I was able  to see the Beatrix Potter Exhibit at the Morgan Library last weekend. A very nice respite from all the chaotic crowds of the city.

Beatrix Potter’s childhood seemed isolated. Her parents were wealthy and quite stern. Her happiest moments were spent at the family’s country home, where she would spend hours observing animal behavior. Lucky for her, she was allowed to have a menagerie of pets- cats, dogs, rabbits, snakes and mice, oh my…

Most of her book ideas came  from stories that she wrote to the  children of her governess. Her gentle and delicate drawings were full of imagination.

The exhibit is so worthwhile- there is also a spattering of toys and other items related to Beatrix Potter.

Too bad Peter wasn’t around to make a muck of things…

See you…

Christina

Lots of decorating ideas for boys and girls rooms down in Highpoint. Most of my vendors aren’t necessarily focused on children. It doesn’t really matter as long as the design is cool and the furniture is relatively sturdy.

For a very little boy who is a little gentleman, this dresser is lacqured and lined with linen. The knobs are a play on the US coat of arms.

Simple, modern bookshelf that is actually well made and not Ikea. Great kids storage.

Always interesting art for kids rooms. Love these vintage photos for a boy’s bedroom..

Hand painted animals done on book covers. Nice art for baby’s nursery.

Great fashion photos for an Audrey Hepburn inspired tween bedroom. They come in  really large sizes as well.

Accessories that would fit with the art. Love this reasonably priced mirror for a girl’s bedroom

Industrial looking mirror..

Lots of lamps..

This lamp is just right for a little girl’s room that I am working on now.

Cool vintage baseball lamp.

This lamp will go into a transitional boy’s bedroom inspired by everything nautical.

We ended our day at a children’s furniture vendor that carried little beds for dolls as well. They made special doll bedding  as part of the display for market. Oh so cute and inviting.

A perfect spot for American Girl to lay her head…

See you…

Christina

Just got back from Highpoint with loads of ideas. What I noticed most about the vignettes created by vendors was the use of color. Whether it is a traditional room, casual room, kids room or adult- all I saw was ORANGE!

We started out our day at a seminar on trends. One interesting concept was proportion and scale. By the end of next year we will see more oddly, but interesting plays on the sizing of furniture and accessories. I just love this look.  We started seeing it at market this fall.

Notice the huge urn on the small sidetable.

The floor lamp with the jolly green giant’s shade and skinny base sits next to a standard size sofa.

The paisley print is enormous on this 6′x9′ rug.

The tassle on steriods hanging from light fixture.

Check out the pulls!

This market wicker and natural fibers are making a comeback in furniture.

What great fun! If you are interested in purchasing any of these great new items, shoot me an email!

See you…

Christina

This weekend a walking tour of artist’s studios and galleries is being organized by Casa Frela Gallery.  A very inspiring artist, Fumiko Toda is one of the eighty artists participating in this weekend’s walk.

A client and I visited her tiny studio in a typical Harlem brownstone  this year. Though very small, Fumiko keeps her space very well organized and welcoming.

Her work is intricate with subtle  layers of color and delicate details. Her fascination with insects, evident throughout her work, began as a child in Japan.  Fumiko is as whimsical as her work, lovely  and waif-like, she is happiest in her studio.

Although the piece was not yet complete, we loved it. It was inspired by a road trip to Spain she took with her boyfriend. When finished it found a home in my clients sunny foyer…

If you have a chance check out the art walk!

See you…

Christina

My go to place to shop for baby gifts and decor is the New York International Gift Fair.  The summer fair is far more laid back. New products are less common, as vendors are  gearing up for 2013 launches. As I become more of a veteran to this show, vendors will ask my opinion on new products they want to launch for the upcoming year. It’s always a lively discussion. From fashion trends to industry practices, nursery decor changes constantly. I was a definite go on this new 2013  artwork..

Color is always big at the show..

Great chevron chair for a girl’s bedroom!

Some more art that will be coming into the shop in the coming weeks.

I purchased this piece because it reminds me of a client whose nursery we are working on in NYC.

I loved this little piece as well..

I love the booth of Kevin Obrien. His throws and pillows are so luxurious and  special. From the remnants, he hand makes these special stuffed animals.

A visit with very busy mice..

Italian storage!

My day ended sitting on these tree stumps. Made in Italy, each are crocheted. Very comfortable. Could be a great footstool or ottoman in a baby’s nursery. Yes they will be coming into Cici Crib!

See you..

Christina

I look back on some pics that really are just nice little moments of our time in London and Dublin.

