Looking to create similar shelving to display your child’s books for just $20 bucks? Follow our DIY post here. And for a real WOW factor, try running these shelves all the way up, down and across an entire wall for an amazing library impact. It’s our belief that if you display your books, your child will want to read them. Happy reading!

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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Kids in attendance will enjoy an array of fun activities: Celebrity read a-louds, delicious sweets, a spectacular bubble show, arts and crafts, very special character guests and special gift bags for guests who donate over 3 books! Project Nursery will be on hand to provide design tips on ways you can best showcase the books in your child’s room. It’s our belief that if your books are properly displayed, your kids will always want to read them! We hope to see you there.

Help us spread the word and let’s tweet! @sophiesbookclub

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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I am always looking for inspiration to create one of a kind, sophisticated children’s room. Margaret Russell, the editor of Elle Decor magazine has captured amazing child-like rooms in a charming chapter in her book Style and Substance published by Filipacchia Publishing.

I love the idea of this young person’s room. Fantasy and beauty from India serves as a great backdrop for a nursery. I have often referred to Indian tapestry, culture and arts when designing my own children’s line of bedding.

annettetatum.com

Keeping a nursery creative. I love the idea of patchwork tiles on the floor for fun. Flor.com has great new motifs. This room is all about fun!

Color, color, color. Mixing vibrant color with soft pastels creates a punch in room decor. Small accents keep the room childlike and playful. Try using pale lilac with a strong orchid… or melon with orange.

Boy color palettes are often better with some off-beat colors. Olive, orange, ochre, and steel blue all add a sophisticated twist to a boy’s life.

Pink & blue can often work together. You don’t always have to avoid blue in a girl’s room. Turquoise, French Blue, and Royal Blue all compliment pink. Add a hint of exotic in textiles and ethnic rugs.

Children’s rooms with subtle themes are just as inspiring. Down playing can actually create a more interesting overall feeling to the room.

I love rooms with a style that is unique and one of a kind. Explore Margaret Russell’s book Style and Substance for more ideas for decorating both your child’s room and your home.

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About The Author:
Celebrity interior designer & author, Annette has been designing for over 15 years. She is the creator of the home decor lines, House and Little House, as well as the newly launched Annette Tatum Collection.

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With the amount email traffic in my inbox, I rarely open a silly or sentimental “forward” unless it’s from my sister-in-law or mother-in-law of course :). Good thing I did the other day. I hope all you experienced and expecting parents take a moment to watch the video below. Katrina Kenison, author of ”The Gift of an Ordinary Day” puts life and motherhood into perspective. So now when my 3 year old throws a tantrum in the preschool parking lot or when my growing 3 month old skips wearing 3-6 months clothes all together, I hope to sit back, take in these seemingly mundane or at times, aggravating moments and smile. Because I know that my oldest won’t throw himself down on the pavement by the time he heads off to collage and that my tiny baby will one day grow into a man. Gosh, I am really going to miss these “ordinary” days.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MOMS!

We are proud to be part of the club.

Love,

Your friends at Project Nursery

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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Designed by Platt Byard Dovell White Architects - Tracy Bross Design - Photo by Jonathan Wallen

Author, NBC’s Today Show contributor and seasoned design editor Susanna Sulk is the mastermind behind this compilation of 100+ stylish interiors ranging from nursery to teen. Susanna uncovers some of the very best in kid-friendly design from around the globe. We are delighted that the busy author answered a few of our questions…

What inspired you to author a book dedicated children’s rooms?

As a mother of 2 boys, it’s a subject near and dear to my heart and I became aware, as they got older, that simply no book yet existed that was both glamourous and inspirational on the subject. I knew people were creating exciting children’s rooms and I craved them all gathered together in one place!

Are these rooms designed by parents, celebrities or design professionals?

Seasoned and first-time parents, kids, top designers from around the globe designed these rooms and they reside everywhere, from Greece to Bali, from Los Angeles to New York city.

How did you go about decorating your own kids rooms? Did they provide input into the room’s design?

You forget that kids grow and their tastes change and suddenly that perfect nursery must morph and accommodate their new needs and styles. Then before you know it, that adorable train set is being pushed aside and they want to hang rock posters everywhere. I have always tried to merge my boys passion for life with my pasion for design: its a ying/yang process!

Any advice for expecting parents looking to design a stylish nursery of their own?

1) Don’t lock yourself into buying “nursery-only” items! Again, the room and pieces shouly grow with your baby as much as possible. 2) Have fun getting baby-ed out with less expensive and easy-to-change items like curtains, mobiles and paint color.

Get your copy here.

