6 WAYS TO ADD LIGHTING (TO YOUR CHILD'S ROOM)

That warm sunshine through your windows is quite literally happiness for the soul, but as the days shorten, lighting up the inside of our homes is the next best thing. When thinking about ways to add light to your nursery, children's rooms, or playroom, consider one (or more!) of these six key ways to light up the space.

1. Make use of overhead light

There are SO many beautiful pendant lights to choose from and many allow for a dimmer switch, sometimes making this the only light you actually need to add to a child's room. I love this pretty feather pendant from Ella's room.

2. Use a floor lamp

Simple for kids to switch on and off and handy if next to a rocking chair for reading, a floor lamp can provide task lighting as well as overall ambience. This budget friendly tripod lamp is sturdy and looks pretty too. 

3. Install wall sconces

Use wall sconces for a high-end look that provides just the lighting you need in the exact position you'd like it. I love using wall sconces above kids beds, especially where there isn't space for other options, like in Rafa and Leo's room below. 

4. Use a night light

I've shared some of my favourite night lights before and I love to include them in the rooms I design. So many kids love having a little light they have control over turning off and on themselves and they are handy in a nursery to ensure you can see what you are doing in those mid-night changes! This rocket nightlight is from Etsy.

5. Use string lights

Lights on a string come in so many ways, that the options are limitless. I love the bright ball lights, fairy lights, star lights, you name it. They are practical and add such a soft touch for calm light and decor on a wall or draped over a book wall. 

6. Use a table lamp

Table lamp or task lamps can provide just the light you need for a change table in a baby room, a little light in a toddler room or on a desk as children get older. I love pieces that carry through from baby to teen and a solid table lamp will do just that.

I like to include at least two of these ways in each room that I decorate so that there are a couple of options for providing the light you might need. An overhead light and a night light will work in many cases, but ambience lighting in the form of a lamp is almost always welcome too.

SUMMER BREAK!

I am away on holiday with my family this week; I'll be sharing a few moments over on Instagram stories if you'd like to follow along! See you next Monday!

FRIDAY INSPIRATION: HOUSE FRAME BEDS!

Source: Bonnesoeurs

It's Friday and for my next project, my client has asked for a house bed for her son's room!!! With that request, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my inspiration for this fun bed idea.

I love the simple lines of the house bed and how such a simple concept adds so much impact. This bed draped with a sheer curtain provides a cozy canopy for any little one. 

Design: Oh Eight Oh Nine

Having a bed directly on the floor is the most common style but a house frame bed can also have legs so that there is air flow beneath the mattress too. I love this bed below for that!

Source: Crate and Kids

There are so many variations and the little chimney is a cute addition, as seen here.

If you are looking for a house bed for your own home, here are my top three favourites:

HOW TO CREATE A HOMEWORK AREA FOR KIDS

To create a homework station in your own home, you really only need a few basic things:

1. A table or desk;

2. A chair;

3. Some type of light (either natural or a lamp); and

4. Basic supplies (pens, pencil, eraser, scissors, tape, etc).

As with any space, creating an organized and inviting area to tackle tasks, such as homework, is key for kids. I love to think that it’s a great starting point for staying organized through life, that good habits start early and that making it fun goes a long way to making kids work hard too!

For younger kids, I love to put a desk next to a reading corner. Reading is one of our favourite ways to learn and it's handy to go from sitting on a chair to a more cozy and casual floor area where we can snuggle and read. For us, our only homework for Kindergarten was to read to our kids. I also love to keep a few books and toys nearby for those frustrating moments when everyone needs a break. It’s a great time to connect and reset.

I like to think about ergonomics when setting up a desk. Make sure that the child fits correctly with feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. The desk surface should be 2-3 inches above their elbow when bent.

If you can, put the desk near natural light. Looking out a window is helpful to rest little eyes as well as enhance productivity. If this is not possible, a lamp works well too. 

Keeping basic supplies handy ensures the child can focus on the task at hand. We like to keep supplies minimal and tidy, such as a pencil, pens, stapler, tape, scissors and paper clips and add in any other supplies when they are needed for the homework.

The final touch is adding a few fun pieces like inspirational quotes, art and even a plant. Using little extras like a chalkboard or letterboard is a great way to keep key reminders close at hand.

Setting up an ergonomic environment, with comfortable surroundings and inspiring extras helps to make the space feel cozy and inviting, hopefully encouraging kids (and you!) to enjoy their homework time as much as possible.

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ELLA'S ROOM

OH MONDAY!

1. Summer is in full swing and we are soaking up every last drop of sunshine while we can! I hope you all are too. 

2. This sun-filled girl room is perfect for a Monday morning, don't you think? I just love the bunks, that teepee and that camp chair is everything.

Design: Crowell + Co. Interiors

3. I've been looking for the perfect world map for ages and I think I finally found it. This one is neutral enough to fit in pretty much anywhere and has enough detail to teach kids all about continents, countries and even major cities. I love that it comes in so many sizes and you can choose to buy it framed or unframed!

4. This canopy from Ella's room is finally back in stock!! I love how pretty it is with the glittery stars.

5. Leaving you with this summertime thought today...

Happy Monday!