Gray is making a triumphant return as a wall color, giving people an alternative to tried-and-true beige. It’s said that this moody hue  gains popularity in times of war and turmoil.  That’s a bit of a downer, however.

Ann McGuire, Valspar color consultant and lead designer of Beehive Studios in Pennsylvania says,  ”Gray feels fresh because it’s soft and cool.

Gray offers great support for fun, vibrant colors, such as yellows (this year’s popular accent color), purples (next year’s color) and even teals. It’s a sweet pairing with geranium pink or warm lilac for a girl’s bedroom, and it can be a sophisticated backdrop for shiny surfaces such as mirrors and art glass.

Think of grays as silvers, crystals and ice,” McGuire said. “Grays can be sad if you think of them as the color of battleships or the basement.”

Tags: color, design, interiors, paint
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