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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I’m not going to spoil the book for all of you but trust me it’s a fun, light read filled with unconventional advise that will have you laughing and feeling really good that you aren’t the only mother out there wondering how life got so darn crazy. “Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday?” is available  online and in stores as of this week. Melisa and I were really excited to learn that Laura is a fan and follower of Project Nursery. We exchanged emails and she answered some specific questions with her take on motherhood in mind and I thought I’d share.

1. What inspired you to write the book?

Actually, a fan of Project Runway who works at Random House came to me and asked if I had though about writing a book. I said no, but I hadn’t thought about being a fashion designer either so what the hell, I’ll give it a try. The opportunity fell into my lap but I had to work hard to make it happen. There were no guarantees. In the end, they loved the proposal and bought the book.

2. How do you keep Style in your life with 5 kids? Any tips how mom’s can still feel stylish (and like there old sexy self) with spit up and a baby Bjorn strapped to them?

Just do one little thing every day for your appearance. Take the time to put on lipstick (long wear, so just one application counts) or wear some real shoes with your outfit instead of sneakers. My favorite super comfortable shoes that look great are Andre Assous espadrilles. I love the “Christy” and “Holiday” styles. Little things can make a difference.

3. How do you balance (and stay sane) a career and raising kids?

I’ll admit that some jobs are harder than others when it comes to balance. Because I can make my own schedule, and I don’t have to be in an office all day. I can juggle things around.

4. Any favorite baby or children products? Gear, Clothes, Books, Places?

In New York, lots of moms are pushing around these Bugaboo strollers to the tune of about $800. They don’t fold up small enough for me. I still love the ultra light and infinitely portable Maclaren strollers. You can collapse them with one free hand (and a foot) and carry them by the shoulder strap. Just make sure little fingers and toes are clear when you fold it.

WIN IT: Project Nursery is giving away one copy of “Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday?” SIGNED by author Laura Bennett to a lucky reader. Enter by commenting on this post with your favorite mom tip, advise or funny mom moment. Contest ends Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 11:59pm PST.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Become a fan of Project Nursery on Facebook and comment.
2. Follow Project Nursery on Twitter and tweet about it and comment.
3. Subscribe or let us know you are a subscriber with a comment.
4. Post on our Forum and comment.
5. Blog it and comment.

*Please comment separately for each on this post!

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About The Author:
Pam lives in San Francisco, CA and is expecting baby number three later this year. She is partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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Whether you are attending a baby shower, need a new baby gift or are ready to take time for a little tradition, check out these lovely albums by Rag and Bone. They’ve made our Editor’s picks and can now be found in our new shop.  Each ribbon bound book contains 24 whimsical fill-in pages such as “How Mom and Dad met”, “How we picked your name”, “The Family Tree”, etc.  Here’s a sneak peak inside…

What we love most is the quality and abundant selection of cover options. You are no longer limited to a Noah’s Arc themed album in pastel yellow. In fact we’re  pretty confident one of these will match the look and feel of your child’s nursery.

And speaking from one mother to another – Enjoy every minute of your child’s first year! As you very well know, we only get to do it once :)

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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The Organized Mom makes an excellent gift for first time moms. It’s covers everything from defining zones in the nursery to defining terms such as layette. My favorite tip: How to simplify your morning routine! (No one dared warned me how that’s a killer in the early stages of adjusting to baby). The heart of the book however talks about the author’s clever “GOPACK” method: A way for moms to really understand what it means to purge the clutter and tackle the art of organization. And I’d be doing the book a disservice if I didn’t mention the workbooks included in the back which encompass everything from questions to ask a potential pediatrician to a handy gift tracker.

And finally to share my own experience…I am a second time mom but 6 weeks ago when my labor pains kicked in 7 days early, I didn’t choose to Google my question (as most mom bloggers would) but rather thumb to the part of Stacey’s book that told me what to bring to the hospital. See, even seasoned moms need a refresher course!

Win It! Whether you are a first or fourth time Mom, you can enter to win a copy of the Stacey’s wonderful book AND a one hour phone consult to better organize it all!

Enter by visiting Stacey Crew’s blog, The Organizing Mama for even more wonderful tips and comment back by sharing with us what you need most organized in your life! Let’s hear it. Contest ends Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 11:59pm PST.

EXTRA ENTRIES
1. Become a fan of Project Nursery on Facebook  and comment.
2. Follow Project Nursery on Twitter,  tweet about it and comment.
3. Subscribe or let us know you are a subscriber with a comment.
4. Post on our Forum and comment.
5. Blog it and comment.

*Please comment separately for each on this post.

CONTEST CLOSED – Congrats Jennie S.

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

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PN reader Annie recently inquired about Griffin’s cool and ever so accommodating bookcase.  Unfortunately, it’s a DIY project that’s a little more intensive than I have time for these days and same for Annie. But after a detailed web search, Annie uncovered the $20 book display shelves made by Fawn of Frugal Home Design.

