Lost in the Shuffle...

Sometimes the end of Summer can feel as chaotic as a trip to Ikea. However, we always seem to re-emerge from both situations with our eye on a fresh, organized & prioritized start. We are getting our ducks in a row now, but wanted to share with you our picks for the best use of classic Ikea items in creative settings. These pieces are used slightly out of their ordinary context and were made to suit the lives of their owners. Can you spot the big box items among the personalized decor?

Just a friendly Fall greeting & reminder to think outside the box, bend the rules & make life simple & fun!

Back to School, Shopping...

Ralph Lauren Kids' newest shopping experience is an interactive tale about the adventures of heading back to school. Narrated by the always thoughtful & inspiring, Harry Connick, Jr. readers are able to shop straight from the wardrobes of the adorable characters. Which one does your child most relate to?

She's got the look...

We believe Betsey Johnson was the perfect pick to design the pink palace that is the Eloise suite at The newly re-opened Plaza Hotel. The landmark might not know what hit 'em as the room is decked out in signature Betsey items - multiple pink floral prints, zebra carpeting & of course a neon sign that reads, "Eloise" over the lush bed. Most little girls can only dream as a night does not come cheap, although they do throw in a monogramed bathrobe, giftcard to the Eloise shop & a framed picture taken inside the suite. Betsey (who is a grandmother!)& her "never grow up" asthetic makes a perfect partnership for this fun project. Can you imagine having her as your grandmother?! Enjoy the shots below of the sutie & check out Stroller Traffic's fun Q&A with the cart-wheeling creative, herself.

Sheets of Zzzzsss....

What is it about great sheets that can lull us into the sleeps of our lives?! We are firm believers a great set doesn't come in a bag all together but are pieced together after much research & testing. And if the same should go for our little one's, then let your research start with Matteo's newest collection for Bambino. Here's a peek at their line made from natural materials in simple, classic constructions. We are especially excited about the gorgeous crib skirts and if you are like us & don't have a grandmother who can hand crochet delicate detailing such as these, then heirloom quality is only a few clicks away.

Not those "Mamas and Papas"...

They've arrived! Britain's number one baby brand, Mamas and Papas has landed in the U.S. and is available at Babies 'R' Us. Check out these cool & affordable pieces from their debut collection. Don't they look straight from the streets of London town?

Back to School, Take 2...

We are already getting loads of "Back-to-School" emails!
Where has the summer gone??

Getting back to school clothes & supplies always sets the tone for an excited return to the classroom. Not as excited for balancing the task of homework among different aged kiddos? Check out these great desk/study areas that can be shared by siblings. A perfect end of summer project would be to create a space that facilitates independence, learning, creativity & organization.

Need some assistance or a little guidance? Give bundle a jingle! We are happy to consult on the many projects from the ever-expanding "to-do" list. We're here to help by recommending products, brainstorming ideas or just giving you our honest opinion!

Target (pronounced Tar-jay)...

As a follow-up to our last post, we wanted to pass along an upcoming event that looks like a blast! If you are in the NY area this Saturday, one of our all time favorite retailers, Tar-jay!, is sponsoring a free day of family fun at the spectacular Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

TARGET DESIGN KIDS
FREE programs and Museum admission for the whole family!
TARGET DESIGN KIDS programs introduce children and adults to the world of design through open-ended play, tours, and design workshops. Create your own designs—fashion, architecture, graphic design! Workshops are geared toward children ages 5–12.

Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum - July 17 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join Target in the Garden and throughout the Museum for activities led by designers and educators. Kids become designers for the day!

Make clocks, hydroponic planters, buttons, and more!
Hear stories, listen to music, explore the galleries, face paint, and play with the Imagination Playground.
Free treats and special guests! Carry home your loot in a cool hand-colored book bag.

Mmm mmm good...

What child (or adult for that matter) isn't intrigued by the modern simplicity and familiarity of this famous image? Many of Andy Warhol's works are easily available in print form, in a wide variety of youthful and funky hues. The priceless works become a budget friendly and thought-provoking solution for decorating any children's space.

Exposing your family from the very beginning to the arts can pay off throughout their development. Be sure to check with your local museums, gardens and art shops as many offer free family nights a few times per month. A quick breeze through exhibits on a regular basis keeps visits fun and cultivating without seeming like a boring history lesson.

Fab not Flashy...

We are kicking off a very busy second half of the year with some exciting design projects. One special Elementary school client has requested we design a budget friendly room full of personality around this DwellStudio comforter. This sophisticated pattern couldn't be picked by just anyone - it's definitely the find of a talented eye so we've got our work cut out for us!



In order to style this strong pattern into a "clean mix", we are turning to a trend which has stormed the fashion world: "pattern mixing".



With the right accessories, our goal is to pull together a sweetly styled room for a great girl! We'll keep you posted on our progress.

Room Service...

Having trouble configuring furniture in a small room? What an amazing excuse to treat yourself to a little getaway and gather industrious space saving interior ideas from hotel room layouts. Furniture placement and multi-purpose pieces are carefully planned to stylishly provide guests with function and comfort - two things everyone could use more of!

We are fresh from travel and overflowing with inspiration. Enjoy these cocoon like sleeping areas perfectly situated for cozy children's spaces, reminiscent of the snug quarters of boats, trains & charming inns.

Global Glossy...

