Playroom Essentials with a Modern Industrial Twist

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One night during our bedtime chat, little man told me that he missed our old house, because it had more room (read, more spacious).  I hear him for sure.  There was a ton of walk-through space at the old house, where he could run around with daddy during gun battles or played never-ending sessions of hide and seek.  

Of course, Daddy and Mommy can't wait to move into the new house either!  So far, it's making good progress, even in this dreary winter weather.  The builder had set up the scaffolding when we drove by last weekend (yes we still stalk our new house every weekend!), so they should be bricking this week.  In the meantime, the Mr. and I continue to play around with room ideas.  Looking at the floorplan, it seems our glass desk would be too large for the spare bedroom, which we naturally designated as our office.

Maybe we can get a smaller desk for the office?  Instead of getting stuck on the notion that we have an office, the Mr. came up with an ingenious idea (yet again).  How about we turn that room into little man's playroom?  

I was reluctant at first, but eventually gave in.  I guess we don't really need a home office - what I really wanted was the storage.  We would use the home office only occasionally back at the old house.  So I think the Mr. is right, the little man can use that extra space for toy storage and also for arts and crafts.

While I prefer the rest of the house to be a more traditional glammed up adult space, I also love the modern minimalist clean lines.  I think the playroom would be the best place to try out this modern and playful twist; maybe even adding some industrial chic!

I would love to incorporate these modern/ industrial elements for little man's playroom. 

image via Restoration Hardware

image via bliss-athome.com

I love the "kidified" modern and clean feel of these rooms.  But clean???  Not sure about that for a PLAYROOM.  So I've come up with a list of 8 essentials for my vision of the modern and whimsical playroom.

1. CLOSED STORAGE

To achieve a "clean" look, I would want most of the smaller toys out of sight.  Storage units can easily hide the puzzles, legos, etc..  These units have that modern/ clean/ industrial feel I'm looking for.  I'm leaning towards the Restoration Hardware style.  I'll need to get the Mr. onboard for this DIY project. 

2. OPEN STORAGE

When I was a kid, I don't think I had any problems fitting my toys into a storage unit.  Did I not get enough toys, or are boys' toys bigger than girls'?  I need the open storage because a Star Wars light sabre, or Nerf gun, wouldn't fit into a storage unit!  I would keep these open storage in a neutral tone, just so they don't attract more attention than need be.

sources:  1. home decorators; 2. redinfred; 3. restoration hardware

3. COMFY RUG

Kids love playing and rolling around on the floor.  A rug would also protect hardwood floors from being damaged by dropped toys.  "Oops, sorry mommy." - heard a lot of that when little man was a tiny toddler, trying to hold onto a toy too big or too heavy for himself.  

joss & main

As much as I love this rug, it's a no go for the playroom.  Have you ever stepped on a piece of transparent lego?  No fun.  And shaggy rugs conceal every little piece of toy.  OUCH!

To spare our soles (and souls), we would go with a low pile one.  Maybe even an indoor/ outdoor rug for added durability.  

sources:  1. IKEA; 2. kORHANI; 3. pOTTERY BARN kIDS

4. ARTS AND CRAFT AREA

Before the idea of this playroom came about, I was going to put an arts/ work area in his room.  I guess now we can spare that space in his bedroom, and move the arts and crafts area to the playroom.  Maybe he'll get even more inspired to channel his inner Picasso!  

I've always loved this round table from IKEA for its simple lines and great surface area.  Its modern look pairs well with any of these chairs, injecting some colours and whimsy to the playroom.

5. ART DISPLAY AREA

After little Picasso is done with his art, of course he would want the world to see it.  These are some pretty cool art displays to hang a ton of art.  

images via 1. living well spending less; 2. the project girl

6. COOL LIGHT FIXTURE

With all the going-on's in the playroom, we need some comfortable lighting.  These light fixtures reinforce the modern look of the playroom, while adding a touch of industrial chic.

sources:  1. DOT & BO; 2. IKEA; 3. RH BABY & CHILD

7. WHIMSICAL WALL ACCENTS

Just like any other rooms, the playroom can definitely use some accent pieces.  It's a legitimate space to add some fun accessories!  I've always loved these cardboard animal busts, and even better when they come in patterns!  The red plaid one would add a splash of colour!  

SOURCES:  1. CARDBOARD SAFARI; 2. UNCOMMON GOODS

Lighted marquee letters are everywhere these days. It's also a great way to add accent lighting.  I think I just found another DIY project for the Mr.!

Image via RH BABY & CHILD

These art prints are too adorable and they can make up a small gallery wall.  Having them all in grey frames would bring some uniformity to this accent wall. 

sources:  1. Etsy; 2. ONE KINGS LANE; 3. CHAPTERS INDIGO; 4. ZAZZLE; 5. HAUTELOOK

8. A PLACE TO CHILLAX

Last but not least, it's nice to have a spot to chillax in this chillaxing room.  Maybe after all the fighting with action figures, little man would want some quiet time and sit down with a book (in my dreams).  He would need a comfy spot for that, and these bean "chairs" just look so inviting.

SOURCE:  FAT BOY USA

Kids go bonkers with tents...  they love hiding in their own private space (as much as parents want to hide from them sometimes?).  I can see little man playing with his action figures in this teepee and then using it as a closed storage :-)

SOURCE:  RH BABY & CHILD

So how will everything fit in little man's tiny playroom?  I've tentatively come up with this layout/ moodboard.

It's not a large room, but I want to pack it with fun stuff to look at.  The modern feel is accentuated with clean lines and neutral tones, while accent pieces infuse colours into the room.  This is a room that he can easily grow into as his study room once he's over the toys stage...  but will boys ever be done with toys?!

This room has large windows, which will bring in lots of natural light for little man to play and colour...  especially great during weekend mornings, when Daddy and Mommy prefer to sleep in.  

Did I miss any essentials for a playroom?  Please let us know...  whatever helps us get more sleep on weekend mornings!

Kitchen Countertops - Marble and Look-alike Alternatives

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Hope you had a fantastic holiday with your friends and family.  We're just starting to get back to the groove of things after a long hiatus.  December seemed to have zoomed past, as we squeezed in tons of work before our one week cruise vacation, then came back in time for Christmas. And now, we're almost into the new year!  That also means we should start looking at stuff for the house.  

We have a list of home projects to research on even before we move in.  As mentioned in the kitchen trendspotting post, there are some trends that we would love to incorporate for our new kitchen. We've contemplated a lot through the months and have decided we really love the look of marble countertop and backsplash.  Instead of braving the malls during Boxing Day weekend, we went to check out stone slabs for kitchen and bathroom countertops.  It was just a preliminary researching phase for us to look at the different types of marble and how they differ in veining and colouring.  We also wanted to see if there are any marble alternatives for countertops.  

Just so we weren't looking at every single kind of marble at the showroom (with a constantly whining little man - "Mommy, I only want to look at 5 more"), we turned to my Pinterest Kitchen board for inpirations.  

Marble looks that we love - more white background with soft grey veining:

image via http://dustjacket-attic.com/

image via smitten studio

Marble looks that we're not too hot about - grey undertone, less white, busy pattern, dark grey veining

image via Domaine Home

image via cynthiacarlson.com

If we didn't narrow down our preferences, this marble selection at Ciot would've been quite overwhelming.

wall of marble selection at ciot | Classy Glam Living

Before arriving at the showroom, I also considered Carrara marble.  However, it looked almost grey with no whites, as in the piece in the second row, third from the left.  It's lost its appeal to us, as it would just blend in with our grey kitchen cabinets.  From the marble selections, we narrowed down to Statuario, Statuarietto, and Calacatta.  They all exhibit a more white undertone with grey veining.

Nothing is more intriguing than looking at slabs of marble!  This is a slab of Calacatta marble we saw at the showroom. 

 It's beautiful as is, but it has too much of the brown veining in it, which Calacatta is known for. 

Calacatta marble | Brown and gold veining | Classy Glam Living

It would go nicely with a wood tone kitchen, just as how Jennie Garth used it in her new home's kitchen.

Jennie Garth's kitchen with Calacatta Gold Marble

For our grey cabinets, we would need a slab of marble with more grey veining.  Statuario and Statuarietto marbles both have a white undertone with grey veining, but Statuarietto has a busier fine grey veining in its white parts.  So it's no wonder that Statuario marble is the most valuable of all marbles - the whiter a piece of marble, the more valuable it is!

Then the stone expert showed me a slab of gorgeous looking Statuario marble...  or is it?

It's not real marble!  It's a huge slab of marble look-alike TILE!  The stone expert said to fabricate this into a counter would cost slightly less than Caesarstone.  However, the cost savings would be more dramatic without a complicated installation, eg. a slab of kitchen backsplash.  Unlike regular porcelain marble imitation tiles, the printed veins aren't pixely nor fake looking.  The best thing is, this is heat resistent, which eliminates my fear of discolouring a slab of marble backsplash at the stove!  There're so many applications for this product, we're so excited about it!

Another marble alternative that is very hot right now is the new Caesarstone, Calacatta Nuvo.  It's the first piece of Caesarstone with such a white background to imitate marble veining.  Unfortunately, the Mr. has had his mind set on the more authentic veining of marble, and nothing can replace its natural beauty.

If we were looking for a piece of Carrera marble alternative, then this piece of Super White would be a great choice.  It's more durable than marble, and its colouring and veining closely resemble that of the Carrera marble.

If you're shopping for a slab of marble, then I hope this post has showed you how to navigate through the differences between the white slabs of marble and alternatives.  Going to a slab showroom can be overwhelming, and knowing what you're looking for will help you focus and make it a more fun experience.

