Subject: Nursery Fabric

Melissa -

Hope your family had a great Thanksgiving yesterday! As you are reading this, I am probably en route to Ikea for a day of awesome finds. I am so excited! After poring over the Ikea website for many hours, I think I have made a list of all the things I need/want, and I cannot wait to check it twice!

I've already shared with you some of my nursery inspiration ideas and some of the accessories I would like to incorporate (loved your suggestions, by the way, especially that adorable book!), so now it's time to talk about fabric. This aspect of the room has been a question mark from the beginning, but in the last few days I feel like I have gotten a clearer picture of what I want and I'm starting to get excited. First, though, I feel like this picture is a good illustration of what I ultimately want to achieve in this nursery:

I'm not talking necessarily about the colors, but instead the mood. It reads kid, but it's not theme-y or overly cute-sy. I also love the lightness and brightness in this space - and that's really what I want. I want the room to feel airy and light, but also to be sophisticated and have a vintage vibe to it. At this point I think I have settled on the wall cover "Light Blue" (creative!) by Benjamin Moore. It's a true blue, but not over-powering. Like Suz's nursery, I want the wall color to be secondary, but still add to the overall mood. I like for colors to read what they are, but still be pale enough to be considered a neutral too.

I think the main piece of furniture in any nursery is the crib (duh), so I feel extra pressure to get that bedding right. I'm not worried about fabric for the bumper because I'm using this white breathable bumper thing that is already in the crib. So - one less thing to think about! So that leaves the crib skirt (and sheets, but that seems secondary). I want some kind of plaid that looks like a man's dress shirt, but is still kid-friendly and colorful and will let me incorporate lots of other colors in the room. It was love at first site with this:

It's very similar to a Serena & Lily fabric called "Rex" that you may remember I sent you back before I knew I was having a girl the first time, but has now been discontinued. Bummer. This swatch I found off a random website that does not even sell fabric, so I'm really going to have to use my Internet skills to track this down. But I really like all the colors and think it achieves what I want it to.

Also in this room there will be a twin bed, so I need to think about bedding for it too. One thing I'm trying to keep in mind is that one day little Bobby might be sleeping in this bed with this very bedding, so I want it to be kid-friendly, but also if a grandparent needs a place to sleep one night they don't feel weird about sleeping over because the sheets are covered in a circus print and bears juggling, you know? I am drawing my inspiration from this room that was posted on Little Green Notebook:

This is exactly what I want! I love how the bedding is light/bright/airy, but also is boy-ish but not too juvenile. I am liking the idea of doing some kind of quilt (maybe in gray?) on the bed and then doing a more colorful duvet folded at the foot of the bed. The one in this picture is a Dwell find from Target that is no longer available (from what I can tell), but then in my Ikea stalking I found this:

Not bad, right? I will need to see it in person to get a read on the colors and if it would really work, but I kind of like what it's doing. It's definitely kid-ish, but it doesn't seem childish (an important distinction, no?) and I like that the background is white, which helps with my lightness and brightness goal. I also like that there is some turquoise/light blue in it, which references back to the madras above. And one thing to keep in mind is that it's going to be folded at the foot of the bed, so that will help tone it down some. I wouldn't want this as the main bedding - that might be too much for this room. So fingers crossed it is a) not hideously ugly in person or b) out of stock. One more thing on the bed: it's going to be right near the upholstered rocker, which is covered in a khaki-colored twill, so I need to stay away from that color in a quilt, don't you think?

Right now the window in the room is covered with some pretty sad-looking mini blinds. I found this DIY on covering a cheap roller shade with fabric of your choosing, so I think I might go with that. Here is the fabric I am considering:

I really want red to be an accent in the room, used sparingly but still with purpose so it really has some punch. I found a brass lamp at a thrift store (a true thrift store, not overpriced Goodwill) that I have painted a glossy red, so that will bring in another pop of red. Maybe I will do some sheets that have some red in them too...maybe polka dots or something? I also like the idea of incorporating a little bit of black and white buffalo check somewhere, since that really says "man" to me :) I think re-covering my little footstool for in front of the rocker will be the perfect spot for it.

So, yeah. That is the fabric. I think I covered everything, right? As always, can't wait to hear your feedback/comments/thoughts.

