Creative Craft Corner

October 8, 2018

Creativity plays a large role in growing up. Whether an aspiring actor or world class artist, a creative corner for crafts and fun is the perfect way to let their personality shine.

While the kiddos may not yet be the next Van Gogh, their works of art are masterpieces in your house. Create the perfect space to let their imagination shine with a creative craft corner.

For their genius works of art, set up our Modern Kids Table. It can easily seat four kids for creative collaboration, and the uniquely designed legs can be used for additional storage space. Give them a Devon Play Stool to perch on, which has a protective finish tough enough to handle any mess. They’ll be even more inspired with our colorful Triangle Rug to tie the room together.

Small artists will be thrilled with our Blue Tabletop Easel, which features a paper roll holder, space for paint cups, a chalkboard and a magnetic whiteboard. As if that wasn’t perfect enough, it even folds for easy cleanup for when the day’s activities are complete.

Additional art supplies fit perfectly in our Java Bookcase, which is built for messes that come in all shapes, sizes and volumes. It’s versatile, and can easily hold plastic boxes, cubes and bins.

For when performing arts beckons their name, hang up our Hallway Playhouse. It will make the perfect grand entrance for their performance- and, you guessed it- it can be easily packed away for easy cleanup. For assembly, simply hang up on a doorway or hallway! They can even keep their acting wardrobe in our Pineapple Floor Basket.

Expert advice. Personal solutions. Inspired designs. And it’s free.

Cozy Kids Room

October 1, 2018

With cool, crisp fall nights upon us, it’s time to get cozy. This kids’ room inspiration offers up a warm place for studying, sleeping and hanging out with friends.

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We all love to curl up into a warm, cozy bed, and the children will love bunking in our Small Space Twin Bunk Bed. Listen to them giggle through the night while they surround themselves in our soft Organic Flannel Sheets, packed with yetis and serious comfort. For those very chilly nights, throw on our Grey Sweatshirt Blanket for additional warmth. Warning, though, they probably won’t want to get out of bed in the morning!

When they finally do get up, make sure the rest of the room is just as comfortable. Their feet will stay toasty on our Fringe Medallion Rug which is warm and stylish. They’ll smile when they see our Hello Light Up Sign, the perfect greeting for a new day.

For clothes, our Hampshire 6-Drawer Dresser features an olive green finish that will never go out of style. Durable, beautiful and offering spacious drawers, it’s the perfect piece for transitioning into big kid furniture. Hang up our Rope Framed Mirror above the dresser for last-minute check ups before heading out for the day.

When the day is done and the cool night sinks in, give the kiddos a nice place to relax. They’ll love to unwind and crack open a book on our Variegated Grey Pouf, and our Large Copper Floor Lamp will offer ample reading light. When they’re ready to return to their cozy yeti cocoons, turn on our Floral Night Light for a warm, metallic glow.

Expert advice. Personal solutions. Inspired designs. And it’s free.

Bookshelf Styling Tips

September 26, 2018

Filling shelves can be a fun way to showcase more than just books! We’ve partnered with Lay Baby Lay to bring you these bookshelf styling tips.

www.laybabylay.com

Filling a bookshelf can feel very overwhelming, especially if you are still working on your book collection! Here are a few bookshelf styling tips to help you fill the shelves and make the most of the storage without feeling lost.

First, select some books. I love using books that are lighter colors and avoid ones that have dark/black spines as they tend to draw the eye too much. Totally go for it if it works with your color scheme, but it’s something to consider if you aren’t happy with the way your bookshelf looks- snap a photo (I find sometimes looking at a photo makes me see things more objectively) and see where your eye gravitates. Sometimes dark colors can take over and make it looks less happy and more bulky.

I also love including vintage books; some of these I selected because the subject material fits in well with the camping/outdoory space, and some of them are from my parents’ childhood, so they are extra fun to display. Since I don’t have a ton of books here, I placed them on the center of the shelvers, and used fun little trucks as bookends.

Displaying a book or two upright makes a fun graphic impact, and also feels like an invitation to pick it up and start reading. It’s also a great way to fill the shelves if you are lacking in reading material.

Next, I divide the bookshelf in half. On the top shelves, I usually put functional items (in this case, the nightlight and the fan) mixed in with some books, and on the bottom shelves I place items that are frequently played with, so they are within easy reach of the kiddos. Unless you are going for a rainbow color scheme (which is also super fun), try to evenly place colors. See how I don’t have all the red items together? They are broken up by other colors, so it isn’t too red-heavy in one place and feels more balanced.

It’s okay to be selective about the items you choose to display; find toys you enjoy looking at, and go with it. If you have lots of smaller items, a cute bin really helps to corral them and make things look neat. Plus it makes it easy for little hands to put toys away. Another fun thing to do is to ask grandparents if they have any old toys or momentos from your childhood or theirs; a bookshelf is a great place to display those items!

