HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT BOOK WALL

You know I love them! You've seen them in nearly all of the rooms that I create and in nurseries and kids' rooms around the globe...book walls are absolutely art for your children's rooms!

In this post, I wanted to share how amazing book walls look, how versatile they are for you and your kids, how to create one that will work perfectly in your own child's room and where to find some of the key shelves that you see on popular blogs and magazines to use on your own.

One of the best things about book walls is the versatility; they can be used purely for books or for display of toys which can be rotated or special items for play. These ledges provide open access for your children and encourage reaching for a book or toy, whichever is placed at their height. I also love how special (or expensive) books can be stored out of reach, allowing the parents to choose which books get chewed on or read most.

The key is to mount them with enough space for your tallest books. I like to space them between 15-17" apart vertically, allowing space for books and for your eye to have a bit of white space. Make sure to hit a stud in the wall or use an anchor to ensure that when kids pull on the ledge, it won't budge. 

When I specify book walls for clients, I have specific go-to sources, which I've listed below especially for you! I love the way the clear acrylic shelves from Ubabub help to highlight the beauty of the book covers and how these tiny white shelves help to fit into small spaces. 

01.// White picture ledge; 02.// Dark book ledge; 03.// Wooden bookshelves; 04.// Gold book ledge; 05.// Clear acrylic shelf; 06.// Grey book ledge; 07.// Dark book ledge; 08.// Tiny book ledge.

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CAPTURING A MOMENT IN TIME {WITH MINI WHITE PUMPKINS}

It's been a tremendously rainy, windy weekend here in Vancouver and sometimes these grey and cold days lend to more indoor time with the little ones and more time to reflect on the little moments. 

I had taken these quick shots a couple of weekends ago when the sun was out and the weather was obviously warmer. I wanted to capture the essence of autumn and the little pumpkins that I'd been trying to find around the city for a couple of weeks. I had no intention of posting them but then thought it might make sense to share how quickly I captured these (10 minutes!) and how you can create a mini photoshoot with literally a few little pumpkins and some sweet smiles! 

So, instead of thinking how hard it will be, just get your kids, pop outside with the pumpkins you've collected from the farm or the store and take a few snaps! I ask them questions as I click, such as "if your pumpkin was an animal, what would it be?" I find that when they are engrossed in telling a story, the smiles naturally come out and their faces light up. If you are shooting more than one kiddo, it helps to pop them on the a set of stairs so that they are captured at the same depth (or plane) on camera, which works to keep them all in focus.  

The pictures may not be perfect, but they recreate this perfect memory...our front steps, their mini pumpkins, fall 2016 and my very favourite little smiley faces. Sometimes the little moments are the ones we'll look back on and remember with the biggest fondness. 

Happy Monday friends!

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A BABY GIRL'S PINK & DREAMY NURSERY

Pink and white with hints of yellow and a splash of gold, this baby girl nursery is light-filled and absolutely dreamy! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to share my newest project, little Nayviah's baby room with you all. Baby Nayviah's nursery is finished and it is pure bliss.

Sweet little Nayviah was not yet here when we were dreaming up and creating the room she would come home to. This room had a black ceiling when I first saw it and right away I knew we wanted to brighten it up and make the most of the gorgeous Vancouver light when it shines. Nayviah's mom had two must-haves on her list: drapery over the crib and damask wallpaper. We worked together to choose the perfect paper and this one really has to be felt and seen up close to get the full effect; there is a shimmer to it that sparkles beautifully when the light shines.

She was a dream client, loving what I presented and seeing my vision right from the start. The room is both airy and bright, soft and serene and the blackout curtains ensure that nap time and bedtime are dark (so important with tiny babes). Working with local artist, Dana Mooney, we created an Ikat on canvas that pulled the yellow, pink, off white and gold together. 

Nayviah has a toddler brother and I wanted to make sure that this space was a retreat for her, a place she could be rocked gently and read to away from the rest of the world. I just love how the book wall turned out with the Ubabub acrylic shelves and she is going to love peering into those mirrors to see her reflection as she grows.

The mobile was custom made and sent from France from the sweetest handmade shop Creme Anglaise, and I have been eyeing it for ages waiting for the perfect space to place her work in. It's hard not to include at least a one of the Animal Print Shop art prints in a space for a little one and I just love how these two pair with the gold ottoman.

I thought it would be fun to throw in a photo of what the space looked like the first time I saw it. It was a newly purchased home and a HUGE renovation happened throughout the house but this room remained intact.

The wallpaper was the inspiration for the whole room and I love how it came together. Just walking in the room now feels completely fresh, airy, bright and serene. 

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Photography by Rebecca Dadson of Eye Compose Photography.

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I'm sharing the steps on how to make these quick and easy DIY embroidery hoop wall art over on hello, Wonderful today. Head on over to see the full post!

5 WAYS TO USE WATERCOLOUR IN CHILDREN'S ROOMS

Source

Watercolour has long since been a medium for artists and the trend has certainly paved its' way into home interiors in a BIG way too! I love all things watercolour and realize that I often reach for it when i'm at a shop looking around. 

Part of the fun of kids' spaces is getting to try out trends in a small or big way. See how you can use watercolour in your own children's rooms below.

1. Wall Decals (via Urbanwalls)

Wall decals are such an easy and effective way to change the look and feel of a room and these watercolour decals add a soft and lovely feel to this teen bedroom. If you don't think you'd love this forever, don't worry...just peel off!

2. Art Prints (via Etsy)

With so much emphasis on kids rooms, it's no surprise that kids art has become incredibly popular too. Watercolour prints have always been and will continue to be big in kids spaces (so much fun to make prints too!).

3. Wallpaper (via mommodesign)

This cactus wallpaper by Anewall has become a fantastic way to add colour to a modern monochrome kids room and shows how watercolour can be used to create HUGE impact.

4. Sheepskin Rug (via Lulu & Georgia)

Why not add a splash of colour while adding a soft sheepskin to your space? This watercolour sheepskin rug is truly unique!

5. Blanket (via Etsy)

A blanket is the perfect way to add a bit of watercolour to a baby nursery, and this one is so sweet. 

What do you think? Could you see yourself using watercolour in your own home decor? If you like the idea of adding a few watercolour items to your kiddies rooms, I've rounded up some of my favourites below. 

01.// Flamingo Art Print; 02.// Watercolour Wall Print; 03.// Watercolour Quilt ; 04.// Watercolour phone case; 05.// Watercolour Raindrop Pillow; 06.// Watercolour Rug; 07.// Watercolour Wallpaper; 08.// Watercolour Note Card.