Designed by Dutch artist Louise van der Veld, the Chic-a-Dee smoke detector has finally arrived in the UK. I’ve long wondered why there are so few interesting and good looking smoke detectors on the market, but with this quicky bird shaped smoke alarm things are starting to change. It was originally intended for children’s spaces, but its playful design would look great in any room.
The Chic-a-Dee smoke alarm takes its name and appearance from the American Black-Capped Chickadee, a bird famed for its noisy warning call. Apart from the white bird on a white branch shown here, it’s also available in pink, blue, and white on a black branch. I prefer the all white version as the pink and blue are a bit too traditional for my taste, and I don’t really see the need to make it stand out against what is usually a white ceiling. It complies with all required safety standards and is available here.
(images: chic-a-dee)
I was sourcing some cotton ball string lights for one of my mini-clients recently and came accross this gorgeous image that I wanted share with you. Isn’t this the cutest elephant soft toy you have ever seen? As soon as I find out where to get hold of it, I’ll let you know.
But back to cotton ball string lights. You’re probably familiar with them, but if you haven’t been able to find a mix of colours that suits your little one’s room decor, you can pick and mix your own over at Cable and Cotton. To design your own string light, you can choose from 3 different lengths and 43 colours (I’ve counted them). Perfect to bring some sunshine indoors and they make a sweet accent to any kids room.
Have fun! x
(image: cotton and ball)
It looks like we’re going to have to play inside for a little while longer, so here are some of my favourite play tents… Which one is yours?
1. moozlehome grey printed teepee 2. tardis play tent 3. casa cabana play house 4. hippie tipi play tent 5. paperpod rocket 6. firekit table lamp 7. cardboard circus wagon 8. ethnic teepee 9. navy multistripe wigwam 10. nathalie lete teepee
If you (like me) love Scandinavian style, you’ll find it hard to resist this children’s bedding from Danish homeware designers by nord. Inspired by nature, their range of bedlinen features woodland animals in black and white photo prints which give an instant contemporary edge to kids rooms. Combined with cool and calm flooring and walls, it’s the perfect background for children’s colourful possessions.
The kids bedding collection includes a bear, deer, wolf and squirrel design. New to the range is this adorable baby bedding featuring a baby deer and hedgehog. The duvet covers are made from high quality 100 per cent cotton and no noxious chemicals were used in the manufacture. You can buy them here in the UK.
(images: kjerstislykke, by nord)
Longing for summer, I’m bringing the outside in today. If you have enough space, you could set up a wooden playhouse in the playroom. Alternatively a teepee or play tent will provide hours of fun or a quiet nook to hide.
(images: 1. floral lamp 2. summer garden bunting 3. nurseryworks tree bookshelf 4. wooden swing 5. raccoon wall sticker 6. wooden playhouse 7. my first ever flower garden 8. dotty bird hook 9. crochet woodpecker 10. kids wheelbarrow 11. strawberry wall sticker 12. dragonfly 13. rainy day garden)
I grew up with prints of paintings by the Swedish artist Carl Larsson, and in my child’s mind I somehow imagined that this one above was a painting of me and my sisters. There’s me, the eldest – blond – with my middle sister – dark haired – and my little sister – blond again.
Carl Larsson (1853 – 1919) is best known for the paintings of his home Lilla Hyttnäs and his loved ones – Karin Larsson and their eight children. What I love about them is how they show snapshots of the rhythms of daily life, with toys and clothes strewn on floors, and children in the middle of play. There’s open windows, wind in the curtains, flowers inside and outside, a meal in mid preparation… I can gaze at them forever and discover new details every time.
The home’s interiors, with strong reds and greens, were designed by Larsson’s wife Karin, who was an artist in her own right. She designed much of the wooden furniture herself, as well as the fabrics, rugs, hangings, and the children’s clothes. Now a museum, you can still visit the family house, which remains largely unchanged (see above).
Here’s an image of a little girl’s Larsson inspired bedroom I found. I love that timber panelling on the wall!
And here’s a little board I’ve done with Larsson inspired kid’s decor:
1. rocket and bear blankets 2. laurette armoire parisienne 3. rockid 4. kritter table 5. brunte horse 6. jeans duvet cover 7. check pillow case 8. vertbaudet summer bloom sheet 9. hemnes linen cabinet 10. stek children’s chair
If you would like to see more of Larsson’s work, have a look here.
x
I’m in love with these photos of the Lulu Cradle and Mokuba rocking horse from Danish design company Brdr. Krüger. Don’t you just love the colours?
In 1963, the Lulu Cradle was designed by prominent Danish designer Nanna Ditzel, and became a highly collectible example of modern Danish craftsmanship. All of Ditzel’s grandchildren slept in a Lulu Cradle, passing one cradle back and forth between family members over the years.
As part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Brdr. Krüger, the Lulu Cradle will be reproduced in a limited numbered edition of 200 pieces, in close cooperation with Nanna’s first daughter, Dennie.
Mokuba is the Japanese word for “rocking horse”, and the Japanese/Danish design duo O&M Design created this wooden playmate. In honor of their 125th anniversary, Brdr. Krüger will be producing Mokuba for the first time, also in a limited numbered edition of 200.
For enquiries contact Brdr Kruger directly. Thank you Toni at Skandivis for tipping me off!
Have a lovely week everyone!
x Ursula
I’ve had a weak spot for neon letters for a long time (don’t gasp!) – I think they’re great to personalise kid’s spaces. To have them made is pretty expensive, but there is a more affordable alternative with these cool looking typewriter inspired letters from Seletti.
You can buy any number of individual letters to make up your child’s name (or any other word), click them together and attach them to the wall. Some outlets also sell pre-set words such as i ♥ you above.
The black connecting wires and transformers look best against a dark background. They’d look ultra stylish against a blackboard wall, don’t you think? Find them at SCP or The Letterroom.
New from Dutch designer Inke Heiland: retro wallpaper dinosaurs. Available in a wide range of vintage patterns, could this be the happy compromise for mums with dinosaur loving kids?
(images: inke x room to bloom)
(image: room to bloom 1. white rabbit lamp 2. rabbit lamp 3. baby lapin lamp 4. bunnies with a tweet by trish grantham)