Happy shopping day!
Kara

Re: Subject: Nursery Accessories

Hi Kara,

Where to begin?!?  I think the nursery accessories are the best part of a nursery.  I have a feeling we are going to come back to this topic quite a bit.

In my mind I picture Don Draper's office/Bobby Draper's bedroom.  Leather club chairs, plaid, houndstooth and a little bit of this:

As far as vintage posters go, I think All Posters has a great selection.  I also came across this site called Vintage Printable, where you can print poster size images for free!  They have some really cool stuff, including map prints like this which I know you are a fan of.

Then there are cool typography prints like this:

And if only you were having a Cowgirl instead of a Cowboy, how fun is this??  Clearly I have a vintage Wild West obsession.  Totally subconscious up until this point though!

I am going to keep my eyes open for other fun accessories.  The only thing I've found thus far is the cover of this book.  I was thinking fun vintage book covers could also be cool framed?  Or maybe one or two go on the shelves?

And look, it's your entire family!!  Except you need a dog.  But Ina is there!!

Okay, last thing before I wrap this up, but it's for Suz and not Baby M.  I recommend you add this to the Ikea list...

I own it.  I painted it.  It's amazing.  There is also a mirror version.  I think in a fun color this could be very cute in Suz's new room either as a mirror, chalkboard, bow holder (per your Pinterest).  The ideas I have are endless.

Until tomorrow!
xxx

Re: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

Melissa -

So I thoroughly enjoyed your last post about holiday cards. I have recently received catalogs from Shutterfly and Snapfish with various holiday card options inside. I found myself getting annoyed when they would use the same "family" photo on several card examples, but the names would be different. Or they wouldn't have enough names (like what you pointed out - four names but only one person in the picture...is the other kid too heinous for family/friends to see???). Also, why do all the names sound so smug? Example: Holiday Wishes - Tate, Hampton, Bucklebury & Georgianna. Okay, I'm kind of exaggerating. But seriously. It makes me not even want to buy their cards if I am going to be lumped in with all that smug-ness!

I also look forward to seeing your Hanukkah Bush! In that spirit, I submit this picture from the December issue of Better Homes & Gardens:

Um, this is exactly what you need to do. The pine cones are spray-painted sparkly blue. The person also made blue velvet acorns. I would label that "overboard" but you could just do lots of blue and silver nature-y decorations (just buy them and slap a coat of paint on them).

Seriously, please do it. It's too gorgeous not to pass up! And the article said the designer person used dead limbs from their yard. For this and other creative holiday tips, pick up this month's issue of Better Homes & Gardens...

Also, in the spirit of Hanukkah, I wanted to send you this pop-up book I ran across:

If you are not familiar with Robert Sabuda, you need to get familiar. He is like the pop-up book master. When I was in college (maybe even high school?) my mom would give me one of his books each year for Christmas and now I have this amazing collection of really beautiful pop-up books. Of course, they are currently packed away in a box up until the point where I feel my Sally (and soon Bobby) will not tear them to shreds...but what an exciting day that will be! I don't know about Michael J. Rosen, but I'm sure he is lovely and charming as well.

Anyway, that is all for me. What is with all the italics this post? I just ate a brownie not too long ago and I'm blaming it on that. I just felt like there was so much to emphasize in my response!

Happy Monday!
Kara

Subject: Nursery Accessories

Melissa -

So happy to hear from you! I like how you are a perfectionist and I am a procrastinator...I knew if I told myself I was going to wait until the beginning of the month, I would never write anything again! Also, if your bathroom looks anything like the inspiration pictures you posted, I will be so jealous! (and totally happy for you too, of course) Actually, it could really work out because one day when I move out of this house I will need a new master bathroom myself, and then I can just copy yours :) Everybody wins!

Okay, now to my current mental obsession: this nursery. Like I said, I have all the furniture already so we'll mostly need to concentrate on accessories and fabric. Today I am going to show you some of the accessories I have found around the interwebs that I love and would like to incorporate in some way. So, without further ado...

These globes from Jordan's apartment seem perfect to incorporate into the Mad Men/'60s Jet Set vibe. I don't necessary need nine, but maybe one small vintage-looking one? I think I have seen then before at World Market.


