This or That

Its the little decisions that seem small that can actually make a room. When the floors are stained, the walls are painted and you have the overall idea of the style and the vibe you want for your home, that may seem like your work is done. But, it’s also when its just getting started.

The actual items that you choose can be so different even when they’re so similar. These schemes that were presented to a client have two differences, the consoles and the mirrors. Both consoles are shagreen and both mirrors are oversized - and if they’re so similar than why is the choice so hard?

The easy part of design is figuring out vaguely what your style is, what feel you want and what you generally gravitate towards. It’s the small choice of brass accents vs. cool silhouette that make your home yours and really define the space.

Nesting in a Rental

One of my absolute favorite rooms to design for my clients are nurseries, but like many young families - most of them are nurseries in rental buildings. That means, no painting, no new light fixtures, no buying anything that could potentially not fit into their someday purchased home. These along with the normal restrictions when making a nursery (Nothing that can show any type and all types of stains, all natural finishes, nothing that can't translate into a toddler’s room, no input from the actual client - only from Mom & Dad!).

These parameters can make it difficult to create a space that really feels individual and like one’s own. Difficult - but not impossible. 

The importance of accessorizing is upmost. Because the walls will stay white - it's even more important to find a rug, a mirror, a lamp etc. that says enough for all of them. The entire scheme is going to be made up of accessories so selecting the perfect ones are the key to transforming your white rental into your baby's first home. 

For this Baby Boy's room, we wanted to go with the Dad's request for a Grateful Dead themed nursery. The Tie-Dyed rug was the first thing selected and we built from there.

Adding in special touches like VW bus themed artwork, and a custom made mobile where the animals are all in tie-dye bandanas really personalized the nursery by playing off of the theme. Curtain panels with leather hanging tabs help to make the room masculine. Brass hardware and lacquered white finishes on furniture with modern silhouettes make sure the space won't come across as kitschy - but instead contemporary and fun. We added in African Mud Cloth pillows to the mix to bring in a few more colors and textures. All of these worked together creating overall a themed nursery that doesn't seem so THEMED. 

A nursery is such a personal and precious space to every growing family and it's important to make the space reflect that. 

Rug: https://www.onekingslane.com/p/4576279-cordis-rug-dusk-blue.do?refType=5 

Floor Lamp: https://www.circalighting.com/studio-swing-arm-floor-lamp-81134/

Mirror:  https://www.cb2.com/kit-24-round-mirror/s256594

Artwork: https://www.onekingslane.com/p/4590406-mint-volkswagen-leslee-mitchell.do?from=Search&cx=0 

Pillows: https://www.etsy.com/listing/517834687/deep-indigo-mudcloth-pillow-cover?ref=sold_out-4 - https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1398229312 - https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1398229308 

Curtains: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/leather-tab-top-linen-panel/rugs-drapery/drapery/solid/43930

A non playROOM playroom

In apartment living it's a true luxury to be able to have an actual playROOM, but when you're a young couple with a one year old and one on the way - it's not just a luxury but a necessity. The Living Room would have to function not just as a living space for the parents but their daughter as well. 

Their apartment had a large open plan Kitchen and Living Room space - and our thoughts were that even though it also needs to be a playroom, it doesn't need to look like one. We pushed a sectional sofa off center to form a walkway and a border to their new space, grouping separate artworks to really divide the room. 

We chose this Grey Malin print to be the centerpiece, drawing from its Mediterranean colors for the furniture. A pair of One Kings Lane tie dye club chairs and storage benches (awesome for toy overflow) create another sitting area around the Little Nomad playmat that this couple can use not just for their daughter, but for them as well. 

Artwork:  https://www.graymalin.com/photography/la-fontelina-red-boat-capri

Club Chairs: https://www.onekingslane.com/p/4691366-huey-accent-chair-indigo.do?refType=5

Storage Benches:  https://www.onekingslane.com/p/4691395-hayworth-storage-bench-medallion.do?refType=5

Play Mat: https://www.little-nomad.com/collections/all-play-mats/products/silver-lining