Bookworms like us

One of the cool things about being a parent is that you can (re)discover the beauty of children's books. It's the magic of simple stories that hide deep and beautiful metaphors, the strength of fine illustrations that invite your imagination to unleash and also the bond that grows stronger when you're reading together. 

But even to those who won't be tempted by the beauty of reading, books can be really pretty objects that please the eye and decorate the room. So let's see how it can be done, shall we?

  

 

How to encourage little bookworms to reach for books? How to simplify navigation between their favorites? And how to bring out the full decorative potential of covers? Forward-facing shelves will do the trick by presenting your little one's library like a gallery.

Source: A Merry Mishap, First House on the Right and Kidsomania

Another go at forward-facing shelves, here made from Ikea spice racks.

Source: Apartment Therapy

A box-meets-coffee-table kind of furniture will store many books and facilitate browsing (just like vinyls in an old record store).

Source: Dejligheder

   

DIY mobile book-box and book-wagon - just gather your favorite books and bring to the reading nook.

Source: Cocon Etc. and Cory Connor Designs

 

 Speaking of reading nooks, have a look at some cozy little places, perfect for reading and relaxation.

Source: Visual Meringue and Sunshine on the Inside

More light for long autumn evenings

Since the last daylight saving time change, days have become way too short for me and it just keeps surprising me how early it's getting dark these days. Everyday strolls with my little one guarantee a regular dose of sunlight and fresh (chilly!) air, but as the evenings are getting longer, it calls for some extra sources of light.
Once your kid starts cruising around the house, placing candles and tealights around isn't such a good idea anymore. So what are the wiser lighting options? 

Below you can find some ideas to brighten your evenings and please your and your kid's eyes with soft, atmospheric light. Enjoy! :)

 

String light balls will decorate the room even when they're not lit, and in the evening they'll color nearby furniture and walls with warm magic light. 

Source: Kråkvik & D'Orazio and Cable and Cotton

 This Miffy lamp adds a giant load of cuteness to the room and some pretty, diffused light to play or nap to.

Source: Monjolishop

A tree hut lamp - if the forest theme is too much for you, try it on a simple wall. You'll like the soft and mysterious light it brings to the room. It's nice to imagine that up there, someone is watching over you when you sleep.

Source: Modern Treetop Baby @Etsy

 

Egmont White Rabbit night lamp is a half-century old classic which matches really well simple modern design. It will bring warm, comforting light to the room and chase away any bad dreams.

Source: Bodie and Fou

Hideaways

Perhaps it's the memory of a time spent in the womb, or maybe even the smallest creatures have the need for some privacy and their own separate space. Whatever the reason, even a-few-month-old kids enjoy playing in cardboard boxes or crawling through tunnels. Our 9m son loves hiding under the blanket with his daddy - there his toys suddenly become more interesting and he giggles frantically playing peek-a-boo. As kids grow more independent, they invent their own secret hiding spaces, where they can unleash their imagination and play for hours, immersed in the wonderland.

Below I would like to show you some inspiring examples of little indoor hideaways - from teepees to castles and rockets. Kids' imagination has no limits, so why not feed it in someplace creative.

 

When I first read that this play hut from Our Children's Gorilla is called a Skull Cave, it sounded a bit creepy to me. But then if you think of Indiana Jones' adventures, the idea becomes much more fun, not to mention that hidden inside it, your kid will become a true mastermind ;) 

Source: Weekday Carnival 

 

A curious fan of space travels will surely love this cardboard spaceship. You can buy it from Cox&Cox and invite your kid to give it a personal touch by assembling and decorating its walls. 

Source: Cox&Cox 

 

Add some magic to a simple bed and cover it with cozy bed curtains. Grab your toys and embark on a great trip under a map-printed fabric. 

Source: Pinjacolada 

 

A teepee that matches a minimal living room design. While it looks rather austere on the outside, the true magic awaits inside. 

Source: Mokkasin 

 

This colorful teepee was hand-made for little Rowan. It contains books, pillows and a cheetah - what a perfect reading nook. 

Source: Jen Loves Kev 

 

A rather conceptual hideaway house, but who said you can't imagine the walls are there. 

Source: Jenni Juurinen 

  

My home is my castle. And it has a guest bedroom too, so hop in. 

Source: Nicety 

  

A mobile hideaway. It can be a smart solution for smaller houses or shared rooms, allowing to rearrange the space in seconds and... move on a bohemian trip or a rock tour. 

Source: Designoform 

A beautiful nest

Before I had a child, I wasn't really into kids stuff. Basically, I believed that you cannot reconcile adult love for design with kids paraphernalia. At first glance, it all seemed vanilla to me - pale blue or sweet pink, ribbons, bears, flowers, hearts... Too much form, too little love and creativity.

Fortunately, once you start digging into the subject, you can happily discover many alternatives to mainstream pinks and blues, like the little bedrooms inspired by Scandinavian design, minimal or vintage style, that I'm presenting below.

Modern, joyful, light and serene thanks to neutral base palette (white, greys and, yes, black!), with occasional swatches of colour and artful design. Later this month, I will also show you some of my favorite kids clothes, toys and gadgets. Enjoy!

Multicolor swatches against pure white space bring joy and simplicity. I can imagine how kids must love playing in this room - you can feel the free-spirited, positive energy in the air.

Photo by Petra Bindel

Monochromatic, yet not boring, nor sad. Lively contrasting patterns liven up the space and make for a great background for the kids - either to play or sleep sound.

Source: Caisa K.

Monochromatic with just one strong graphic accent. Simple, vintage, warm - perfection. And I'd love to have this bedding myself!

Source: Kjerstis Lykke

Chill-out in whites. The monochromatic space feels soft and calm, perfect for a little bedroom.

Source: Petit brin de mimosa

Soft natural hues serve as background for colorful toys and books. Natural materials add warmth to the interior.

Source: Jelanie

Grey, black, white and yellow. The choice of colors is not obvious and it suits well both sexes, as well as different purposes of the room - from playtime to relaxation and sleep.

Source: Kesalla Kerran

A graphic grey wallpaper adds depth to the room and captures the imagination, inviting to dreamed-up travels and adventures.

Source: Mr Perswall

Black wall may not be the first choice for a child's bedroom, but here it works great, bringing out the colorful mobile, toys and accessories.

Source: Apartment Therapy

Yet another black wall, here in chalk paint, invites children to play. A contrasting wallpaper roll reminds us we're in a kids area and dotted lamp and bedding bring yet more light accents.

Source: Onszelf