DESIGN DILEMMA: INSPIRED VS. THEME

8/29/2015

Design Dilemma: This dilemma is as common as kids favorite toys being Lego and Disney. I hear so often from parents wanting to create an attractive space for their kids, yet some how incorporates their favorite toy, game, storybook or movie character without it looking like the Disney Store threw up all over it!

Our approach is to find inspiration in those beloved toys, games or characters. What is it that we as adults like about them? The goal for inspirational room design, is to find a way to incorporate the essence of said object/image whether that is the color, shape, texture or emotional significance. Easier said then done. With so much easy access to licensed merchandise sold in stores and online, thinking outside of the highly marketed, toy box package it is especially challenging. We get that it is all right there at your finger tips, both literally and economically in reach. Not to mention the minimal amount of time and mental effort it takes to pull this type if decor out of the package and pop in a room. So, we are going to share some examples and decor ideas to get you started or at least started thinking.

Now, do you want to know what the heck I am talking about? Want to see what an inspired room versus a themed room looks like? Then feast your eyes on this, Tiffani Thiessen's nursery for her son Holt. We should mention she had a little help from designer Christiane Lemieux of Dwell Studio.

"...but I would hardly call this themed– it’s more inspired! It started with Darth Vader and turned into a gorgeous space. It’s cosmic, rich, and layered but truly sophisticated space."– Christiane Lemieux

For me the wallpaper in this space is the most fabulous thing ever. It is exactly the right element we discussed above regarding being the essence of a "theme". This hit the mark on both color and shape, but in the most subtle, sophisticated way. The wallpaper is by Eskayel, essentially it is a piece of art in itself. Abstract expressionism brought to life in desaturated colors. Eskayel produces hand-painted patterns and digital printing create works of functional art.

From Domino.com, Tiffani Thiessen’s, Subtly Star Wars Nursery

From Domino.com, Tiffani Thiessen’s, Subtly Star Wars Nursery furnished by Dwell Studio

From Domino.com, Tiffani Thiessen’s, Subtly Star Wars Nursery

Room furnishings by Dwell Studio: Mid-Century French White Convertible Crib; Mid-Century French White Dresser; Mid-Century French White Bookcase; Helen Side Table; Fes Dove Pouf; Wall Art-Indigo Midnight; Cone Table Lamp; Sheepskin Vole Area Rug

Wallpaper by Eskayel, Septaria – dark

Gotta "gamer"? We recently found some of these cool pillows on Etsy for a client looking to incorporate their son's love for the game Minecraft.

Etsy, Cricket Quilt Minecraft Diamond Sword $40

Etsy, Turtle Organics Minecraft Pillow - Villager

Etsy, Turtle Organics Minecraft Pillow - Skeleton

Etsy, Libby Life - Minecraft Pig

True classic kid? Here are a little somethings for your Lego loving kiddo that should build their love of their toys, but not overwhelm their room. (That's what the millions of Lego pieces dumped on the floor are for).

Etsy, Kumbier Kreations, Lego Switchplate cover - $8

Etsy, Yellow Machine Lego pillow

Etsy, Quantum Prints Lego Patent Poster - $25.57

Disney gone wild in your home? Desaturate all those primary colors by going with black and white pieces, creating a more modern space.

Amazon, Modern Design Mickey Mouse Big Digit - $14

Etsy, iPrintPoster Watercolor Mickey - $7.46

COOEE Design, Multi Mouse White - $40.80

COOEE Design, Mouse Remix - $40.80

US.Brando.com, BIG HERO 6 - Baymax USB LED Lamp - $49

Postertext, Alice In Wonderland - $29.95

Spineless Classics, Peter Pan Text Poster - L. 39.99 + L.220

Create a space where she is a princess everyday! When a child wants their room to evoke their favorite storybook or movie character, skip the bed in a bag and licensed merchandise in favor of subtle stylized accents and furniture.

Find pieces that can grow with your child and that can economically be swapped out as their ever evolving excitement for a specific theme changes.