We invited our friend Holly take the reins today. We hope you enjoy her post (and blog!) as much as we do!
_____________________________________________________________________
Hello! I’m Holly Mathis, and like you, I was so excited when I heard about Kevin and Layla’s decision to adopt. Every word they have used to descibe where they are on this journey has been so authentic and inspirational. What a blessed child our little friend will be when they meet their new family and settle into their Alabama nest. Life is sweet!
I was even more excited when they asked me to guest post on the theme of children’s spaces. Many of you know I love this topic, so it’s fun to dream with them about the “little dreamer” on their way HOME to TLC!
I love Kevin and Layla’s idea of going down to the bare wood walls in the kids room. White painted wood will be the perfect backdrop for color and life! I also adore the inspiration photos she showed on this post. The main thread in most of the photos on that post is that they show non-juvenile theme fabrics and objects, but that none of the rooms are light on color or fun!
Here are my thoughts on creating a room for their little one that is based around play, rest and nuturing as they all bond and fall in love.
- TEXTILES– Like I mentioned above, I love the idea of using non-juvenile fabrics. I found the dusty blue zig zag one at Premier and the red & gray one HERE.
- STORAGE– Of course they will need lots of storage, and I can’t wait to see what vintage finds the Lettered Couple find (or BUILD!) for this room! Check out these lockers…
{image via Pottery Barn}
I can see Kevin pulling this off if they need extra storage and the numbers are so TLC!
- PERSONALIZE– I think it will be really wonderful for this child to realize how much the Palmers want him/her and love him/her, and that he/she belongs and that he or she has their own place in their new home. Having someting with his or her name on it- a pillow, a painting, or even written on a chalkboard would be fun and easy way to incorporate it into the room.
- PLAY– I love the IKEA slide on the inspiration board above. Wooden toys that don’t blink but that encourage creativity add to the aesthetic nature of the room and will stand the test of time! I also think art supplies, and things to create with, are also very important so that children can learn to express themselves as they experience change. Equally important is a place to display their art, so they know you value their voice and creations. I would have lots of paper on hand, especially if communication is a barrier. I know Kevin and Layla will encourage art making and display and I just can’t wait to see all of this begin! Just imagine the fun projects they’ll cook up!
- NATURE– Children of all cultures love nature. I would love to see Kevin and Layla include some of their photography of trees, or build a tree in the room, or use a large map as artwork…
{Map from Ballard Designs}The use of blue and green may be soothing and give an earthy feel that is calming and nuturing to everyone. They could also include a photo, or silhouette, of their pets (that bonding will be important for everyone too). Layla blogged about a cute bird mobile…
…and I love the idea of birds, or origami, in the room…
- BED– For sleeping, I’d suggest this TROFAST bed from IKEA that expands as they child grows, or something similar that would work for a toddler and a school-aged child. I know Kevin could easily augment it with a rail if need be.
- AGE AND GENDER– Kevin and Layla are open adopting a sibling group if they meet all the qualifications involved, so the room also needs to work for a range of ages and gender. That said, I know in this challenge their creativity will really blossom! Recently, I put my boys together (ages 18 months and 6 years) and it was challenging for me to create a space that both boys would love, and that would function well too. I used a vintage Jenny Lind bed painted white, and newer crib with a similar look to give continuity to the small room.
My baby Henry loves his big photo on the wall (far right, below) and points at it often. Drew, my six year old, is more “cool” about it, but I know he likes his photo too. Drew also has a collage wall above his bed that showcases his favorite soldiers and drawings. And look! A blue chevron pillow and wire storage! (*smile*) And a mini banner for a bit more color too…
The rhino on the wall makes baby Henry laugh every day…
As Kevin and Layla get to know their child(ren) they’ll be able to add more personal objects, photographs and toys.
I can’t wait to see the space they create for their child(ren), and then what the child(ren) him/her/themselves bring to the space.
Because that really is the best part of all, you know. The sound of little feet, chatter, and giggles.
Best wishes to the LETTERED FAMILY!
Holly Mathis
HollyMathisInteriors.com
——————————————————————————————————–
Join us on Twitter or Facebook!
————————————————————————————-
Need help with your living room layout?
Check out my e-book!