Janus et Cie: Agatha

This is just about the cutest set of children’s table and chairs. Janus et Cie created this series of Agatha Side Chairs as part of their wide range of outdoor and contract furniture.

Kids deserve a little fun, don’t they? Whether you’re designing for a school, a day care, or a health care facility, a child’s life is improved when someone makes the extra effort for them. No one appreciates something that’s special like a child.

Unfortunately, they’re not sold in retail stores -but only to the trade. Hey, you can always shoot me an email for prices, etc.,on this line.

My point is to get those creative ideas flowing. Skip the Disney characters and create your own vision.

Chair of the Day: Viva

Speaking of Thanksgiving (see earlier post), when the whole family gets together you need a place to park the kids. Something like Viva, designed by Tine Mouritsen, could be just the thing.

This looks like fun. I like the philosophy that children should have basic things to play with. Like tunnels, blocks, and other such nondescript things. Children get a chance to actually use their imaginations to turn those blocks and a tunnel with a door into a submarine, or a time tunnel.

It also looks like a great place to take an after-Thanksgiving dinner nap.

Amenity for the Nursery

These are just about the cutest things I’ve seen for a baby’s room. I’m not a fan of licensed cartoon character theme rooms. Decorating with pillows and blankets like these are a great way to make a room unique as well as stylish.

These are from the Wetlands Collection from Amenity. Cute! You’ll find them over at Design Public.

I found these at

Dwell Home On Sale

Fortunately, my Internet issues were rapidly resolved and I’m back. I know I’m repeating myself (see post from yesterday), but I’m in love with Undrgrnd. Every day a new home decor sale item(s) up for grabs! Today, they’re featuring a bunch of things from Dwell Studio.

This includes pillows and coverlets for grown-up beds, as well as bedding for the little ones. This set is selling for $192.50 – 50% off.

Will someone please tell me why this concept of one thing per day is so appealing? Is it just me? It’s like anticipating a blind date. “Will he be cute or a drip?” If you really like this concept (and also like geek-related items) check out Woot.

Dorm Room Idea: Near Eastern Studies

I have fond memories of decorating my dorms rooms through my four years spent at Goucher College. I had my own room, so no pesky roommates interfering with my vision. The years go by too quickly because my nephew is off to Virginia Tech in a few weeks. He won’t let me near his dorm room. (Can’t figure out why. I thought he’d love the purple unicorn bedspread I sent over). So, I thought I’d use my dorm room design strategies here instead.

I’m starting with a Near Eastern scheme because all things Indian and Turkish are very much on my mind lately.

But first, let’s start with a nice background to inspire us. I’m loving this wallcovering from Graham & Brown. Frames ($40 per double roll) lets you release your inner Creative. Fill the frames with photos from India, Morocco, and Turkey, Include some of your friends and your own travels. Write your hopes and dreams, or get really creative and draw your own pictures.

Yes, I know most dorms won’t allow wall covering on the walls. BUT, you could attach strips from dowels hung from the ceiling. Weight the bottoms with another dowel. You can take your panels with you when you move rooms next year.

Most dorm rooms have a tile floor that’s easy to clean. But I rug is so much better for social occasions. I chose this fabulous Souk Chic area rug from FLOR. It comes in three colorways – this is my favorite. It’s $149 for a six-tile rug.

You’ll need some lighting to. I’d like to suggest the Volant table lamp ($94) (pictured above) from Lighting Universe.

For curtains I chose colorful and exotic panels made from Saris (above). They sell for $100 at Indian Selections. This site has a lot of sari curtains to choose from – some for only $50 a set.

Finally, you’re going to need some toss pillows for your study nights at the Casbah. I found these Thomas Paul wonders ($49 – $98 each) at 2Modern.

Do you have a dorm room dream of your own? Share it with us. Or, give me a head start and I’ll come up with a few ideas.