Last, don’t feel like you need to fill up every inch! A little negative space and breathing room will make it feel less cluttered.

An Inspiring Reading Nook

September 24, 2018

We all know that reading plays an important role in imagination, and with the perfect reading nook, they won’t want to put the books down.

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They’ll travel the world, rule kingdoms and slay dragons- the sky is the limit when it comes to your children’s imagination. When they pick up a good book, there’s nothing your child can’t do. So it makes sense that you would want to encourage their reading habits with the perfect little spot. Here’s some tips on how to create a cozy reading nook.

Whether hidden away in our Fair Isle Teepee, floating down an imaginary river in our Plush Canoe or nestled up in our Bean Bag Chair, having a comfortable place to enjoy a good read is crucial when encouraging creativity.

But where should they keep their treasures? Get creative showcasing your collection with our Robot Bookshelf, which has been programmed to hold your child’s books, games or even to display knickknacks. Have current reads conveniently close at hand with our Good Read Book Caddy.

Throw down a soft rug like our Mirage Grey Rug, or if you want even more warmth, try out our Sheepskin Throw Rug.

Now that you’ve achieved the perfect reading nook, all that’s left is to watch the little ones explore their imaginations. (And we promise we won’t tell if you want to take a break and read in the teepee, too).

Need some help getting started?
Our Design Experts are happy to help with design solutions big and small,
from finding the perfect sofa to a room refresh, to the whole home.
Try our Complimentary Design Service today.

Expert advice. Personal solutions. Inspired designs. And it’s free.

Mint & Grey Nursery

September 18, 2018

A lot of thought and planning goes into creating the perfect nursery, and we’re here to help! Here’s how to design a mint & grey nursery with the perfect balance of calm and color.

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A neutral palette is a great place to start when decorating a nursery. A soft color scheme with a pop of color will not only provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere, but it will also create an easy base for changing decor and furniture down the road. Read on for tips on how to put together the perfect mint & grey nursery.

Let’s begin with some of the necessities. For starters, you’ll need a rocking chair. Our exclusive Marguerite Glider and Ottoman is the perfect combination of style and comfort. Filled with goose feather cushioning, you’ll have no problem sinking in to relax. Furthermore, the neutral grey upholstery will be easy to coordinate with other furniture in the nursery and if you wish, other rooms in the house. Match that with our classic Kids Midway Wide Grey Dresser, with its clean lines and effortless style. Add on our Changing Table Topper and it now serves as a versatile foundation piece for the nursery.

For the floor, try our Dash Rug. The soft, pale grey of the rug is calming and understated, but still playful with its asymmetrical pattern. When it’s time to clean up, throw stuff into our Natural Midway Baskets, featuring handles for easy transport and perfectly sized to fit into our Midway Wide Dresser.

Now we’re ready to bring in a pop of the unexpected. A pale mint-colored crib will add personality to the room while maintaining a soft, calming environment. Our Carousel Mint Crib runs circles around the rest with its low profile design and adjustable mattress, making it a piece of cake to get baby in and out. Perhaps best of all, our Carousel Crib can convert into a toddler bed, so it can grow with the kiddo! Want more of those mint vibes? Throw in our Genie Floor Lamp for easy lighting around the room. Finally, add in a few coveted accessories like our Baby Giraffe and Lamb wall art or our Crochet Tassle Garland.

Well, we think that came together nicely! The soft grey palette will provide a neutral canvas for future changes in decor and furniture, and the mint adds a pop of sweet personality. Throw in some giggles and love and you and the baby will be curling up in comfort for years to come.

Best S’more Recipe Ideas for Kids

September 14, 2018

Campfires, log seats and cool nights. Nothing makes us crave a good s’more more than the changing of the seasons! Sink your teeth into these easy and fun s’more recipe ideas.

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With fall around the corner, we can’t wait for the opportunity to go outside and roast some marshmallows. Whether outside in the woods or setting up camp in the playroom, we’ve got the best s’more recipe ideas. They’re fun, easy, and the perfect treat for the whole family!

For days that you can’t go outside, our Plush Campfire Set will create the perfect mood for the kiddos. Set up some log seats around the fire and you’ve got yourself a cozy playroom campsite for nighttime stories, laughs and more! Don’t forget to invite some forest friends to the party! When the kiddos are ready to make their s’more creations, our Round Storage Kids Table will help to keep toys and other goodies clean and out of the way.

String up the camping party garland and set out some outdoorsy-themed cups to make the occasion just that much more special. They’re the perfect party accessories for birthdays, and the cups can hold both hot and cold drinks. Perfect for when it’s cool enough for hot cocoa.

