Reader Question: Kristina's Toddler Room

Kristina wrote to me recently with a design dilemma...
"We are moving into a new place and I was wondering if I should re-do my son's nursery with a baby theme or should I dive into a toddler/little boy theme...and what themes do you suggest? I want to stay away from the typical theme that everyone else is doing. I'm looking for something unique and something that blends in with his personality. He's at the stage where he clearly isn't a newborn baby but I'm unsure if I should just jump into spiderman and superman themes. (I myself never had any brothers or grew up around boy cousins so all this "boyish" stuff is too confusing).

He LOVES books and balls but will play with cars, teddy bears and plush animals. He's very active, shy around people and curious. I'd like a room that is stylish, modern, fun and maybe a bit of a vintagey feel."

What a fun challenge, Kristina! There's nothing I like more than putting together a kid's room. I also think you don't need to sacrifice style to be child-friendly. Kids can learn to appreciate beautiful things too!

Kristina is a stylish and crafty mama (here's the nursery she put together) so I knew this toddler room definitely had to have some flair. Taking inspiration from my current favourite colour combo for kids (red and aqua) and from the recent Vancouver Olympics (go Canada!), here's a scheme I call "Cabin Cool".




Toddlers, boys especially, can be tough on their spaces. I think the ideal room would be one with room for adventure, imagination and creativity. Nothing could be too precious so this little boy could feel free to climb on the furniture, jump on the bed and be a kid.
- these Martha Stewart FLOR tiles in Faux Bois really set the tone for the space. They add some fun texture and colour to the room and they're sophisticated enough for adults to appreciate too. The pattern will also hide some of those inevitable spills and messes kids make.
- the Ikea PS cabinet is a modern classic. Its steel construction is durable and will give this piece some longevity; when your toddler becomes a teenager, he could use this piece to store electronic equipment or anything else he wants to keep under lock and key. For now, Kristina could use it to house clothing or less often used toys in shallow baskets.
- A solid wood toddler bed like the Dorel Millbrooke is a functional and stylish piece. Kristina is a pretty handy sewer and could make some bedding, accent pillows, or curtains from this damask antler fabric and this lattice fabric from the divine Joel Dewberry Deer Valley line. Don't these fabrics conjure up memories of camping and log cabins and trekking in the forest?
- And what's a cabin without some moose nearby? This whimsical Sprallig hook rack from Ikea is a playful way to encourage your toddler to hang up their clothes.
- This Madison Bookshelf from Pottery Barn Kids is one of my favourites. The slim front-forward design saves space and encourages little ones to help themselves and pick a book of the shelf.
- All kids need a place to sit and create. I thought this P'kolino Chalk Table and Benches (not chairs!) continue the outdoorsy vibe.
- The final touch (which is something I hope to put in Chloe's room someday) is a teepee. Kristina could do an easy no-sew DIY version with these instructions found here. Kids love to have their "own" spaces and I thought this teepee would be the perfect place for a sweet little boy to curl up with his favourite books.

Thanks for writing in Kristina!

Do you have a design dilemma of your own? Write me at ramblingrenovators@gmail.com.

Reader's Question: Laurie's Bathrooms

Laurie, a reader in Ottawa, wrote to me seeking some design help. Here's her note:

We are in the process of completely renovating the second floor of our 5-year-old home. It's nothing fancy, fairly cookie cutter, but we did do some upgrades. The area I need help with is our bathroom mirrors/lighting. Do you have any a) good lighting/mirror suggestions and b) good stores to find possible solutions.

Bathroom A will be a kids bathroom once we start a family. It has white cabinets, white counter tops, white tub...lots of white with blue ceramic floors (almost looks like a sky) and funky blue and green accent tiles. We're painting the walls blue. We have one long vanity with double sinks so i was thinking of two white framed mirrors. Right now we have the standard HUGE builder mirror with the "hollywood lights"

Bathroom B is the spare room ensuite. Very similar to Bathroom A, but in greens. The walls will be a light green. I was also thinking of a basic white framed mirror in here too - or possibly something in silver, but our fixtures are in brushed nickel.

Finally, our master ensuite. This room has a bit more of an "earthy" feel and i'm going with a darker colour on the walls (SICO 6117-52 Rubens Autumn (walls) and 6117-21 Flemish Taupe (ceiling)) This is where i'm REALLY stumped. Our tiles are a light beige but i'd say more to a "peachy" tone as opposed to a "browny" tone. We were thinking of dark chocolate mirrors, but not sure this would go.