Our apologies for infrequent posting lately. We are packing our bags for a whirlwind trip overseas and promise to return with insight on new design, color trends and tons of pictures. The bright side to long flights and cramped airports is most definitely the international magazines. With interesting perspectives, insights and unfamiliar styling, these publications rarely disappoint. We've kept this Australian copy of Mindfood among our most cherished archived magazines. Enjoy their recipe for Pregnancy Trail Mix!

Pregnancy Trail Mix
Makes 4 cups

100g almonds
50g walnuts
50g pecans
50g sunflower seeds
100g raisins
100g dried cranberries
50g Carob rice cakes, roughly chopped

Cook nuts and sunflower seeds in a frying pan over medium heat until golden. Place all ingredients in a bowl & mix to combine.

Blue Moon...

We get all warm & fuzzy this time of year, after all it was only a few years ago we were planning a very big, life-changing event with celebrations in two wonderful cities: Key West & New Orleans. While strolling the streets for inspiration, we fell in love with the beautifully traditional porches, all with a common thread: blue painted ceilings. Memories came pouring back after seeing the Apartment Therapy post today on this phenomenon. Some believe the color wards off evil spirits, while others belive it keeps pesky bugs at bay. Whatever the reason, we love it not only for porches but for living rooms, kitchens & kids rooms. Enjoy the view!

Where in the world...

We are coming off the long weekend rejuvenated, refreshed and super excited for more summer vacations! Family trips can sometimes seem stressful but the memories last a lifetime. We should all remember to take deep breaths, appreciate our surroundings and the one's we love.

Enjoy these rooms that inspire a globe-trotting mood and remember to always explore... good times, good design & inspiration can be right outside your back door.

Spelling out the weekend...

We are so excited for the upcoming holiday... some reading, eating & games with friends by the beach are definitely in our future. Wishing all a safe memorial day weekend!

Lost & Found...

We are working on a new nursery project and were thrilled when our inspiration for the entire room's set-up sprung from a vintage treasure we rescued from an antique store. The traditional lines mimic our design plan perfectly and it reminded us of how great it feels to bring something old into a new space. Check out this amazing bed frame & headboard made from architectural salvage... inspiring us to always borrow from year's past while creating spaces for the present.

Just a reminder that bundle design co. is available to create a custom design concept for kiddie spaces anywhere! We'll create a plan, pick pieces within your budget & lay it all out on a Mood board with Shopping Guide. With most items available online, you can purchase & set-up at your convenience. See our other services on the menu to the left.

Psst... Mood Boards make great gifts for any Mom-to-be!

Are you watching?...

We are devouring every glimpse of interiors on Bravo's newest show, 9 by Design, which chronicles the life & work of Sixx Design's Robert & Cortney Novogratz. The New York based team are the parents to 7 children (yes 7!!); running their business & raising their family in busy Manhattan. They take on very courageous projects and their results are nothing short of jaw-dropping. We've noticed a few "go-to" items that help give their rooms that "Sixx" edge...

1. Antique or vintage light fixtures - and we mean WOW fixtures.
2. High-end art next to refurbished thrift furniture.
3. Statement rugs.
4. Enhanced family photos - blown-up poster size, tiled into wallpaper, or digitally antiqued to create a gorgeous, aged looking picture wall.

Check out the show & look for these elements in the shots below!

HousingWORKS...

Our Sunday usually starts out with coffee & a quick browse through one of the many Housing Works Thrift Stores in NYC. Whether client shopping, gathering inspiration on our next bundle or looking for a little something for ourselves - this is the BEST place to look for the unexpected. The clothing, shoes, furniture, housewares & artwork in their store or online shop have been donated by locals, designers & collectors for a very good cause (read more on their services here), so there is definitely NO buyer's remorse.

Last week was their benefit of all benefits, called Design on a Dime, which gave 50 of the city's top interior designers the chance to scour the Housing Works Warehouse & create room vignettes where all items would be for sale to the public. While browsing through this year's displays we were astounded by the talent and use of materials! Of course we love to find creative touches that can translate to family living and kid-friendly DIY... Well, we found it!

Designer Asler Valero got busy with a package of paper plates & a stapler to create this unusual light fixture. Paper plate projects are reminiscent of the fun, crafty learning we all did in Kindergarten. Need a cool focal point for a room or a centerpiece for a party?... you might not need to look much further than aisle 7 at your local grocery.

Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing Mom. Thank you for everything you have done to support my every dream in life and making me feel special on all my DAYS. One of my oldest & most special memories with you is going to the store each year as my birthday approached to pick out MY cake! We'd pour over the bakery's picture filled menu and the final selection (Tea Party, Barbie, Outdoor) would be the inspiration for some very creative parties.

Thank you always & enjoy this day - it's very deservedly all about YOU!

Find out how to make these & 50 other adorable (& surprisingly easy!) cakes on Parenting.com.

Take away...

Mother's Day is right around the corner & we are already getting sentimental! Apparently so are some of our Mommy clients who have mentioned to us numerous times that it was a very sad day when they had to cover up their much loved nursery murals to prepare for a move or finally give-in to a "growing up" redo. Unfortunately, there's no way to stop kiddos from growing but we spotted this creative way to keep murals in the family & ready to pass on to future generations. An antique or flea market headboard & footboard can be the perfect canvas for an artist or talented relative to create whimsical scenes such as this captivating treasure map, ready to enlighten and amuse little imaginations before bedtime. When the day finally comes, these pieces can be easily disconnected from a standard bedframe & stored away for safe keeping.

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens