2nd and Strand

My daughters, 7 and 4, love to listen to books on CD.  They head off into our sunroom, shut the door on their little brother, and listen for hours.  Currently they lay on a fairly thin rug with their feet up on the wall.  It doesn't seem to bother them, but I've been thinking of ways to add to their fun.  I have a round-up of kid-sized lounge furniture for y'all today, in case you're like me and already thinking of Christmas presents :)

Since my oldest is 7, and her 4 year old sister is exceptionally tall, I am looking for larger pieces; I want to get them something that will last a few years.  Along those lines I turned to PB Teen.  They have a cute double lounger that could work well, if they don't mind sharing.  

That's kind of a big if.  Sharing and lounging don't always go hand in hand.  There is the standard issue pb anywhere chair, oversized for the slightly older child.  A safe choice, and worth consideration as you can get them second hand so inexpensive.

The Company Store Kids offers this double seater that folds out into a make shift bed.  The color ways are less than awesome, but it does look comfy.

Fatboy has a piece of my heart because this girl is ADORABLE and their color options are the most fun.  The also look like the easiest to clean and could work in a pillow fight.  My kids like to flop!  

Garnet Hill Kids has a different shape, multiple patterns and color ways and good reviews.  

There are also a lot of options on etsy, and of course the DIY route of making your own bean bag.   I'll let you know which direction we head!  Any thoughts on your own kids presents?  Or are you sane and not even thinking about Christmas yet?

-Andrea

Like the rest of the design world I've been following C Wonder since they launched in New York and now in LA.  Their graphic prints and high color contrast pieces are right on trend and pretty fantastic, but they're often just out of my price range.  However; they have some great pieces on sale right now.  I've selected my favorites, if you'd like to learn more about an item click on it's picture.

I think that Butterfly tray would look great on my coffee table!

I wanted to share an image today that I think is fresh, balanced, and tailored; all things I love in good design.  This image is of a house in Megan's neck of the woods, specifically Venice, CA.  Anything goes in Venice, and this house is bold in all the right ways.  

There are so many things to love about this room.  I love the balance between the very linear sectional and the curved wings of the blue velvet chair.  I love the campaign style sideboard, and in emerald green no less!  There is just enough black to really ground the room and keep the eye from resting too much on the black box of a TV.  I like the contrast between the bright, glossy, pink backed storage piece and the lacquered carpentry. I appreciate the clean white wall space that helps keep the room feeling fresh and organized. I like the shape and combination of the ottoman and pouf, and don't forget the gold edged side tables that carry just the right amount of visual weight.  I think the wood detail along the ceiling as well as the door add a much needed organic element that keeps the room from feeling too modern.  I would say what makes the room though is that rug!  The rug is not only the color palette for the whole room, but adds so much movement and interest.  Well done to the designers from Turquoise who created this beautiful home.  

I have to throw a picture of the master bedroom up here as well, because it is SO fantastic.  

Can you believe how skillfully these patterns are layered?  Wallpaper, drapery, headboard, euro shams, blanket, not to mention the art.  I am really glad they went with a subtle chevron, I feel like that will give the headboard a much longer life.  

What do you think?  Would you move right in?  I think Megan should!

                                                                                                                               -Andrea

Oh how I LOVE blue.  I am always looking for ways to add more of this color to my home.  I love that it can be clean, bright, calm, watery, clear, energizing, my list could go on and on.  I think a big part of my love affair is centered around water, and how water has always been my happy place.  Anything that reminds me of the beach, the water and the sky, has to be a great thing!  I am always trying to add more of this lovely color to my house. 

 I've collected a few inspirational images that have been bouncing around in my head.  As you'll be able to tell, I'm kind of on a cobalt kick, but there is always room for more shades and tones and everything in between.

And this is the image that has been keeping me up at night.  I need this color combo in my house!  The bright blue with the shiny black, be still my heart!  

When I was in high school I had this outfit that I couldn't have loved more.  Black pants that were fitted through the thigh but generous in the lower leg area (I have always had muscular calves) with a black and cobalt blue horizontal stripped turtleneck.  I felt like a million bucks in this combo.  Every time I wore it I thought, "This outfit was made for me!". The fit was the best I'd ever worn, it was tailored, it was more fancy than my other clothes (read flannel shirts - it was the late 90s), and the color felt powerful and fun.  When I see this room I think back to that outfit and the way it made me feel.  This color combo will always be a favorite!  

Do you have any associations with color like that?  I know for my husband who grew up with a mother who loves red, he feels very comfortable and eased by a school house red.    

-Andrea