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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: toys

A Little Ones Sanctuary

29 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, art, baby, carnival, children, childrens room, classic, color, crafts, decor, design, Industrial, interior design, kids, kids room, sports, themes, toys, vintage

A Little Ones Sanctuary

I have always loved the idea of designing a children’s room. There is something special about creating a space for a little one to grow, develop, and draw inspiration from. Besides these few must have ingredients, I feel the child should feel warm, cozy, comfortable, and free as well. This is the space they will call their own and most likely be the place they will spend most of their time as they get older.

My husband and I are planning to start trying for our first child and you can bet I have already thought of how to design the baby’s room. I have to admit, I have been thinking about it for years now so it’s no surprise I am super excited to actually make it happen. I think being prepared and always being ahead of the game is the best policy. Plus, with something so important as this task, you should take all the time you need. Hence, starting early!

Personally, I love an androgynous space for a child. One that is not too girly or boyish, a nice mix of feminine and masculine. And anything that looks “baby” is pretty much out. I prefer a space a child can grow up in, not one that has to be redesigned every few years because they grow out of the decor. So a sense of maturity is essential. And adding small touches of childlike features here and there are easy to do. I plan to showcase vintage elements, art & handmade items, and books – three things that will truly feature the style of the space and bring a cohesive look to the room.

I also do not like themed rooms. When I mean theme, I am talking about sports, animals, carnival, zoo, stuff like this that can really go overboard, which I see all the time. Instead of making the whole room look like a football field, placing a few quality inspired pieces throughout the space. The same thing with an animal theme. A child shouldn’t feel like they are in a zoo. It can get a little hectic with wall decals, lamps that matchy-matchy with bedding, and accessories that take over the space. And most of the time all these designs/items are created for baby, so the overall look is a bit dated and overdone. Here are few examples of how to successfully incorporate a theme:

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Noosh Kids

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Kids Decorating Ideas

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Cozy Cottage Cute

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: HGTV

Color is an important element to think about. How do you want your child to feel in the space. I am a big believer in neutrals, they are used throughout our whole house. These  hues allow for relaxation, inspiration, calm, and stability in the space and are the perfect fit for a baby and young child. Sorry, but a bright red and blue room just isn’t a great choice. You want your kids to feel grounded, especially babies. Too much stimulation can really affect their overall being.

So, here are more spaces designed for children that work. They may clearly show a theme, but that theme isn’t kitschy, its a style. And that is what you want to go for. Creating a specialized look and feel should be the priority, while considering your little one’s needs and wants. It is their space after all. Enjoy!

A Little Ones Sanctuary

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Smile and Wave

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: The Boo and the Boy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Zyrafy Z Szafy

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Orsa Maggiore Vintage

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Barn and Bo

A Little Ones Sanctuary

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: nietylkodzieciaki

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Blessed Wild Apple Girl

A Little Ones Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Your Home Only Better

View More on My Pinterest Board

Pastime Loves

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Shopping

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Tags

80s, 90s, animals, Anne of Green Gables, Annie, arts, back in the day, bmx, brooklyn, cartoons, children, Christian Slater, christmas, dancing, dolls, eclectic, Gleaming the Cube, growing up, He-man, jem, kids, Liquid Television, Mister Softee, Monchhichis, Pinterest, prince edward island, Puff the Magic Dragon, Ren and Stimpy, she-ra, singing, Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake, Sylvanian Families, The Legend of Billie Jean, toys

When I think of the good old days, I remember all the toys and games I loved as a kid. Times were different back then. Growing up in the 80s and becoming a teen in the 90s, I can say that stuff back then was so much cooler. Not to mention, designed better. I see all the toys, dolls and games made for kids today and they just don’t compare. Because of this, I promise to share the best with my kids and make sure they know what cool really is.

Because I have so much love for many things in my past, I created a Pinterest board to collect all of these memorable favorites. From toys and dolls to awesome films, I continue to collect the best of the best. Here, I share some of these goodies with you guys and maybe, if you are part of my generation, it will take you back to the good old days too. And since the holidays are knocking at our door, there is no better time than now to share them with your children.

Mister Softee takes me back to Brooklyn, where I as born. I lived there till I was about 5 or so and one thing I remember so well is hearing Mister Softee down the block. It would get me so excited! I would jump up and down and run out to his truck for ice cream. And it always was the same, soft vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. To this day, I still get excited to hear his tune and its still the best ice cream out there. I love you Mister Softee!
Pastime Loves

As a child, I was always into the arts. Dancing, singing and drawing were major loves and entertaining everyone with my talents was so much fun. It was no surprise I would love Jem. What girl didn’t? She rocked!
Pastime Loves

The toys and dolls for girls back in the day were so rad. However, I will always have a place in my heart for Strawberry Shortcake. From all the characters to the beautiful little world they all lived in, this was one I couldn’t resist. I hate how the company recreated their look because it just isnt the same. The original is always better.
Pastime Loves

Oh, how I loved Sylvanian Families. Since I have always adored animals, how can I not want to play with all these wonderful and sweet characters. All kinds of animals were introduced from dogs and cats to bunnies and lambs. I used to have the little log house and various dolls. It was so much fun to play in animals heavan.
Pastime Loves