***CHECK OUT OUR RED WINE TEST ON MARBLE***

To leave you with something simply stunning...  an amazing slab of geodes:

Slab of Geodes | Olympia Tiles | Classy Glam Living

The crystallization withinin the slab is just mesmerizing.  I can stare at this for hours...  but maybe not with the little man around.

How do you protect your marble countertops?  Do you know of other marble alternatives?  

Powder Room Touch-up for the Holidays

By:  Sherina So

With the Black Friday hype soon to pass, it also marks the start of the holiday season.  Gatherings with families and friends will be at full force in the coming weeks.  Have you been browsing Pinterest for the latest trends in holiday decorating and tablesetting?  Take a peek at my design board for winter and holiday accessories for the living room.  Aside from the living and dining rooms that will be obvious destinations for your guests, there's another room they will most certainly visit during the gathering - the powder room.  It's a small space that is usually neglected, but you can easily touch it up with some holiday decor to enrich your guests' holiday experience at your beautiful home.

I've put together a short and easy list of powder room touch-ups that will show your guests how thoughtful of a host you are!

Holiday-themed Soap and Lotion Sets

This is by far the simplest way to add any holiday glamour into your powder room.  Let the holiday infused scents of the soap and lotions put your guests in holiday spirit.  This set from Fruits & Passion even comes with a ceramic plate, so all you need to do is just unwrap the package and voila!  The powder room instantly looks much put together!

Create an Area for Holiday Display

If you have a pedestal sink with minimal space on it to put anything, a small display shelf would be a safer place for guests to place their belongings on.  An elegant glass shelf would easily blend in with any existing style. 

Source:  emily bathroom glass shelf

If you're blessed by a spacious  powder room, a small side table would complete the space.

source:  joss & main

PILLAR CANDLEHOLDER AS RING AND BRACELET HOLDER

I love mercury glass decor!  It adds the bit of glam and sparkle to any vignette, so it's especially fitting for the holidays!  I saw this mercury glass pillar candleholder, and thought it would be an awesome ring/ bracelet holder for your guests in the powder room.  It's an interesting use for a candleholder, and takes up just as much space as a regular ring holder,  It also gives some height to your display surface mentioned above, and also to the holiday vignette...  see below.

Creating a Simple Holiday Vignette

A holiday vignette doesn't only belong to the entryway or entertaining rooms in your house.  You can quickly put one together in the powder room on the display surface.  All you need are 3 simple items:  a display container for interesting ornaments, holiday art piece, and of course, something green.

Display container  

A simple and popular display amongst decorators is to fill a small apothecary jar or cloche that's proportional to your display surface with some beautiful holiday decor.  Similar to this idea.

image via eab designs

This small present lantern has some cute holiday details and is a good size for the display shelf.

source:  Pier 1

It would be a great spot to display your collection of novelty ornaments and tie in with your holiday decor theme colour.  Canadian Tire has a new CANVAS line of holiday decor.  These are some of my favorites.

In place of beaded garlands, you can use string lights as filler inside the container.  These battery powered string lights from Pier 1 would give your simple decor much added drama.  

source:  Pier 1

Framed art

If you're a hoarder of celebration cards like I am, you'll probably find a beautiful Christmas card in your stash.  Simply put it in a frame as an art piece!  This is a cute and understated winter themed frame that would go with any of your decor.

source:  Pier 1

If you're a purger and don't have stashes of holiday cards handy, these holiday foil prints add more sparkles and glam to your powder room.  You can never have enough sparkles and bling during the holidays!  

source:  SS Print Shop

Holiday Greeneries

No vignette is complete without something green.  These mini wreaths are just the right size for a simple display.  If it's too plain for you, just add a bow with a ribbon of your choice.  Either just lean it on the display surface or hang it with 3M command hooks on the wall. 

source:  Anitque Farm House

Monogrammed Fluffy Towels

Indulging your guests with fresh and fluffy towels complete their holiday experience in your powder room.  Instead of plain towels, how about a set of monogrammed hand towels?  These designs look elegant and sophisticated.  They'll make you look like a professional party host!

Sources:  1. the monogram room  2. MissMelsMonogramming

I'm usually not a fan of themed hand towels, but this design with a subtle nod to the Holiday season has a sophisticated air to it.  I think this may just be my choice for the holidays!

Source:  sewsewcutesewing

I hope you have found this list of quick powder room touch up helpful and inspiring.  It's a space that we all tend to forget, but could well be the easiest to tackle in preparation for guests over the holidays.  It's little details like these that your guests will truly appreciate your effort in throwing them a holiday party at your house.  They will come out of the powder room all refreshed, after having indulged in your holiday spirit and be ready to party on!  Perhaps you may want to decorate your guest bathrooms also, in case some guests have too much fun and decide to spend the night!

What else would you add to ready your powder room for the Holidays?