Camping Themed Playroom

September 10, 2018

When the first autumn chill fills the air, the summer fun doesn’t have to end! Draw it out all year round with a camping themed playroom, perfectly outfitted for an epic indoor adventure.

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With our camping themed playroom, your kiddos will be rolling down the imaginary road with the Jetaire Camper Playhouse and able to spread out for a night of camping under the stars. Once they’ve got the camper parked, they can gather around the plush campfire and take a rest on a log seat.

Also, don’t forget to give them a space to dream up tomorrow’s adventures as they gaze at the mountains in the Misty Blue Mountains Decal while visiting with their favorite wilderness friends like this Moose and his buddy the Bear.

When the day is done and it’s time to pack up camp, tidying up will be a breeze. The Java 12-Cube Bookcase will serve as a great place to stow their equipment, and everything will be easily accessible when tucked away in our colorful and durable Wood and Wire Cube Bins. Furthermore, go environmentally friendly with our True Blue Rag Rug, handcrafted from 90% recycled blue jean denim from the garment industry.

When the summer officially comes to an end, bring the outdoors in. Then sit back and enjoy as the little ones giggle their way to sleep under the imaginary stars.

Do you need help getting started?
Our Design Experts are happy to help with design solutions big and small,
from finding the perfect sofa to a room refresh, to the whole home.
Try our Complimentary Design Service today.
We design it. You love it. And it’s free.

Kids Nature Scavenger Hunt

August 30, 2018

Need a refreshing activity for the kids that doesn’t involve screens? Try a nature walk followed by a DIY craft activity! We’ve partnered with Lay Baby Lay to bring you this easy but fun kids nature scavenger hunt activity to get those children out of the house.

www.laybabylay.com

I’ve been trying to teach my girls about the plants, trees, and wildlife around them, and recently we went on a little tree finding walk. It was so much fun, and really simple. I’m sharing the details here so you can try it!

To start, I made a list of eight trees that are commonly found around the treehouse. I did a google image search for the leaf of each tree, and found line drawings of the leaves, and printed out little sheets. (If you don’t have any editing software to put everything onto one sheet, you could also just pring out each leaf individually, or sketch them out yourself- the shapes are pretty simple!) I had little clipboards and a bag for collecting the leaves.

I wasn’t really sure how the kids would feel about the project, but they LOVED it! They had so much fun searching for the leaves, and got so excited when they identified a tree. As a reference, Vivi is 7 and can read, Brigette and Henry are 5, and they can’t read yet, but were able to easily match leaf shapes with the ones on their clipboards, so it was a great activity for all of them.

We even found a swallowtail caterpillar on one of the popular leaves we picked; it was so camouflaged we didn’t notice him at first! It was so fun to check him out and observe how he protects himself with camouflage and mimicry, and we were careful to return him to the place we found him.

When we returned from our leaf-finding, we placed all the leaves on the table to see what we had found. Everyone chose their favorite leaf to do a leaf rubbing. I had sheets of paper and crayons, and they placed the leaves (upside down) under the paper to color on top.

Brigie also traced one of her leaves with a marker.

After coloring our leaves, they copied the leaf names from their identification sheets. I also included the scientific names, and I love how they look written out in their sweet hands!

To make their pictures into pieces of art, I bought some screen door trim (you can find it at a local hardware store, and then have them trim it to paper size, or use a hacksaw, which is really easy to do). I staple gunned the trim to the edges of the paper, along with some twine at the top for hanging.

It’s such a fun and easy way to display their handiwork and remember a fun afternoon of exploring! To see more of the treehouse, check out this post.

Colorful Playroom Storage and Decor

August 27, 2018

The playroom is a very special place where imaginations have no limits. Living life in color and having adequate playing space is important when being creative, so we’ve curated a list of the best playroom storage and decor for your child’s colorful playroom!

crateandbarrel.com/kids

The playroom is the place where a child’s imagination can run wild. They can ride unicorns and slay dragons- whatever they set their minds to, it can be accomplished in the playroom. Naturally, when the kingdom has been conquered, they’ll need a place to keep all of their equipment. Here’s how to create the perfect, clean and colorful playroom for that little knight, princess or whoever they want to be!

Keep floor space open for play. Store their stuff in our colorful Wood and Wire Wall Bins– perfect for knowing what’s inside and for easy access. For other items, the Level Up Stackable Toy Box will keep the clutter at bay. (Pssst! Go vertical and save even more space by stacking the units! More floor space = more room for fun!)

Have our colorful, large round wall knobs at the ready for costumes, jackets and more to keep the fun going! Continue the color theme with our Rainbow Dot Rug.

For when their imaginations take them to more artistic adventures, the Archie Play Table will be the perfect setting for their next masterpiece. Their supplies will always be at hand with the Wood and Wire Cube Bins– which are durable and ready to hold just about anything. Throw in our Little Felix Chair as a playful throne for that little king or queen.

