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Lauren Hufnagl's Recent Articles
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20 of the Most Beautiful Children’s Books in the World
Forward-facing book displays are being found in more and more children’s spaces. They not only entice little ones to pick up a book, but also help kids to visually find the books they want to read. And as a bonus, book displays can serve as functional artwork. Here are twenty beautiful books that are perfect to put on display… ROW ONE 1. Sleep Like a Tiger by by Mary Logue, Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski 2. Black Dog by Levi Pinfold 3. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans 4.
Lauren Hufnagl
Oct 25, 2013
Ruby’s Happily Eclectic Nursery
Name: Ruby Marlowe Location: Highland Park/Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California Room Size: 12’ x 11’ So often you see a space and can instantly give it a label – modern, Mid-Century, Scandinavian, vintage, glam – you get the picture. But the minute I saw little Ruby’s room, I thought, now that’s something different.
Lauren Hufnagl
Oct 16, 2013
Before & After: Lucy’s White to Wow! Bedroom
Dana of MADE wanted to spice up her daughter Lucy’s boring bedroom. Living in the suburbs in a “cookie cutter” home, the space was seriously lacking in character and personality. With paint, accessories, and a lot of creativity, this room went from white to wow! I love that Dana didn’t make any big purchases (furniture, an area rug, or curtains) to totally transform the space. The biggest changes were a very creative coat of paint and a few fun DIY projects.
Lauren Hufnagl
Oct 11, 2013
Before & After: A Baby Room Grows Up
Erin of DIY on the Cheap needed a new sleeping solution for her two boys – her youngest was sleeping in the nursery, while her older son was in the guest bedroom. She decided to create a shared “big boy room” for both and hit it out of the ballpark! Erin made the headboards (you can find the tutorial here), toddler bed and pillows herself as well as updated/upcycled a ton of other pieces in the space. See more about the transformation on Erin’s blog, DIY on the Cheap.
Lauren Hufnagl
Oct 4, 2013
10 Ways to (Stylishly) Childproof a Fireplace
It’s happened: my five-month-old has started rocking on her hands and knees and I’m well aware of the next logical step — crawling. It’s just about time to start baby-proofing the house. I’ve done it before so it shouldn’t be too difficult, but the one place that we were never able to stylishly address was the fireplace.
Lauren Hufnagl
Oct 1, 2013
13 Fun, DIY Halloween Crafts for Kids
Now that I’ve taken the year off of work to stay home with my girls, I’ve been on the hunt for fun activities to entertain my preschooler while I’m otherwise occupied with my baby. I usually try to involve her in whatever I’m doing – she loves to help with the dishes, vacuum, and assist with diaper changes, and we seriously have the best tea parties, but when I’m nursing a distractible five-month-old I need to bring out the big guns – arts and crafts.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 27, 2013
Reed’s Soft, Starry Space
Name: Reed Location: Boston, MA Room Size: 10′ x 12′ When I found out that my friend Dina was pregnant with her second baby, I knew it was going to be a showstopper of a nursery. You see, Dina is a DIY maven with an amazing eye. Although the nursery looks like a million bucks, she managed to put her DIY touch on nearly everything – from the curtains to the artwork to the showstopper ceiling.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 20, 2013
30 Ways to Add Color to Your Kid’s Room Without Painting the Walls
Renters rejoice! We know that you can sometimes feel left out of the color loop because you can’t bust out that paint brush and splash color all over your walls. But fear not – here are 30 fabulous ways to add color to your kids’ rooms (or most any room of the house) without painting the walls: ROW ONE 1. Hang some colorful curtains 2. Paint the bed 3. Use removable wall decals 4. Add colorful seating 5. Add colorful storage baskets ROW TWO 6. Create a colorful book display 7.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 17, 2013
Westin’s Wes Anderson Inspired Nursery
Name: Westin Location: Lancaster, PA The style inspiration for Westin’s nursery played into a little of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom/Fantastic Mr. Fox, along with some more modern inspiration from Nate Berkus’ mix of metallics and natural materials. I love vintage signage, but couldn’t afford a true vintage marquee letter, so I decide to make my own from a painters’ canvas, which ended up costing only $45.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 16, 2013
Sienna’s Graphic Girly Nursery
Name: Sienna Location: Los Angeles, CA Room Size: 13’x12′ The first time I laid eyes on Sienna’s nursery, I was blown away. Jen Campbell, editor of Green Wedding Shoes, wanted a girly nursery that was still modern and fresh. To achieve the look she paired bold, graphic designs with a soft color palette and added a dash of sparkle. The result is a stunning space for her new baby girl. How would you describe the look and feel of this room?
