kids' spaces Archives - Emily A. Clark

Details to Notice: Kid-Friendly Spaces

Oct32019

Of all the pretty things I see online, it’s funny that this picture of a scribbled-on kids’ table made me really stop. My first thought was “how sweet.” My second thought was “but I’d be ticked if this happened in my house.” Why is that? There’s something about not being right in the middle of the situation that makes you appreciate it. Why can our homes not look like kids live there? Trying to tuck their stuff away all of the time, after all, is a losing battle. I looked up the rest of Reath Designs’ work, and it looks like they fully embrace the idea of displaying all of the messy sweetness that comes with kids. Nothing is too staged or too fussy. Most of the photos look like real families have just stepped out of the rooms.

Embrace the scribbles! One day, I’m sure these will be less of an annoyance and more of a treasure.
Why not put a kids’ table and chairs in the middle of a living area? (And, the colorful chairs are a fun touch.)
Scattered cushions in pretty fabrics are a comfy option–and we all know most cushions end up on the floor anyway. . .

When the playroom isn’t tucked away somewhere, I like the idea of using a more grown up wallpaper as a backdrop.
Fun with color! Painting the piano to match the walls is a pretty bold move.
Incorporate their toys into your decor. The cowboy hat hanging on the art is a sweet touch.

Mix their art in with pieces you already own for an eclectic gallery wall.
Not every piece of kids’ art has to be framed to be displayed. There’s something about the chaos of colorful paintings taped up around the kitchen that I really like.

Vintage (inspired) posters are a great go-to for color and whimsy. You can find them online in almost any size and in any color scheme.
Check out that super simple window covering.

Cork around a kids’ doorway becomes a fun bulletin board and display area.
What do you all think of giving you kids painter’s tape and letting them go? No headboard needed.

Flags provide such a big, bold statement around the perimeter of the room. (I used flags on a much smaller scale in my son’s room.)
I love the mix of traditional wallpaper and poster beds as a backdrop for the toys and flags.
Create little lounging and reading areas with smaller, layered rugs.

See more of Reath Design’s portfolio here.

And, thanks to USAToday for interviewing me for a recent article on decorating with kids. You can read it here.

Back-to-School Decorating with Peel + Stick Wallpaper

Aug222019

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Whether you’re sending one off to a college dorm, setting up a first apartment or just want to do a little back-to-school update, peel and stick wallpaper may be the place to start your scheming. We did a little bit of this over the weekend in my oldest daughter’s room. When she wanted shelves to display all of her things, this is not exactly the way I envisioned it. . .

Before we started organizing, we decided to pop a little pattern onto the back with removable wallpaper we found online at The Home Depot. There are a ton of peel and stick options on their site, plus free delivery with purchases of $45 or more–or free in-store pick at your local store. (Returns are free, too.) We landed on this emerald green and pink block print designed by the Novogratz.

I’ve said it before but the very best thing about this kind versus traditional wallpaper is that you can actually pull it right off and reposition it if you mess up, making installation (and eventually removing it) a breeze. In fact, my 13-year-old did most of this project by herself. She basically told me I was getting in her way. . .

The other nice part of this update is that we used less than a roll of wallpaper. A pretty doable change for $37. Here are a few other ways you might use a small amount of peel and stick paper to update a dorm room, bedroom or work area:

back_to_school_decorating_wallpaper_shelves

Shop here for more decor and organizing products at The Home Depot.

Walmart’s New Eclectic Decor Collection (Flower Home)

May132019

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

If you’re into eclectic, Walmart’s newest home decor collection is for you. Flower Home is the new line designed by Drew Barrymore for Walmart and there’s a little bit of everything.

Flower Home is just what you’d expect from the actress; it’s offbeat, colorful and a little quirky. And as you would expect from Walmart, it’s affordable. I added pattern to my teenage son’s room with this happy yellow bedding set. It was just $65 for the queen quilt and shams, and I think it adds a fun contrast against his dark green walls.

The dog-in-a-suit art print is just strange enough to work in boy’s bedroom–and I like the colors. (Also under $60 and a great size at 24×29 inches.)

Besides affordable bedding, the collection has some other standouts including a really cute dog bed (although I don’t have a dog) and this lamp with a face. I also highlighted some of my favorite Flower Home art in a recent Saturday 6 post. (And don’t forget Walmart’s free 2-day shipping for all orders over $35.)

I think it’s fun to see Walmart teaming up with more celebrities. What do you think of Drew’s line?