Discriminating design
Circles, sophistication and storage
By Lisa Casinger and Tanya K. Merritte -- Kids Today, 6/1/2008
Style is defined as “distinctive quality, form or type of something” and also “the state of being popular.” Style is very much a matter of personal preference, but for those wondering what looks, trends and designs are growing in popularity, look no further.
The “60” rug (also available in green) from Avalisa Rugs is hand-tufted in India with New Zealand wool. It’s available in 3’ x 5’, 5’ x 8’ and 8’ x 10’ sizes.
Circles, polka dots, spheres, rings, disks or loops, regardless of the name, round is in. Solids and outlines both are found on everything from bedding and car seat covers to lamp shades, diaper bags and wall decor. There’s something happy and hopeful about the shape itself. Depending on the hue, shading, size and intensity, it goes from childlike and playful for a baby or toddler’s room to hip and chic for a tween/teen’s room.
Sophistication
TheRug Market has partnered with children’s textiles manufacturer Little House for a line of rugs including Cherry Blossom, made of cotton flannel in a variety of sizes.
Parents know that kids are becoming (or at least they think they are) more sophisticated at increasingly younger ages. They’re more tuned in to style and image than ever before and in their quest to become “more mature” they’re looking for more grown up looks in their clothes, shoes and room décor. Sophisticated designs are more refined and elegant and hit on a variety of styles from French country and modern to Asian-inspired and art deco.
Storage
Lea Inds.’s new Elite collection has great storage options, like shelves flanking the bookcase bed.
Storage is one of the triumvirate for kids’ rooms — sleep, storage, study. While all are important, parents will tell you the most frustrating of the three is finding good storage solutions for all the stuff kids invariably accumulate. Underbed storage is great because it doesn’t take up any extra floor space (often a premium in kids’ rooms) and this season, we’re seeing a new twist on underbed storage by way of doors and drawers on the footboards. Another storage option gaining in popularity are bookcases flanking bookcase beds. The effect is a wall of shelving with tons of storage options in a relatively small footprint.
