wire fencing

from top left - black post fence source unknown - garden trellis fence source unknown - home of Lauri Kanz of Edible Gardens LA via Houzz - ibid - home of Chip and Joanna Gaines via Design Mom - Long Meadow design by Stephen Stimson Associates Landscape Architect - Maple Hill design by Stephen Stimson Associates Landscape Architects - hog wire fencing via Gardenista photo by Nicole Franzen

This past weekend we visited a new friend's garden that had a fence made of recycled shipping tablets and chicken wire. It was simple, functional, beautiful and inexpensive. With this type of fence whether chicken wire or hog wire is used you can grow vining plants up it, critters are kept out and you can have an open view to your garden. Needless to say I want one - especially one that is as aesthetically pleasing as the above examples. 

cement tile

from top left - Ace Hotel in Panama City via DOMAINE   -  source unknown  -  via Coco & Kelley  -  Alhambra Kitchen by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design  -  via THE MADE SHOP  -  via Cement Tile Shop  -  via Apartment Therapy  -  via Desire to Inspire photo by Alexander James

Cement tile, also known as encaustic or hydraulic tile, is made of cement, marble powder and natural pigments. The process requires no firing but rather uses a hydraulic press and mould that is then air dried. The crafting of these traditional tiles hasn't changed since the 1800's and is considered quite environmentally friendly as so much less energy is used compared to fired ceramics. Cement tiles are extremely durable, easy to clean, non-flammable, non-polluting, recyclable, naturally insulating and beautiful! I am pretty obsessed with them and would love to use them in a kitchen or bathroom or maybe both!

new pinterest board

Lately, we have been doing a lot of nursery/kid's room designs at work. They always make for fun projects and in my short time working on them as a non mom I have learned a few key lessons for nurseries in particular.

1. Skip the crib skirt - As the baby grows you will be adjusting the height of the mattress so they only work for a short period.
2. Use washable or indoor/outdoor fabric- This rule applies for any upholstery in a kids room.
3. Mix styles of furniture or shall I say avoid the "set" - Getting a bedroom or nursery set will end up making your nursery look like it belongs in the pages of a catalogue. 
4. Buy multiple sheet sets
5. Incorporate fun art
6. Think ahead - A baby will not be a baby for long and having to completely redo a nursery when a child transitions to a toddler or big kid is a hassle and can be very expensive. Design a room that has pieces that can evolve with the child. 
7. More than one - If you plan on having more than one child consider keeping one room as the designated "nursery". Move the older child to a different room when the new one comes along. In this case, you will want to keep the nursery more gender neutral.
8. Use color - I tend to be a neutral kind of girl but I think in a kids room color is key. Make it fun but not juvenile or baby.
9. Multiple seating options - Nurseries in particular tend to only have one seating option for adults - the rocker or glider. This isn't very conducive to family time so if you have space think about adding a daybed or sofa so that Mom, Dad or whoever can enjoy nursery time as well.
10. Don't wait till the last minute - Furnishing a well designed room can be an involved process. Ideally, start thinking about the design of your nursery after the first trimester. You want to give yourself plenty of time to find pieces you love and for them to be delivered!

As with all my design work I rely heavily on Pinterest so I have started a new board designated just for kids and babies. Check it out here! Below are some of my favorite rooms for the little ones. 

The Animal Print Shop via Lonny

Molly Sim's nursery via Lil Sugar

Brigette McLendon's nursery via Lay Baby Lay

Kid's room via Lonny