Name: Matt, Betsy, and Inge (18 months) Siber
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago
Size: 2,100 square feet
Years lived in: 6 years, owned

I visited Matt and Betsy on a cold, rainy Saturday afternoon, which couldn't have been in starker contrast to the vibrant mix of warmth and color that greeted me the moment I walked into their home. A home filled with jazz on the stereo, beautiful art, handcrafted furniture, and lots of smiles. I found the playful beauty of their space endlessly interesting, and I think you will too.

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Name: Alice (1)
Location: Concord, CA

As soon as I started thinking about Alice's 1st birthday party, I knew it would be circus-themed. From the day she was born (she's the 2nd child) I referred to our family as a circus. It seemed life became a crazy juggling act; who knew who was going to be the ring leader on any given day! So, it just seemed to fit naturally that Alice would be the ring-leader on her special 1st Birthday. More

Name: Asher (one month)
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

I was inspired by modern pieces and bright color. It was important to keep things nice and clean since the room is on the small side. More

Short on space and lack a headboard? Pegboard, our favorite kitchen and workshop workhorse, may just be the solution you've been looking for. Carmel from Our Fifth House transforms her boy's bedroom from bland to brilliant with a Union Jack paint job and inexpensive material. More

We love this sweet idea from Project Little Smith. In need of a place to set things while nursing as well as a space for a growing library, this architect-turned-stay-at-home-mom decided to repurpose one of her husband's old skateboards. She ended up with a beautiful, functional piece that has special meaning to her family.

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Modern Nesting Dolls
• $28 (pre-order price)
• Wee Gallery

I love modern updates to traditional toys and these nesting dolls are right on the money. Designed by Wee Gallery in their signature black and white, the nesting lion, cat and owl are made in Russia.

Name: "Baby S/Bubs'
Location: Brisbane, Australia

I wanted a room that we could all feel relaxed and calm in, but also a little bit fun. Being a rental property meant no nice wall colours, decorations or curtains, which is why I decided on the beautiful bold rug. The size of the room also didn't leave much to be desired, which is why I wanted the furniture white, bright and fresh. More

This awesome castle is both a toy and a piece of furniture, and the whole thing was made from a single 48x84" piece of cardboard. The designers built the chair around a triangular inner structure and urge users to take out the little silhouette figures and play.
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Name: Juliet (5)
Location: Atlanta, GA

My daughter requested a "doctor party" for her 5th birthday earlier this year. I tried to find other party inspiration out there, but didn't have too much luck. We ended up making it sort of a red and white old-school infirmary theme--which she and her friends loved.
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In 2009 we spent an unforgettable week in a renovated farmhouse in Tuscany with friends who have been going there for over a decade. Off the beaten track, up a long dirt road, the house was isolated, but had a terrific sunset view looking down over olive trees and vinyards. We ate wild cherries and mulberries off of the trees, made pizza outside in the wood-fired oven and spotted wild boars running through the trees at dusk. Oh yes, and there was a pool. :-)

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