A gardener at Windsor Castle.

A royal kitty at Kensington Palace.

A tennis party in Chelsea..

An ice cream truck…

A tunnel where graffiti is allowed! The images change by the day.

One of our favorite pubs

Love the turnip and apple soup..

Outside Jonathan Adler

Simplicity at Kensington Palace

A theater entrance in Chelsea.

Our Sunday bike tour through the secret places of London

The shop where Harry Potter bought first wand..

Matisse at the Tate.

Outside of Dublin

Best coffee on our entire trip was at  Butlers Chocolate Cafe in Dublin.

Our last family vacation before our oldest is off to college…

See you..

Christina

After spending days in London, our trip concluded with some quiet time  spent in Dublin. Yes it was very cold and rainy.  One morning in the hotel,  we were unsure of our plan to take a drive through the countryside because of the dreary weather. An Irish woman overheard our dilemma. She told me  that we must go. “The countryside is more beautiful  in the rain.  You can smell the grass!” Oh so true were her words. Just spectacular!

It was so cold we purchased and wore  Irish sweaters. One company that made the most happy woolens was Avoca.  Their baby blankets and throws were just so lovely. I wish I could carry some at Cici Crib.  We visited the mill in County Wicklow, as well as their main shop in Dublin.

So much love.

See you..

Christina

On  Saturday we decided to check out London’s East End. A stark contrast to our hotel’s location in South Kensington, the area surrounding Brick Lane felt alive with  funky, cool shops, art galleries, delicious smells of spices, and a morning flea market. How can you beat that??

We enjoyed the show of Consuelo Radclyffe going at the Espacio Gallery. The work below is entitled “What Have We Done?”

I purchased my memento from London at Station Comfort, a flagship boutique featuring the designs of Amy Anderson. Her jewelry is displayed so beautifully.

We ended the afternoon at a flea  market.

James finally found his London memento at the market. Since we arrived he was debating what he wanted to bring home with him. He is not a T-shirt kind of kid. We found it at a stall selling old police whistles. We purchased a whistle stamped London that dated from the 1930′s. He wants to make it into a key chain.

What a fun day!

See you…

Christina

Going to Europe with two teenage boys, leaves little time to check out baby decor shops.  I focused on one area in Chelsea and found 3 shops that really had similar sensibilities. They reminded me a little of the Cici Crib that I first opened.  Focused on baby, sweet, soft and very child like in a good way. Much of my shop changes with people’s tastes and needs. Longevity, budget and contemporary tastes have changed our vision of a nursery. I like the change, but when I visit these shops there is a very comfortable feeling that reminds me of my childhood.

The first shop I visited was Blue Almonds.

I loved the entrance floor mat. Maybe I should do something like this at Cici Crib.

Notice how the bumpers go half way around the crib.

They had many products from a Spanish Co. called Pasito a Pasito. Unfortunately, they don’t import to the US.

A shop almost next door was called Nursery Window. It has been opened for 15 years. They carry signature prints for both clothing and decorating. In recent years, the baby clothing segment has shown the most growth.

Notice the slip covered counter.

The last shop I visited was right down the street, called Dragons of Walton Street. Their specialty is hand painted furniture and accessories for both baby’s nursery as well as children’s rooms.

I couldn’t resist taking a picture of a fantastic dollhouse in the shop…

See you…

Christina

I really like the English interpretation of mixing modern with traditional. Like their architecture, there is always something to ground us in the traditional elements. The Shard is London’s newest building. Really quite cool. At first glance it seemed like it wasn’t completed. I told my son it looked like a shard of glass. Later to find out- it’s given name.

I visited the William Yeoward shop. Unfortunately, like most London shops, they politely requested me not to take photos. Such a shame. So much inspiration. I still got a few in before the the camera case was closed.

Not modern, but certainly not 100% traditional. Notice the trims and patterns. The details are so thoughtfully executed. Just pure cool British style.

We went for High Tea at the Athenaeum Hotel. Named best afternoon tea in 2012 by the UK Tea Council, it was definitely one of our favorite memories. So completely elegant. Again notice the finishing touches. The trims, the welting, the buttons.. Oh and the handsome boys..

The Conran’s shop is so different than the shop  at ABC Carpet in NYC. So quiet and understated…

Yes, I can see why the weather would get you down. Enter the Designer’s Guild for perking up your mood..

They were having a fantastic summer sale!

Designer’s Guild Children’s decor..

Next up the baby shops..

See you..

Christina