Kids Room Starter Kit
If these were adult sized I'd own them all.
Writing has been impossible for me recently as evidenced by the lack of newsletters coming out of this publication! I’ve had a few big (positive!) changes in my life, namely - my boyfriend and his our dog Bó moved in, and surprisingly, living in a studio has been more of a joy than a challenge for both of us. We're actually planning to move into a larger apartment in October, and we've already shared our visions for the space, which I highly recommend as a prerequisite for cohabitation.
This doesn’t exactly explain the pause in writing, but I am thinking of my hiatus as a small summer vacation.
Anyway, not to alarm anyone I know IRL with this blog title, I am not having a child, but I decided to jump back in with a favorite topic of mine - kids’ rooms. I helped design one once, and as a 27-year-old with the apartment of a 7-year-old, building a space for an actual child was a dream. I’m not sure how many folks that read this newsletter have or are planning to have kids, but I promise some of what I’m sharing can be used in an adult’s home, too. I am personally trying not to purchase most of it.
The space I helped design was intended for a toddler and an expected baby (is that the right way to phrase it?). I read a bunch of articles about child development, exploring topics like the best colors for babies and suitable sensory toys for toddlers. So, in this newsletter, I'll be sharing a few suggestions for kids of various ages AND for adults whose apartments resemble preschools.
Bedding + Beds
Areaware Aelfie Throw Pillow (Originally $65, on sale for $39)
These pillows sparked the idea for this newsletter, I’ve seen them a few times and have wanted to purchase them, but I can’t help but think they deserve to live in a kids’ room.
Plant-Dyed Cotton Quilt ($158.00)
For an eco-conscious parent, these handmade plant-dyed quilts are so beautiful (and they have the most adorable baby model).
Dino Comforter ($169)
Dinosaurs are objectively the coolest kids’ obsession. I once coached gymnastics to a 3-year-old who could name every type of dinosaur and I’ve admired that gift ever since.
HAY Twin Bedding ($72.25)
For something more simple bedding, HAY has the most fun solid colors that are easy to build around.
Studio Duc Juno Bed ($650)
This bed comes in white, black, and birch. Again — if this was adult-sized, I would buy it for myself.
Yuzu 8-in-1 Convertible Crib ($599)
I’m not going to pretend to be well-versed in cribs, but an 8-in-1 convertible crib feels like a deal(?) and I love the natural wood style. You can also customize the mattress height and the style of your ~organic muslin cotton~ crib sheet. Babyletto has a bunch of other great crib options, too.
Furniture
Guidecraft Nordic Table ($150.09)
This looks a lot like the ~$2,000 Alvar Aalto Round Dining Table, a beautiful, simple bentwood table I have been trying to find secondhand for months. This version is much cheaper but too small for my dining room, sadly.
Mustard Midi Locker ($369)
Sure - this is for files, but you can also use it for teeny kids’ clothes & I love the idea of that. Use it as a filing cabinet when they grow!
The Nugget ($269)
This modular kids’ couch comes in three different fabric types and a bajillion colors. I’ve sat in one and it’s just as comfy and cute as it looks.
Hugo Narrow Storage Shelf ($449)
Not to link to Urban Outfitters (pls someone tell me if you find this elsewhere) but this would be very cute to hold some chunky, hard-covered kids’ books.
IKEA PS LÖMSK ($119)
IKEA kids is in a league of its own.
SMÅSTAD / UPPFÖRA ($646)
Again, IKEA kids is in a league of its own.
Other Tchotchkes
Miffy Floor Light ($$$ - depends on size)
This is something I’ve really been considering for myself. I love this crochet Mondrian Miffy character as well.
Pat Kim Wall Clock ($85.00)
Though this clock might be a poor way to teach time, it is a great way to decorate a wall.
Cheetah Pal Poster ($22.77)
This is so weird I love it.
Custom Name Pennant ($42)
This feels like live-laugh-love territory, but I would lean in a little.
If you’re looking for a few places to keep looking—Maisonette and West Elm Kids stock a lot of great smaller brands and can serve as a fun jumping-off point for rabbit holes; IKEA Kids is *chefs kiss*, and Design Within Reach has really beautiful stuff at summering in the Hamptons prices if you’re into that.
i'd buy all of these myself too! too good