For when the long day of saving the world has come to a close and the adventurers want to slow down and have a good read, the Danish White and Natural Tall Bookcase will keep their favorite tales at the ready.

Toddler Room Makeover

August 22, 2018

Before & After: A (Small) Toddler Room Gets a Big Makeover

When Corri (of Glitter and Bubbles fame) was ready to transition her 4-year-old daughter Zelda’s 130-square foot bedroom from a toddler room to a bedroom that could grow with her, she reached out to Crate Design Studio Expert, Sara Polacek. For Corri and Zelda, Sara is more than just a design expert, she is now a friend, as she has worked with Corri to design Zelda’s nursery and toddler room. For this project, Corri and Sara (and Zelda, too!) teamed up to design a big girl room with big functionality and big style. (Spoiler alert: they pack a lot of style into 130 square feet).

We talked to Sara and Corri about the makeover process and picked up some helpful tips for designing a dreamy small-space-big-style kid’s bedroom.

How to Maximize Style and Function

Look for ways to maximize floor space.

In the case of Zelda’s room, Sara knew she needed to squeeze every inch out of the 130-sq-ft room, so she moved Zelda’s new bed against a window wall, which opened up wall space for additional storage. The takeaway: Don’t be afraid to consider windows as extra wall space if it will add valuable floor space or storage space.

Look for versatile storage options.

According to Corri, Zelda loves playing and hanging out in her room, even referring to it as “her home.” One of Corri’s goals for the makeover was to add ways for Zelda to easily access her books, art supplies and toys. To do this, Sara used creative space-saving storage methods that would be easy for Zelda to access, such as a versatile rolling book cart, maze bookcase and a toy box that can double as a nightstand. Corri also opted for a Cargo 6-drawer dresser for Zelda’s clothes, because the low-to-the-ground model means Zelda can independently choose her own clothes and the extra surface area means more space for Zelda to display her favorite tiny things (Zelda has all the tiny things: Tiny heart sunglasses! Tiny purses! Tiny nail polishes!). The takeaway: Consider all the ways you might be able to use a piece of furniture beyond it’s obvious purpose, and opt for pieces with the greatest potential for continued usability as your child grows.

Look to vertical storage in small rooms.

According to Sara, “in small spaces it’s best to work with vertical space to maximize storage and draw the eye up.” Knowing how important it is to Zelda to have her “tiny things” displayed, Sara opted for a series of three 2-bin acrylic shelves that she mounted to the wall to showcase Zelda’s treasures. The takeaway: Wall mounted storage is a great solution for adding additional storage space without taking up additional floorspace. Choosing unique finishes can also add a stylish decor element to the room.

Bunk beds are small space superheroes!

Corri chose an abridged bunk bed for Zelda (this model has a smaller profile that is ideal for small bedrooms) with the idea that Zelda can sleep and lounge on the bottom bunk now, then transition to sleeping on the top bunk when she’s older, remove the rolling bed, and keep the space underneath as a place to read, study and play. As Sarah noted, “it’s just another way to maximize square footage in a tiny space.” The takeaway: To maximize long-term functionality, look for bunk beds that feature either rolling bottom beds or frames that transition from one bunk bed to two twin beds. These options offer ideal short and long term bedroom solutions.

Look for ways to incorporate your child’s personality into room decor.

Zelda may only be 4 years old, but Corri and Sara wanted to create a room that reflects Zelda’s spunky and sweet personality. As Corri notes, “Zelda has an amazing independent spirit that’s pretty rock-and-roll, and she loves colors and sparkles, so I wanted to fill her room with what she loves.” From framed artwork created by Zelda and photos from her trips, to showcasing her collection of tiny things, to finding new ways of integrating the pinks and purples she loves, Corri and Sara created a room that is perfect for Zelda at four and dynamic enough for Zelda at five, six and beyond.

According to Sara, “There is nothing I love more than partnering with my customers to create a space they fall in love with and meets their aesthetic needs and functionality.” And we love that Sara applies the same goals to designing four-year-old Zelda’s room as she does to designing an entire home.

Thanks, Corri and Zelda and Sara!

Nursery Furniture for the Whole Home

August 20, 2018

Nursery furniture doesn’t have to be a temporary investment. With some planning, pieces from the nursery can transition into other rooms of your home. Read more to discover tips on how to design your transitional nursery!

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Decorating the nursery is one of the most exciting and fun parts of preparing for life with your little one. Thinking beyond those first few months and years is a challenge. Think ahead and plan out a transitional nursery with furniture that can easily make the move into other places in the house.