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 6, 2013
Soothing Neutrals vs. Stimulating Color: What’s the Right Choice for a Nursery?
My second baby is now four months old and I’ve transitioned her from the co-sleeper in our bedroom to the crib in her nursery. But other than sleep – at night and for naps, she actually doesn’t spend much of her time there. More often than not she’s in the main part of our house with my toddler and me, watching us play and interact, eat our meals, and go about our day.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 3, 2013
Martina and Lola’s Sweet Shared Space
Name: Martina & Lola Location: Madrid, Spain Room Size: 49 square feet When Bea first saw her home, she fell in love with this room – the biggest in the house – and decided to give it to her daughters Martina and Lola. She had always dreamt of a big and bright room for them, and set about filling it with the things they loved – festive garlands on the ceiling, a little seating area for reading bedtime stories, and a lovely light-filled art corner.
Lauren Hufnagl
Aug 28, 2013
Elke’s Sweet As Honey Space
Name: Elke Location: NSW AustraliaRoom Size: 10×10 square feet After sharing her older daughter Pippi’s space a few months ago, I waited with baited breath to see what amazing space Emily of The Beetleshack was going to come up with for her new baby, and she didn’t disappoint. Inspired by Rebekka Seale’s stamped bumblebee walls, Emily set about getting a similar look with removable wall stickers, and it made the space.
Lauren Hufnagl
Aug 20, 2013
30 Beautiful Kids’ Desks & Workspaces
Sometimes the kitchen table will suffice, but if you’re tired of cleaning up math books and stray pencils every time you want to eat dinner, it may be time for a dedicated work space for you little one. Not only will it provide a home for their burgeoning backpack, it will give them a space to focus on that homework, complete that art project, and write in that journal. And for a little inspiration, here are thirty of my favorites: 1. Scandinavian Deko 2. Fantastic Frank 3.
Lauren Hufnagl
Aug 20, 2013
20 Beautiful Children’s Book Displays
Displaying your little one’s book collection is an easy way to make a huge impact on a nursery or bedroom design. Whether you’re going with the tried-and-true forward-facing bookshelf, grouping your books by color, or displaying a unique collection, the vivid colors and illustrations can serve in place of art. Here are twenty of my favorite displays to inspire you to show off your child’s reading material:  1.
Lauren Hufnagl
Aug 9, 2013
15 of the Most Beautiful Children’s Books Ever
Front-facing book displays are a great way for the little ones to quickly find their favorite bedtime story, but many parents choose to use them as a design element in their child’s room as well. And why not? Books are basically beautiful, useable pieces of art. So for those of you looking for books that are easy on the eye and ear, here are fifteen that you and your children will love. 1. Henri’s Walk to Paris by Leonore Klein 2.
Lauren Hufnagl
Aug 5, 2013
Travel-Inspired Nurseries & Kids Rooms
For some of us there’s no place like home, but for others wanderlust reigns supreme. Naturally the latter want to pass on their love of travel to their little ones, and what better place to start than where they’ll be spending much of their first few years of life – the nursery.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jul 30, 2013
Travel Sanity: The Best Gear for Traveling with Babies & Toddlers
Traveling with babies and toddlers can seem incredibly daunting, but luckily there are a lot of great products on the market today to make the journey go smoother. From safety to entertainment to sleep, there’s a gadget for just about every aspect of your trip. 1. Staying at a hotel, relative, or friend’s house and worried about childproofing for your little one? Enter the Travel Tot kit – everything you need to childproof a space, and it all comes off cleanly.2.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jul 26, 2013
A Shared Mother/Daughter Space
Name: Amina Location: Rome, ItalyThis is the room of my daughter Amina but is my room as well!I’m a single mum, and I haven’t the ability to get a bigger house for us, but I am happy and proud of our small room for two. I like sun, colors and everything that we can enjoy. Thank you Apartment Therapy!Thanks, Giorgia!
Lauren Hufnagl
Jun 28, 2013
Before & After: DIY Herringbone Dresser
When Stephanie Gerber of Henry Happened was planning a nursery redesign to make room for baby number three, she wanted to make use of a dresser that had formerly belonged to her husband as a child. The problem was that it had definitely seen better days. That’s when designer Melissa Ballard stepped in with a little bit of elbow grease and a gold paint pen to create something truly special… Melissa refinished the dresser and used a gold paint pen to create the herringbone pattern.