Above the dresser I want to do either one shelf or two for displaying purposes. I've already promised Mr. Lass we can have cigar boxes in this room, so that seems like a good place to display a few. Plus some other knickknacks...Zippo lighters, perhaps? (Just kidding and I laughed at your comment about the bubble cigarettes. I have, however, thought of trying to find a chunky brass ash tray - clean, of course - to hold pacifiers. I had a pretty bone dish in Suz's room that served the same purpose it was a nice way to display them plus they were always handy.)

These shadow boxes might be a nice alternative to plain shelves, or I could maybe even do both, depending on what I want to display. Of course, the more shelves and small items means more tedious dusting...something to keep in mind.


I am terrible at deciding on artwork, but I fell in love with the idea of vintage travel prints, especially to go with the aforementioned '60s Jet Set vibe. These are a great price and I may only get two. Or three. I'll need to add those frames to my Ikea shopping list.


This faux deer head seems perfect for that old man/den vibe. I don't know if I would choose fabric so busy, but I love the idea of some kind of kid-friendly taxidermy in the room.

O-kay. Got an idea of what I'm working towards? More to come!
Kara

Subject: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

I received my weekly email from Paper-Source and this week there was something about holiday cards.  I figured I would see what they had in the Hanukkah department, which is usually nothing good, but I actually came across these:

If I were to send out holiday cards, which I usually don't and probably won't, I think I would look no farther than these.  Pretty funny, huh?!?

But after finding this one, I wanted to see what else is out there in the world of Hanukkah holiday greetings.  While being Jewish has a lot going for it....we can add fun words in to our vocabulary like "oy" and "kvetching" and actually know what they mean, all of our holidays revolve around wine, Jerry Seinfeld (funniest guy out there) is on our team and we're all rich! (I mean that's what people say)....when it comes to the "holiday season" we usually get the shaft.  When you go out to buy your wrapping paper and bows in red and green this year, why don't you see how many Hanukkah choices there are out there.  Probably two different wrapping paper styles and both not so hot.  (Hmmmm...maybe I should go into the wrapping paper business??)

Okay, back to the real story.  So, I decided to look online for Hanukkah holiday cards, but I was immediately distracted (Surprise, Surprise...me distracted) by these two beauties...



While beautiful cards, the first features a picture of who I assume to be Sam.  My question is, where is Jake??  Not adorable enough to be featured with his sister on this year's Hanukkah greeting card. 

Then there is card number two filled with it's own faux pas.  It's "signed" by four people, only one being a woman, yet there are six girls in the photograph.  Very odd!! 

So, to the company who has these holiday cards online, your marketing staff sucks!  Alright, before I turn into a full fledged Scrooge, I'm signing off!  Don't worry though, I'll be back next week and I cannot wait to tell you all about the Hanuakkah Bush/Christmas tree we plan to erect in our house!!  That's right this Jewish household refuses to be left this holiday season!!

Re: A Fond Farewell

Way to bite the bullet and start writing.  Especially on a random week nonetheless.  I'm very into starting things like this on the first of the month, yes I'm anal, but you...you just jump in on November 15...and to top it off it was a Tuesday!  I'm so lucky to have you in my life to shake things up!
Well, first of all CONGRATULATIONS!!  Even though I've known for how many weeks?!?  I'm so excited the cutest little girl is going to have a handsome little brother!  You are on your way to become the perfect nuclear family!

I cannot wait to decorate the nursery with you, and I am sure I will be in Tally early next year.  It will be internet/in-person decorating.  So is the plan to scour the internet for great ideas, post them to our Pinterest here and here and then write about the final product on Peach & Lass?  I love the direction you are going in, and would expect nothing less than a Mad Men/Don Draper-esq nursery for your little man.  You need to start look for a vintage bar cart to hold bubblegum cigarettes.

As Casa de Richman we've made some improvements over the past few months and a few more are on our list of to-dos.

1.  The mantel has been given a facelift for the holidays
2.  The upstairs guest bathroom has been given a facelift because it was boring and blah and borderline fugly
3.  We are on our way to redoing the master bathroom...tile to be ordered this week!  WOO HOO!
4.  The dining room now has a table!!  HOORAY!
5.  I thrifted a fun chair for the master bedroom
6.  I bought and repainted a mirror from Ikea for the guest room based on my inspiration
7.  The dining room also has chairs
8.  Something amazing is going to take place next month upstairs

I think that's about it, although I must admit I was hoping to write a #9 and #10.  I told you I'm anal and stopping on #8 just seems weird.  Promise to post pictures of the latest and greatest in the coming days/weeks.