Choose nursery furntiure that will transition to new spaces and uses as the baby grows and bring in color and pattern with accessories. Start with the Harmony 3 in 1 Convertible Crib, which will take your baby from infancy through childhood. With the optional conversion kits, the Harmony transitions from crib to toddler bed to full-size bed. Its soft upholstery is engineered to be stain resistant and easy to clean- perfect for the long haul.

A dresser and chair are the other pieces you can’t be without. With straightforward, simple styling and a soft neutral grey stain, our Kids Wrightwood 9-Drawer Dresser works with almost any design aesthetic. Seamlessly transition it to your family room to store extra blankets, pillows or seasonal decor.

You’ll make many wonderful memories snuggling in the wonderfully comfortable Marguerite Glider. It’s neutral grey upholstery and smart lines will work perfectly in the family room, too! No matter where this comfy glider goes, it will be a family favorite for years to come.

After picking your nursery furniture, bring in color and pattern to the nursery with decor pieces. The Colorful Triangle Rug is full of bright, cheery color and shape. Add more pops of color with the Genie Mint Lamp and a little touch of whimsy with our Animal Baby Quilt and Bedding. Sweet is in high supply with our Bear Decal and Bear Hamper.

As you move pieces out of the nursery, blend them with other products in your home. The Barrett 3-Seat Track Arm Sofa is modern and affordable. Customized in our dimensional weave family-friendly Darius upholstery, it’s perfect for an active lifestyle with children and pets.

The Ethan Square Coffee Table’s gorgeous style combines with functionality. Its hidden soft-closing drawer provides an easy place for stashing remotes, coasters, and whatever else you might want to hide away. Mix in the Jackson Floor Lamp and the Crest Silver Table Lamp for adequate lighting as well as adding shape and texture. Finally, the Orana Grey Print Rug offers durability for those busy, fun-filled days as well as adds a nice pattern to the space.

Remember to choose neutral nursery furniture. This will allow you to transition them to other spaces in your home down the road. Durable, family-friendly upholstery and classically styled pieces are built to last for the years to come!

Back to School Organization

August 13, 2018

Before the year’s first school bell rings, make sure your family is ready for success. Back to school organization will help your student stay focused on the work ahead and make for a happy school year for the whole family.

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When the schedule gets busy with projects, play dates and after-school activities, staying organized can be a challenge. Having plenty of storage in all the right places will help tackle the problem.

Find a home for sports equipment, backpacks and more in our District Stackable Bookcases. The kiddos will find plenty of room for their things in here. Choose from a white or wood finish as well as a variety of bins and door panels for a customized look! Add in Alphanumeric Cube Bins for even more style and function!

When things get creative, don’t let clutter get out of hand. Keep the creative process going (and mess-free) with our handy Galvanized Wall Organizer. Pens, pencils, scissors and paper clips will stay close at hand with our Multicolor Desk and Wall Caddy and Lazy Susan Organizer. Throw in our Grey Lamp Organizer for good measure and tidying up will be quicker and easier than ever before!

Amp up the convenience factor with open bins and baskets. Simple and durable, The Strapping Woven Teal Shelf Basket and Strapping Grey Floor Basket are great for catching stuff in a hurry out the door. Throw in stuffed animals, trinkets, crafts and more- the sky is the limit.

Finally, take school organization to new (vertical) heights with our Beaumont White Shelving Collection. With its clean and simple design, you can match it to any aesthetic. Sit back and watch as you add instant wall storage to any room!

Now that you’ve made it easy to clean up after those messy art projects in the kitchen, you can enjoy all the creative moments in between. Cheers to a wonderful school year!

How to Decorate a Treehouse for Kids

August 9, 2018

What child hasn’t dreamed of having a treehouse to play and grow up in? Built with pieces of her great-great-grandparents home, Lay Baby Lay shows us how to decorate a treehouse for kids.

www.laybabylay.com

I am so excited to share this imaginative space we pulled together with Crate & Kids! We recently completed a treehouse as a dreamy retreat for our girls and their cousins when we spend time at our family’s farm.

My father really wanted to build a treehouse for the grandkids, so we worked together on a design. He specified a 12′ x 12′ deck (that is 12′ off the ground!) and wanted me to work within those dimensions. Taking some inspiration from the gorgeous Camp Wandawega treehouse, we created a two-story treehouse with a second story loft that hangs over the deck to maximize space. It sort of has the look of an old storefront from a Western town.

The exterior boards of the treehouse, the floors inside, the ceilings (see that blue peeking out on the ceiling above?), the front door and screen door, the windows, and the interior plank walls are all from my great-great-grandparents’ home, so this place is full of history, even though it’s brand new!