Lauren Hufnagl
Apr 5, 2013
Pippi’s Whimsical Wonderland
Name: Pippi Location: NSW Australia Room Size: 172 sq. feet When I came across the space that Emily had created for her daughter, Pippi, I was instantly smitten by the playful patterns and vibrant colors. Her goal was to create a fun and flamboyant space for her toddler, and I’d say she hit the nail on the head. The room exudes the playfulness and joy of childhood. Read on to learn more about this whimsical wonderland: How would you describe the look and feel of this room?
Lauren Hufnagl
Apr 2, 2013
Baby G’s Elegant Gender Neutral Nursery
Name: Baby GLocation: United States When I began planning our baby’s nursery, I knew I wanted a clean, elegant look. My husband and I decided not to find out the gender of our baby before he was born, so we tried to keep everything gender-neutral. The theme of this nursery was inspired by the handmade linen cloud mobile I discovered from an Etsy shop. I wanted a cloud themed nursery, but not to the extent of painting them on the walls.
Lauren Hufnagl
Mar 21, 2013
For Every Budget: 20 Wooden Baby Gyms
image:998b30cab12307649d028c1427f4f4ab652417a5 w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" We have a small home, so there is no place to hide the typical baby gear that tends to collect when you have a child. As a result, I’ve been on the hunt for beautiful but affordable baby products ever since I became pregnant with my first child.
Lauren Hufnagl
Mar 19, 2013
Before & After: Baby E’s Nursery
When Brooke and Luke found out they were expecting a baby boy, they decided to turn their office into a nursery. The problem was, it felt like more of a “man room” than a little guy’s nursery with its dark, knotty pine walls. So Brooke and Luke decided to roll up their sleeves and work a little magic with primer and paint. It was a lot of work, but the end result is stunning:For more photos and details, check out Brooke’s blog, Life in Bridgetown.Thanks, Brooke!
Lauren Hufnagl
Mar 12, 2013
15 More Washi Tape Project Ideas for Kids Rooms
Earlier this week we showed you fifteen of my favorite washi tape project ideas for kids. I came across so many great ideas during my search that I decided to write a second post! Here are fifteen more washi tape project ideas for your little ones:Row One:1. Washi Tape Wall: Ann Kelle2. Cross-Stitch Mural with Washi Tape: Becoming Gezellig3. Masking Tape Gems: Objects & Use4. Washi Tape Letter: S.A.S. Interiors5.
Lauren Hufnagl
Mar 1, 2013
15 Washi Tape Project Ideas for Kids Rooms
If you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive way to add a little color and whimsy to your little one’s room, look no further. Washi tape is exploding in popularity, and with it a whole host of DIY ideas for kids’ decor. From wall murals and decorations to hopscotches and race tracks, the ideas are limitless. Here are a few of my favorites: Row One: 1. Washi Tape Tree: BoligLiv 2. Washi Tape Wall Art: Ninainvorm via Apartment Therapy 3. Washi Tape Bookshelf Art: Poppinette 4.
Lauren Hufnagl
Feb 26, 2013
15 Toys You Can Make with Cardboard
I don’t know about you, but my daughter and I start to go a little stir crazy at this time of year. We try to get out as much as possible, but sometimes with these short, cold days we can’t be out for long. I’ve been keeping my eye out for inexpensive do-it-yourself ways to have a little fun indoors. Here are some fun and budget-friendly cardboard creations that are sure to keep your little ones entertained during those final weeks of Winter: Row One: 1.
Lauren Hufnagl
Feb 14, 2013
20 Projects for a DIY Valentine’s Day
Cynics like to say that Valentine’s Day is just another commercial holiday to get everyone to go out and spend more money. I like to think of it as a day to celebrate loving one another, and there are plenty of ways to make the day both festive and budget-friendly. Here are twenty of my favorite do-it-yourself projects that will make Valentine’s Day special for the whole family without breaking the bank:Row One:1. Giant Geometric Wall Heart: Oleander and Palm2.