Materials required

4-6 foot 1×3 (or longer for desired length)
2-6 foot 1×2 (or longer for desired length)
Wood Glue
Nails / Nail Gun if available
Caulk
3″ screws / anchors if needed
Optional: A nice guy from Home Depot to cut the wood to your desired length before leaving the store!

Brilliant! Doesn’t it look super easy? (I envision mine running all the way up and across a good portion of the wall or between two walls on a 90 degree angle). Visit the Frugal Home Design for the full DIY project details. And thank you Annie!

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

view all articles by Melisa

How would you describe your personal style? I always have said that my personal style is made of many layers. I am drawn to a lot of different looks. Although, I am a traditionalist at heart, I have always been interested in designs that have timeless qualities.

How old are your kids and how did you choose to decorate their rooms? I have 4 children ages 7 to 18. My eldest has just gone to college. When they were little, I was in charge of the room decor. However, as they have gotten older, I have had to let go of what I like and want. They each have their own personal style now. My 7 year old is the only boy in the family so I have had to think very differently about his room decor. For example, lots of room for building and jumping, shelves for collecting and displaying his many collections. The girls’ rooms are all very different. My eldest is into vintage, my middle child is more modern and Lena, the youngest girl, is still very into pink.

With the success of Little House why launch the Annette Tatum Collection? The Annette Tatum Collection is a more eclectic collection. There are many different looks to Annette Tatum – modern, bohemian classic and more. The color palettes are bolder and brighter. The little house collection is still very much based on the traditional vintage looks that are classic to baby and child.

What inspired you to create The Well-Dressed Home? I have always loved fashion. As a designer for home decor I have always been inspired and fascinated with the fabrics and designs of the fashion industry. I have discovered along the way that my own personal style translates into my home decor choices. As a designer for Little House, this book offered an opportunity to step outside of my company and really explore what I personally like and what my passions are including where people find inspirations from. As a business owner, I often design for the consumer and not necessarily for myself. This book was from my heart which perhaps is why it is so inspiring to others.

And how does it inspire others? It encourages people to look at their own dress code and apply it to their home decor. You know what colors you like and what makes you feel good. What you wore 20 years ago changes over time and it is reflected in your home style. I encourage you to look inside the layers of your life; most often people are a mix of styles and these elements can be found in your home.

Can your tips be applied to a kid-friendly home? Yes, if you are a mom, take a look at how you dress. Most likely you are more practical these days and the fabrics that you wear are more durable, more casual and easy. As a mom, you prioritize areas of your home as well. A dining room is for adult time, but that probably only makes up 1/8th of your home. As a parent, the design of your home is more a form of function. You wouldn’t have silk slip covers in the family room, just like you wouldn’t wear a ball gown to the park.

What is your advice in the nursery for expecting parents? There should be some key elements in a nursery like a crib, a changing table, a place to nurse and storage. Also, you need to be able to make the room a play room as well as a sanctuary for sleeping. Even though these are the basic elements however, it shouldn’t look like an institution. It should have a homemade touch such as a bulletin board with photos. Your baby’s needs change so rapidly and so will your nursery. A changing table should convert to a dresser after 1 year. A crib should change to a bed because it can be costly. Kids have so much “stuff” and it continues to grow as they grow. I recommend using storage that is creative and fun, yet functional enough that kids can find their favorite toys.

Also, have the mindset that this room will morph over the next 2 years before it settles into a zone. You may have a certain look in mind for your child’s nursery but in 5 years your child will have his opinions on the room as well and you have to leave room for their opinions. Often times we set up a nursery to look perfect, but in reality they should be a space for kids to create and really, the most precious thing in the room is the child.

Exclusive for Project Nursery Readers: Annette is offering signed copies of her gorgeous new book, The Well-Dressed Home. Enter promo code “Nursery” to receive $10 off the retail price.

Win It! Annette Tatum is giving away a signed copy The Well-Dressed Home to one lucky Project Nursery reader. Visit Annette Tatum’s newest bedding collection and let us know which design you love the most! (You’ll have trouble just picking one!). Contest ends Friday, January 22nd, 2009 at 11:59pm PST.

EXTRA ENTRIES
1. Become a fan of Project Nursery on Facebook  and comment.
2. Follow Project Nursery on Twitter,  tweet about it and comment.
3. Subscribe or let us know you are a subscriber with a comment.
4. Post on our Forum and comment.
5. Blog it and comment.

*Please comment separately for each on this post.

CONTEST CLOSED – Congrats Angela Brittain

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About The Author: Melisa resides in Los Angeles, CA. Mom to two little active boys Austin & Chase and partner in Little Apple Design, a children's interior design firm specializing in e-design inspiration boards.

view all articles by Melisa