Decorating a treehouse for kids is half the fun! When you walk in the front door, you can see the ladder leading up to the loft, the craft table to the left, and the desk (i.e. camp headquarters!) to the right. I love the cheery pop of yellow from those chairs, and pairing vintage items with Crate & Kids is my favorite. It all just goes together so well and gives the beautiful new pieces a sense of timelessness. I also have to say that the rug is SO beautiful – the pop of rainbow color along the middle is just so perfect. (p.s. I have had that experience with all Crate & Kids rugs I have; you think they are pretty online, and they always end up being even more beautiful in person.)

My oldest daughter, Vivi, is into all things organizing and being in charge, so she is smitten with this adorable Jenny Lind desk. I outfitted it with that modern-meets-handmade lamp and an old typewriter and rotary phone to manage whatever camp things need to be managed, which I’m sure are many.

None of us can get over this cuckoo clock. The girls love the little birdie inside, and I love the modern take on this classic. Can I also say that I love having a real timepiece in kids’ (or anyone’s) spaces? Being able to check the time without looking at a screen is so good.

Besides the craft table, I hung an old letterpress drawer where the kids can stash favorite rocks, acorns, and other treasures. I think it’s such a fun way to display those small things they always deem extra special. It’s also nice to have a place for the littles to put those items, so they don’t end up in the dryer (or am I the only one this happens to??). This craft table is so great – it’s a perfect size as you can comfortably seat six kids, but it doesn’t take up too much space. It’s the same one we have in our craft room, and I’m a big fan.

The upstairs is super cozy, and we have two vintage style army cots, which will be great for spending the night, but they can be folded up to make more floor space for play. The kids love cozying up and reading or playing on them, though. (Also, those windows are very securely fastened, so they won’t open more than a couple of inches!)

I love this nightstand – such good, mid-century lines, but fits perfectly in this outdoorsy space.

I love the details on these beautiful daisy quilts. It’s such a sweet detail that you could definitely take more feminine, but it still works great in this neutral space!

Those sheets are my fave, too. I kind of want to steal them for my bed, except they won’t exactly fit. I love the graphic pop!

On the other wall, we added a pop of color with this Jenny Lind bookcase, which is so great for stashing and organizing toys. I adore that Periodic Table Chart – it feels like it was torn from a vintage chemistry textbook. The star nightlight will be perfect for overnights; my girls love having a nightlight and it gives off such a good glow.

#CrateKids Fan Photo of the Month- July 2018

August 1, 2018

Do your kiddos have the best style in all the land? Show it off on Instagram using the tag #CrateKids, and your photo might just be featured on our blog next month!

Woodland animals to accompany your kiddo on any adventure they might embark on! This sweet set up by @champagneandmacaroons is our fave #CrateKids fan photo for the month of July 2018!

Share your Crate and Kids photos with us on Instagram by using hashtag #CrateKids, and your shot might be the next to be featured.

A Parisian Themed Nursery with 100 Layer Cake

July 30, 2018

Parisian cafe right at home? Oui oui! We’ve partnered with 100 Layer Cake to bring you inspiration for the cutest Parisian themed nursery.

www.100layercake.com

Hiya, mamas! 100LC here with photos of the Parisian girl’s nursery we designed using some of our very fave nursery picks to add to your Baby Registry at Crate and Kids. You may know us from our Wedding Registry posts, but we run our sister site, 100 Layer Cakelet, specifically with mamas (especially new mamas!) in mind. The journey to motherhood is an exciting, overwhelming, and truly incredible experience, and we’re all about making it even more inspiring. After getting the scoop on our favorite playtime products (Parisian cafe right at home, yes please!), be sure to head over to Cakelet to see the nursery design.

Trust us, you’ll never regret remembering your baby shower as the time you received the beautiful baby essentials that you could *actually see* adorning your little one’s first ever space.

Kay, so if you haven’t seen the Snack Shack Playhouse before, you are in for a serious treat. Basically a little dolly’s dream, no? Even better, it’s actually a two-in-one playhouse (which not only makes it a major steal, but is sure to keep your little one occupied for double the time!). It converts between a Parisian cafe and an American BBQ restaurant. It’s got menus, illustrated ads and signs, and was designed just for Crate and Kids.

Oui oui!

We actually set up this whole scenario right in our studio, and our own Kristina’s little girl was the sweetest model. We painted that pink striped wall as an easy DIY for mamas, and added really cozy, textured elements like this Knit Gold Pouf and White Shag Pouf to the space. A nursery, perhaps more than any other space in the house, will have a huge mix of higher- and low priced items, since you’ll be decking it out with anything from fun toys to baby-friendly furniture.

The poufs, playhouse, and even this modern Black Rocking Horse (so good with our Parisian theme, huh?) are just a few great mid-range items that loved ones may want to contribute in honor of your new bebe. While the Registry is ultimately about you and your child’s needs, it’s really helpful for fam + friends to have lots to choose from.