Time to wrap this bad boy up.  I leave you with these images just so you know where we left off last as far as master bath inspiration and vision.  I am getting excited!!!  Hope you are too!

Subject: Ikea Shopping List

Melissa -

I'm not sure if you know, but Thanksgiving is next week. Seriously, what has happened to November? We are going to see my parents on the east end of I-10 and I am kind of excited because in the works is a solo trip for me down to Ikea...err, Orlando. I have been in desperate need of going, but the closest two to where I live are both 4-5 hours away. Being in Jacksonville will put me halfway there, so I will just go the rest of the way for a day trip on Friday. (So annoying that to the rest of the world it's Black Friday but to me I just need to grab a few things from Ikea...although I don't think they draw a huge Black Friday crowd, right?!)

I was kind of nervous about going by myself because the two other times I have been there I got a stomachache both times because I was completely overwhelmed and could not think straight. A friend of mine whose family is down in Orlando will be there for Thanksgiving, so we are going to mee at Ikea and offer one another moral support. I'm actually super-stoked for this trip (even the four hours in the car by myself seem nice) and have been making a shopping list to avoid any anxiety-induced stomach pains.

I wanted to run a few things by you...

First, do you remember approximately 10.5 decades ago when I told you I had found my dream bathroom mirror? Well, I finally got around to painting it and hanging it up. And I love, love it:

What I don't love? The bird print. With the darker paint color, it just does not look good anymore. And I'm kind of liking the idea of clearing the counter off - right now there are two containers holding cotton balls and Q-tips, as well as the hand towel. If I could get everything (except the soap pump that we both adore) off the counter, I think it would look cool to have a plant or something in that corner, just to bring in some color. So I am considering these from Ikea:



They hang on hooks from a bar that can be expanded to the length you need. I could hang the bar above the outlet and then hang two containers to hold the cotton balls/Q-tips on the end closest to the wall and then hang the hand towel on the other end. Thoughts? Will it be too modern looking? I will need to check to make sure they are bright white like the mirror and the rest of the trim. Sarah Richardson used them once and I kind of liked the end result.

Another item on my list are some of these spice racks, which I will then turn into some clever book storage, a la Domestic Simplicity:



So adorable, right? These will be perfect for Suz's "big girl" room. I am going to turn the space where her changing table is into a little reading nook - it's already a little alcove that's too small for any furniture. I'm going to put a few floor pillows and then these spice racks on one wall and a chalkboard on the other. I think it will be really cute. We'll still keep her little bookcase in there too because I'm a little obsessed with children's books so our collection is growing rapidly, but maybe I'll rotate some through the racks to keep things interesting.

What else am I going to get? Uh...my mind is going blank. I really need to write these things down...now!

Looking forward to your feedback!
Kara

Subject: A Fond Farewell

Melissa -

Ahh! Wasn't that a nice three months off? Well, vacation's over! We have work to do. Here is my guest room as it sits now:

Not too bad, right? But now I am going to have to send it off with a tear and a wave to make room for...(imagine the dots are a drum roll) - a new nursery! Yes, it's true. Suz is getting a new baby brother for her birthday in March. He will be the Bobby to my Sally. Speaking of which, I am drawing on some Mad Men inspiration to for this nursery.

Here are a few pictures that I love (all via Babble):

I want it to be very boy-ish and sweet, but also sophisticated. A room I will want to be in. In my head I keep saying that if Don Draper had a nursery, this would be it. But then I realize that's weird on many levels. So maybe if my husband were to design a nursery for himself, as an adult, this is what it would be. Maybe that isn't that less weird...but I think you get what I'm saying.

The good news is that I have all the furniture already (plus a surprise piece I can't wait to share later on), so basically we'll just need to focus in on accessories (!!!). I'm going to need lots of help on fabrics, I think. So get your creative juices flowing! Plus, in addition to this nursery, Suz is getting upgraded to a Big Girl Room (bye bye sweet nursery), which means a twin bedding and new bedding!!

So lots to work on and, even though you're not physically here to help (unless...?), I will be relying on your awesome Internet researching skills and impeccable taste to help me pull this off in the next 20-ish weeks (yikes - I hate hard deadlines!).

Xoxo,
Kara