Lauren Hufnagl
Feb 1, 2013
Sophisticated Nurseries: 10 Rooms with Grownup Style
image:6766cb10824d9c4aa91ed2e04ba92b1314891a1d w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" We recently featured twenty stylish living spaces that make room for the little ones, but what about the kids’ rooms? Seeing as a baby isn’t yet able to appreciate their nursery’s decor, should the space be decorated for the adults in the house to enjoy? Here are ten sophisticated nurseries where the parents have done just that.1.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jan 29, 2013
Dylan’s Rustic Meets Modern Space
Name: DylanLocation: Greenbrae, CARoom Size: 10′ x 12′ What to do when the baby you expect to be a girl turns out to be a bouncing baby boy? Call an expert to help you rethink your nursery plans. That’s exactly what happened to this family when they were expecting baby Dylan. The couple had already started decorating the nursery with a backdrop of delicate dragonflies when they found out that the baby they were eagerly anticipating was actually a little boy.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jan 22, 2013
20 Stylish and Kid-Friendly Spaces
So far this month we’ve talked about taming toys, curbing kids’ clutter, and stylish storage bins, but what about how real families incorporate their children’s things into their homes? For those parents who don’t want to relegate their children’s play things to the bedrooms or aren’t lucky enough to have a designated ‘play room’, here are twenty stylish spaces that make room for the kids too:Row One:1. The Ryan Family Oeuf NYC via Milk Magazine2.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jan 21, 2013
15 Clever Ways to Curb Kids’ Clutter
I remember when my husband and I were expecting our daughter, we vowed not to let kids’ clutter take over our home. Little did we know the clothing, toy, and gadget madness that would ensue in the following two years. While we’ve done our best to keep it under control you can definitely tell that a toddler lives in our home, and I’m constantly trying to find new ways to corral the clutter.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jan 15, 2013
20 Super Stylish Storage Bins
I don’t know about you, but when the new year rolls around and my Christmas decorations are neatly packed away, I feel the urge to freshen up my home. Bringing in clean, bright colors and a few new items to help me feel inspired and get organized is the perfect way to get over those post-holiday blues. Here are a few of my favorite storage bins to corral all of those toys and clutter in your home:1. Pehr Canvas Baskets: See Jane Work2. Wire Baskets: Crate & Barrel3.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jan 8, 2013
Hayden’s Neon & Neutral Nursery
Name (Age): Hayden (12 weeks)Location: Seal Beach, CaliforniaRoom Size: 15′ x 11′ One wouldn’t generally think a room with white walls, furniture, and bedding could ever be called colorful, but add a few pops of neon here and there and what was once a monochromatic space suddenly leaves a very colorful impression. That’s exactly what Andrea decided to do in her littlest one’s nursery.
Lauren Hufnagl
Dec 4, 2012
15 DIY Modern Holiday Decorations
After buying presents, food for the holiday meal, and a tree, there isn’t always much left over for extras. This year we’re trying to save money in my household – and have some fun – by making a lot of our own ornaments and decorations, but still want a modern look. Here are fifteen DIY ornaments that fit the bill:1. Winter Wonderland Ornament: Craftberry Bush2. Felt Ball Garland: My Sparkle3. DIY ‘Confetti System’ Ornaments: A Lovely Lark4.
Lauren Hufnagl
Nov 23, 2012
Paint Color Portfolio: Light Gray Nurseries
Gray may not be the first color one thinks of for a nursery, but more and more parents are choosing it for their little ones. Gray’s versatility allows for serious creativity in furniture and decor choices – it coordinates with virtually ever other color. Not to mention that its soothing nature is perfect for a sleeping space. But it can be tricky when it comes time to choose the perfect shade.
Lauren Hufnagl
Oct 9, 2012
Olivia Ellen’s Copenhagen Charmer
Name: Olivia Ellen (3)Location: Copenhagen, DenmarkRoom Size: 107 sq ft When your mother is a professional stylist you know you’re going to end up with an amazing room. Rikke Graff Juel designed this space for her daughter, Olivia Ellen, in much the same Scandinavian style as the rest of her home – white walls, plenty of vintage wood pieces combined with fresh modern colors and accessories.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 25, 2012
Ruby’s Gem of a Room
Name: Ruby (2)Location: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaRoom Size: 10′ x 12′, 120 sq ft How to make a minimalist nursery still feel fun and inviting? Add color, texture, and a dash of whimsy. That’s exactly what Ruby’s mom, Danielle, did when she designed this space. The clean and simple design lends itself to easy changes as Ruby grows, while the hand woven hemp rug, crocheted pouf, colorful accessories, and wood floors add warmth and character to the space.
Lauren Hufnagl
Sep 11, 2012
Creative Solutions for Small Space Play
Living in a small space, we’ve had to get creative with play time. There is no toy room or even toy corner for that matter in our home. Every toy either has to be incorporated into our adult furnishings or have the ability to be stored in the few nooks and crannies that we possess. Here are ten clever ideas I’ve discovered that allow your child to play in a big way without sacrificing space.
Lauren Hufnagl
Aug 31, 2012