Another really nice (and very helpful!) thing about the Baby Registry is that you really have all your baby necessities in one place. You can add everything from larger furniture pieces that are perfect as group gifts to some of the very first stories they’ll ever fall in love with. May we recommend this beautiful Coco Chanel book, if you love a little Parisian flair as much as we do?

A Shiny Gold Kids Workspace

July 23, 2018

School is about to begin for your favorite little student. We’re here to help you make sure that they have a fun place to get down to the business of homework.

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A sweet, stylish study place can inspire the kiddo(s) and help make doing homework just that much more enjoyable. What better way to inspire creativity than with shiny, shimmering gold furnishings? Start with the desk. Our Wood and Metal Inlay Desk is a real showpiece in its own right. This is where they will happily devise their project for the upcoming science fair, or create a masterpiece for art class. Whatever the homework may be, you can’t go wrong with this piece! For a chair, keep up the gilded look with our Kids Domino Gold Desk Chair. This student will have unparalleled style! Add a soft and stylish rug such as our Floral Metallic Rug to tie the pieces together.

For decor, we’re really going for the Midas touch here. Not only will our Geometric Gold Lamp provide plenty of light to study by, but it will also inspire when it comes to learning about lines, angles and planes. Books and supplies will always be at the ready with our Wheelhouse Round Bookcase and our darling Gold Metal Storage Caddy. Add in a Faux Leather Gold Pouf as a luxe place for a visiting study buddy to sit! Finally, hang up our Pom Pom Mobile for an added touch of whimsy for those moments where they might just need to daydream.

Now that all of your work is finished, it’s time to sit back and watch your little pupil’s imagination come to life. Happy studying!

Big Boy Bedroom

July 16, 2018

Yep, your little boy is growing up and he’s ready to graduate to a new, more grown-up space. It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny baby with few needs, but things have changed and he needs more. We can help with that!

Now that he’s older, he’ll want to have his buddies come by for slumber parties. With our Abridged Charcoal Glaze Low Twin Bunk Bed, he’ll be telling ghost stories and having giggle fits with his friend down below in the bottom bunk. With its smaller footprint, this choice of bed will leave plenty of space in his room for floor play and listening to his favorite tunes while lounging in his comfy Large Dark Blue Nod Chair.

Roomy furniture like our Kids Abridged White Dresser will give him plenty of space for his growing wardrobe. He’ll need a place for his expanding book collection, too. Our Danish Walnut and White Tall Bookcase will serve him well as he grows from childhood through adolescence and beyond, holding books of all sizes, shapes and topics.

Once you have invested in the core pieces, bring in the color and pattern to show his personality. With bedding, bins and wall shelves, you’ll give him plenty of interesting and fun space to tell the world who he is. He won’t soon grow tired of a color-blocked quilt like our Little Prints Blue Quilt layered with sheets and pillow shams in fun prints. Store toys and more in our fun Grey Quartz Cube Bins. Give him a space to display his most precious treasures with our fun and funky Honeycomb Wall Shelves.

Voila! You now have a room that will grow up with him, with solid core pieces of furniture and fun accessories that he can use to express his personality and spark his imagination. All that’s left is to sit back and watch him explore the world!

An Under the Sea Nursery

July 9, 2018

The decisions that come along with raising a tiny human are endless. While some can feel daunting, some of them are easy and fun: like designing a nursery!

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The most important thing you can do in creating this space is designing a nursery that makes you smile, relax and enjoy. After all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time here. Without further ado, here is our go-to-guide for a colorful and fun Under the Sea nursery!

First, the crib. This should be the main investment piece in the room. You may be thinking that this is a temporary item and not worth the expense, but many children sleep in their cribs for three or more years. Additionally, if you’re planning to have more children, a sturdy crib can last through several kiddos. Choose a neutral color, as it will be easier to redecorate around when necessary.

Together, the baby bedding and crib will be the showpiece of your nursery. In this case, we will be incorporating an under-the-sea theme! Our Marine Queen baby quilt brings all the fun!

There’s no way around it…with babies come dirty diapers. And, really, the only way to make this experience as pleasant as possible is to be sure that you have all the essentials close at hand. This is where your changing table comes in handy! Our Topside Wide Dresser gives you plenty of changing space and offers roomy drawers and open shelves for additional storage. Choose the navy blue finish to bring contrast in the room. The rope handles will tie the theme together!

Next, choose a comfortable place to sit. A good chair may be the most important purchase in your nursery. This is where you’ll rock your baby to sleep, feed her, read to her, laugh with her, cuddle with her, and maybe even share a good 4am cry. In short, it’ll be a place of a lot of parent-baby bonding; so choose your rocking chair wisely.