Let's take a look first at Bathroom A, the future kids bathroom:


To keep with the beachy look of the bathroom, white framed mirrors are definitely the way to go. But no need to get rid of the huge builder's mirror - simply frame over it! Check out how to do it on this great post over at Our Suburban Cottage. I would use the same size of 1x4 pieces of wood. This is a nice substantial width which will make your huge mirror seem less huge. Above the mirror, go for a simple contemporary light with a bit of a nautical feel like this one from Canadian Tire. The rounded shades work well with the round curves of the wall accent tiles, don't you think?


Another option is to go with individual oval mirrors centred over each sink, like these pivoting ones from Home Depot. However, since kids love to look at themselves in the mirror, I personally would prefer the large single mirror.

Onto the spare room ensuite:


Now this bathroom is a bit more problematic because of what looks to be an off-center sink. Usually, you could put a mirror centred above the sink but in this case that would leave a gap over the bank of drawers. For that reason, I would stick with a single large mirror like you have now. You could do a white framed mirror or one in a brushed silver frame. It could be more decorative since this is the ensuite in your spare/guest room. A great source for decorative mirrors with interesting frames is HomeSense.

And finally, the master ensuite:


Since this is the master bathroom, I'd go a bit more glamourous with it. This mirror from Pier1 would look great and add a bit of sparkle. Overhead, you could go with a light in a brushed nickel finish (to match your fixtures), though you could also do something in more of a bronze finish like this light from Home Depot, which works with the earthy brown paint tones.



You mentioned that you did like the "backlit mirror" look too though. If you're handy, here's a great DIY tutorial from Cityline on how to build your own! Hope these suggestions help, Laurie!

Have a your own decorating question? Drop me a line at ramblingrenovators@gmail.com

Reader Question: Lindsay's Bedroom

Lindsay wrote in recently with her bedroom design dilemma:

I have no choice but to block a window with my bed. My room is VERY small. I really want a headboard but am not sure if it is appropriate to block the window. (There is still another window on the adjacent wall.) I guess what my question is, is if I am forced to block about 1/3 of the window what style of headboard should I go with? Something with cut-outs so that it allows light through or can I get away with a solid?! Or should I just forget about a headboard totally?

The window is not centered on the wall behind the bed. UGH! I think that could make for tricky times too! Here are some stats on the room:
- IT'S SMALL. Very SMALL but we love it! : )
-I've tried to put the bed on the wall with no window but it looked horrible. And made our small room even smaller.
-This is the bedding that I have already purchased for our room and some pics of the room

The size of the room and position of the windows does present a challenge Lindsay! I think a headboard in front of the window would be fine. If you have to block it, then I would say go all out and make the headboard a standout feature in the room. You could do something upholstered with tufting details, or something in a bold colour. A vibrant orange would go with the bedding you've chosen.  Just be sure to add other orange accents around the room.

To balance the proportions of the window, you could put a sheer in front of the window flanked on either side by drapes. Keep the look symmetrical by putting the side tables you have on either side of the bed (though painting them both in white will help them tie into each other and to the bedding more).  Adding mirrors above the side tables can also help reflect sunlight from the other window and bounce it around the room.

Here's a few inspiration pics that illustrate some of these same design principles:

From Design Sponge and  More Ways to Waste Time

Hope that helps Lindsay!  Do any of you readers have other suggestions for Lindsay?

If you have your own design dilemma, send me an email at ramblingrenovators@gmail.com!

Reader Question: LR's Kitchen

LR wrote in recently with her kitchen dilemma:

I just ordered white cabinets, a dark wood floor, and I haven't picked my countertops quite yet. I have always loved the butcher block look but have considered silestone as well. I would love to know you thoughts since everything I have read on your blog seems to be exactly what I'm thinking. I started ripping pages out of magazines months ago that I could use as kitchen inspiration and I have glued them all into a notebook where I try my best to keep my ideas organized. When I looked back through my kitchen inspiration notebook all of my kitchens had wood floors and white/light cabinets! I am not sure what tile to pick for a backsplash, I was thinking of going white but I am torn between white or bringing in a punch of color... any thoughts?

Great idea with keeping an inspiration binder, LR! It really helps to focus a look. By the sounds of it, you prefer a more warm, traditional look in the kitchen. I love the look of wood floors against white cabinets.

