A classic touch. Traditionally bound books have a refined feel. Here the white urns are a subtle nod to Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” making this shelf appropriately poetic. On the cheap: An affordable way to get the look of a built-in bookcase without the cost is by setting a prebuilt freestanding bookcase against the wall, securing it and then adding molding to the base and top.
Rikki SnyderSaveEmail Chic hideaway. What could be more appealing to a teen than a private hideaway? Oh, maybe just one this luxurious! Tucked into an alcove and upholstered on all sides for a cocoon-like feel, this cozy corner would make a great place in which to read, nap or listen to music. A fiddle leaf fig tree in a woven basket, a ceramic elephant stool and a sheepskin throw are glamorous finishing touches. Budget-friendly ideas: Make a cozy lounge corner by covering a daybed with layers of patterns and lush textures. Keep an eye out for sales on ceramic garden stools and scoop one up when you see it. Hang a simple pendant light from the ceiling over the daybed area — the installation will cost a bit more, but the boost in ambience will be worth it.
MendSaveEmail Project: Name wall decor. A painted rectangle on the wall creates a backdrop for oversize zinc letters in this child’s room. Choose your child’s favorite color for the painted background and pick up letters that fit your budget — they can be found everywhere from vintage shops to craft stores and come in many different materials and sizes. Measure the area needed by laying out the letters on the floor before beginning. Use painter’s tape to mark out the area, paint it and let it dry before hanging the letters.
Preschool adventure. Orange animal-print wallpaper sets an adventurous tone in this safari-inspired space that Regan Baker designed for the 2014 San Francisco Decorator Showcase. A well-secured canopy over a daybed or the floor makes a fun play area (avoid hanging anything over the bed in a young child’s room for safety). Leather ottomans surround a chunky wooden table, a creative departure from the expected kids’ table and chairs set. A hide rug layered over a patterned natural-fiber rug brings textural interest. Budget-friendly ideas: Paint your own pattern on a plain natural-fiber rug. Use an old coffee table as a play table, surrounded by poufs bought on sale. Use animal decals instead of wallpaper. Boost the safari feel by using a stack of vintage suitcases as a nightstand. (Bonus: They’ll double as hidden storage.)
Fresh and fun big-kid room. Forest wallpaper is cool enough for a kid and beloved by modern parents, too. A simple, clean-lined bunk bed and graphic rug in neutral gray are classics that will stand the test of time. And a tire swing hung from the ceiling? No kid could resist that! (Just be sure to get some pro help hanging it safely.) Budget-friendly ideas: Spray paint a plain white wire light fixture neon green. Pick out a graphic-print gray and white rug from a budget-friendly source like Target or HomeGoods. Put up forest wall decals instead of wallpaper — they’re removable, so they’re also a great option if you rent.
Start young. No one is ever too young to be read to. For the disciples of Jim Trelease, a good bookshelf is a mandatory touch in a budding reader’s bedroom.
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