Now that you have most of the functional pieces of your nursery, you can really get to work decorating the space. The rug is a great place to start the fun with colors and patterns. Our Under the Sea Rug will add a lot of personality to the space. Combine it with textural pieces in the same color palette such as a mobile or a wall hanging décor.

If you’re still intimidated by the process of the actual design, you can reach out to our design team. They will be happy to help!

A Charming Room to Share

June 29, 2018

While having children bunking in the same room can mean more mischief, it can also mean more fun and adventures remembered. We’ve partnered with Sugar and Charm to bring you a charming room, perfect for bringing siblings closer together.

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I’ve been dreaming of a shared room for my two boys since I found out I was having boy number two!! I remember sharing a room until 6th grade and I loved it. We had bunkbeds and would stay up late listening to stories while dipping into a secret candy drawer. My parents found out about that years later! I was very excited to team up with Crate & Kids to design a charming room for my boys to grow, to play, create, read and rest.

For the layout of the room I asked my super talented friend Cassandra, from Coco and Kelley, to help me. It’s always nice to have a professional’s opinion and advice. She set the layout for me, chose the bunkbeds and olive green and yellow color scheme in the room, which I LOVE! Olive green is such a classic outdoor color (which ties into the theme) and I loved it for their room.

I was inspired by the colors of the Crate & Kids Camp Wandawega Tree House and the wooden forest animals. I think it’s nostalgic and classic! We used the wooden animals throughout the room and the kids love to play with them!

The olive green dresser is truly one of my favorite pieces. It’s stunning and adds so much color and quality to the room. The boys share the dresser and we got the organization closet system for them to use as well.

For their beds, we went with the Wrightwood twin over twin, white bunkbeds. The room is a decent size, but two regular twin beds would’ve taken up all of their play area, so the bunkbeds look good and save room. The best part is that we also got the trundle to go underneath! So it can technically sleep 3 littles! I’m using it for storage like sheets, toys, etc. Love having the extra storage space for the kids.

I’m kind of a bedding snob… I know, they’re kids but I’m all about whatever it takes to make sure they have a good night sleep! One of my favorite small details in life is crisp, white sheets that make you feel like you’re in a hotel and I wanted that for the boys too. I ordered the Belo White sheet set for the bunk beds and the Organic Swiss Dot Twin Duvet Cover. Absolutely adore how fluffy, soft and cozy their beds are!

We’re also very happy with the Parkside Modern Toy Box! Perfect way to store toys and easy clean-up for the boys!

One of the main focal points in the room is the yellow chevron rug. It adds such a warm and happy pop of color to the room and we love playing on it! It’s also an item everyone compliments when they see it… definitely eye-catching!

Cassandra came up with the idea of having the beanbag in the room. At first I didn’t think there would be enough space, but it fits perfectly near the corner and we use it all the time! It’s SO comfortable! Perfect for reading books… it’s cozier than it looks! The yellow, velvet accent pillows add some color to the bed.

When we remodeled the house earlier this year, I knew I wanted a built-in desk and shelves in their room to save space. I’m always down with small spaces, but using them wisely. We had a custom desk built into the corner of the room and then long shelves to hold all of their books. We ordered the very charming Kids Domino Gold Desk Chair and put a sheepskin throw on it to add softness.

We put a sentimental item in the room too, which is the Baby Taylor guitar. It was my husband’s growing up and he gifted it to the kids, so now we need to make sure it stays in good shape!

Overall I was so happy with how the boys’ room turned out. It just has a very cozy, warm and outdoorsy feel, and it’s charming, but still feel like a kid’s room… one we may want to camp out in every now and then!

Want to see more? Stop by Sugar and Charm’s blog

Want to see more? Stop by Sugar and Charm’s website and Instagram!

Pastel and Floral Shared Nursery

June 25, 2018

Baby number two on the way? If you are tight on space, try a shared nursery! Our Crate Design Team has tips for creating a positive split room experience.

To make cohabitation more comfortable for anyone involved and avoid chaos, setting up a peaceful environment is key! Make sure to give each of them their very own special area. The best way is first by breaking up the room with rugs. Our Marble Rug and Floral Shag Rug work perfectly together. For the bedding, try identical basic sheets to tie the beds together and varied bedding components that work well together. We mixed the Folktale Forest Duvet Cover with the Floral Baby Crib Quilt and chose the organic gold polka dot sheets for both beds.

Furniture can be tricky, but with our Larkin Collection you won’t lose sleep wondering if your investment was worth it. The beds add a soft, airy touch to the room with their arched metal and champagne gold finishs. Tie the room together and add contrast with our Olive Green Hampshire Dresser. The clean lines and antique brass metal drawers enhance the elegance of the room and can also double as a changing table to maximize your space. Last but not least, add a comfy glider for bonding and story time.

Finally, complete the look with some décor and you’re all set to welcome baby home!