Butcher block is a great feature if you've got ample counter space. If you have a separate island, mixing butcher block on the island and stone or quartz counters around the perimeter is beautiful look. Check out how the butcher block island enhances the look of the wood floor in this space from Hampton Design.

For the backsplash, I find the pure "white on white" look of white cabinets and white ceramic subway tiles a little sterile. Instead, why not go for a little bit of pattern or colour in the veining. Tiles set in a unusual pattern, marble subway tiles, interesting contemporary tile shapes... all of these would add a bit of interest.

(Source: House Beautiful; Unknown; Sarah's House)

As for colour in the backsplash, this is a personal preference but I prefer to keep things neutral and bring in the colour through paint on the walls, fabrics, and accessories. The blue tiles in this picture from Cottage Living look lovely, but I fear down the road they'll look 'oh-so-2008' - like the tumbled backsplash look from the 1990's. With a more neutral backsplash, you can change accessories and still get the pop of colour you're craving.

One important thing in the kitchen - no matter what finishes you choose - is ample lighting. You can change the mood and look of a kitchen with a well chosen mix of potlights, pendants, and under-cabinet lights, so leave a little room in the budget for that :)

Thanks for the question LR and do send in some after pics! If you have a decorating dilemma, send in your question to ramblingrenovators@gmail.com.

Reader Question: Michael's Bedroom

When I asked readers to submit their design questions or dilemmas that they're dealing with, Michael jumped right in. Here's his letter:

I feel like my whole house is one giant design dilemma, but I'll start with the master bedroom for now :) Here are some pics. If I were to start over, I wouldn't be so matchy-matchy, but I invested quite a bit into the furniture, so I'm keeping all of it for now. I know the scale of the lamps is too small, but I haven't found anything I like that is also reasonably priced.



My main problems are what to do with the plant shelf above the closet and the huge empty wall to the left of the dresser. What would you suggest? I tried a slipper chair next to the dresser, but the scale of the dresser completely dwarfed the chair and it looked horrible. Plus, the hallway area empties right at that wall, so the chair really wasn't a good option because it blocked the natural pathway into the room. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

This is quite a challenge Michael, because I think you've already got a great room to start with. I love the furniture and definitely think you can work with it. All you need is a bit of 'layering'.

For the plant shelf, most people would tend to throw some plants up there and try and hide it. I say do the opposite and draw some attention to it :) Picture it painted a dramatic charcoal grey, and a collection of pieces lined along the shelf... white pitchers and vases in varying sizes and shapes; old worn vintage suitcases, interspersed with books; globes in different sizes. See how the pieces just pop against the dramatic colour in this inspiration pic?


You could even line it with a bold graphic wallpaper, just like Mrs.Limestone did with her bookcase. I love how the vintage cameras look against the cream and black! Its a small area so I think you can go a little wild with pattern or colour. Experiment!

Repetition also helps tie a room together, so whatever colour you use in the plant shelf accent, use it elsewhere in a room. For example, grey paint can be complemented by a tall crackle base grey lamp on the side table, a grey-blue-brown paisley pillow added to the bed, or two grey lacquer boxes on the dresser. I like the browns and blues you've used throughout the space and think adding one more colour in a small dose will help make it pop.

For the area beside the dresser, I think you were on the right track with the slipper chair, but the challenge is more one of "scale". A chair on its own is not enough to compete with the grand dresser. Rather, you need to balance it.



I would use a smaller chair, maybe even an x-base footstool, and stack prints above it, like in this inspiration pic. Old map prints or architectural prints would look great and would go with the other artwork in your room. I would stack enough prints so that the top is at least level with the top of the mirror. Again, for repetition and balance, you could add some smaller decor pieces on the right side of the dresser - a vintage mercury glass vase; an 8x10 sepia toned photograph in a more rustic frame; a few old books laid on their side with a small tortoiseshell box on top. Little personal details to draw the eye.

So, those are my completely unprofessional suggestions. Thanks for submitting your dilemma! If any other readers have suggestions, leave a comment below because I'm sure Michael would love to hear them!

On a side note, I've discovered that answering these reader q's is a difficult thing. It's hard to find pictures to convey your exact thoughts or looks you're going for. Hence, I've used 'inspiration pics' that can be adapted to your own space and preference, instead of recommending specific products or sources. Not sure if that's been helpful... guess we'll see!

Have your own question? Drop me a line at ramblingrenovators@gmail.com :)