Monchhichis! That’s all I have to say about that.
Pastime Loves

Was there anyone who didn’t like the Smurfs? I had the toys, I watched the cartoon and even ate the cereal. Smurf’s rule!
Pastime Loves

When my mother got remarried, I moved to Elizabeth, NJ. My father in law had 3 sons so you can imagine how happy I was to have brothers. Although I played with girl toys, I did love the boy toys as well. They always have cool shit! The one thing my brothers and I could play with together was He-Man and She-Ra. I loved this so much. I always thought She-Ra was a bad ass.
Pastime Loves

The first time I saw Puff the Magic Dragon, I was in love. What a unique and awesome story. I guess it’s no surprise I grew up into a pot head, haha. I will always have love for Puff. I can’t wait to show my kids this film. Just the music alone is incredible.
Pastime Loves

Oh my God, did I love Annie. I even had the Annie mansion with all the dolls and little details. The movie just made me want to sing more!
Pastime Loves

As I got older, I appreciated the eclectic, weird and unique. Nothing says this more than Ren and Stimpy. It explored a different dimension of comedy and animation and I loved every minute of it. You can bet I was a big fan of Liquid Television as well.
Pastime Loves

And how could I forgot about Anne of Green Gables. Anne will always have a place in my heart. I used to watch it with my cousin Diana and we will both never forget sitting in front of the tv watching Anne’s stories unfold. I was so lucky to have visited Prince Edward Island this past October for our honeymoon. I saw everything Anne I could see!
Pastime Loves

I am sure many people out there loved Christian Slater. Not only did I love him, I bowed down to one of his best films ever, Gleaming the Cube. I was in awe of the art of skating and bmxing after watching it. So much that I even asked for a bmx bike for Christmas that year so I could start practicing my tricks. Well, I still have that wish. It turns out I never got the bike and so didn’t get the chance to be a famous bmx rider. Instead, my mother bought me a Sea Princess bike that was pink and purple with seashells painted all over it, haha. I just couldn’t win.
Pastime Loves

Another film that really inspired me was The Legend of Billie Jean. I loved how she took a stand and didn’t give up. The story of my teen years for sure.
Pastime Loves

There are many more things I adore from my past and you can check some of them out on my Pinterest board, which I am always updating with more faves.

My Future Kids Rule

06 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Decor Ideas, Everyday Design, The Home

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Tags

antique, artsy, children, crafty, design, future kids, home, inspirations, kids, mid century, shabby chic, style, toys, vintage

My Future Kids Rule

Dan and I definitely plan to have a family and are both excited to have kids. Even though we are going to wait a little while that doesn’t mean I can’t start wondering what I will surround them with. Art, design and music of course! Here are a few inspirations, items and ideas that remind me of my future kids. Enjoy!

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

My Future Kids Rule

Pinterest - My Future Kids Rule

It’s All in the Details

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

antique, birdcage, birds, decor, decorating, details, events, flowers, fun, items, paper flower bouquet, party, succulents, toys, vases, vintage, weddings

When creating a successful wedding, it all comes down to the details. Even a large event such as a wedding relies on a theme, palette and unique decor that tie into the chosen scheme with ease. You don’t want to overdo it just as much as not doing enough, which can easily happen with a small budget. Knowing what you want is a start. Being able to put it all together is what will make or break the overall design.

I feel the biggest problem most people have is seeing the bigger picture. Some can have a great idea but not a strong enough vision to pull it together or even see the end result . Getting help shouldn’t be hard. That’s what designers are for. But sometimes, if you can combine fun items you like, those details that are so important come alive. Then being able to cross the finish line and look back at an amazing event is priceless.

Here are some fun party items for all events that I hope inspire you to create the party, gathering or wedding of your dreams. Remember to relax, be open minded and stay true to who you are. This is the fun part!

Beau coup – Baby Dot Cupake Wrappers $12 {set of 12}baby-dot-cupcake-wrappers-500

Tree Beginnings – Bird Seed Heart Favor $1.79+ each
97-Heart-Bird-Seed-Favors-Unique-NEW-3991

Wedding Things – Oatmeal Kraft Box Wedding Favor $0.95
oatmeal_kraft_favor_box

BHLDN – Birch Placeholders $24 {6}
birch placeholders

Sparkle – Sparklers $45 {box of 288}
sparklers

Paloma’s Nest – Ringbearer Bowl $48
ringbearer bowl

BHLDN – Blue Bird Table Number Cards $44 {15} & Place Cards $10 {18} 
blue bird cards

Le Box Boutique – Wool Acorns $15 {set of 12}
wool acorns

Postscripts – Rustic Dessert Stand $39.99+
rustic dessert stand
The Lonely Heart – Personalized Linen Ribbon $5 {2 yards}
personalized linen ribbon

At Company b – Cake Banner $24
cake banner

Succulents Galore – Succulent Corsage $32
succulent corsage

BHLDN – Proprietor’s Keys $18 {12}
Proprietor's Keys

Marry Me Rosie – Paper Flowers Bouquet $149
paper bouquet

BHLDN – Urchin Shell Vase $16
urchin shell vase

Cake Vintage – Bon Appetit Placemat $22
bon appetit placemat

Flutter – Tin Music Box $8.50
tin music box

Anthropologie – Ivory Epoch Pot $10
ivory epoch pot 

The Blushing Apple – Metal Birdcage and Feeder $21.99
metal birdcage and feeder 

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