Not so long ago children’s furniture was clunky, predictable and mostly a cliche. Not any more. Design- conscious consumers spurred the furnishings industry to introduce multiple models for all tastes.

I think it’s important to keep safety on the forefront of your selections along with practicality. So consider wide seats, sturdy frames and durable finishes to minimize wear and tear.

My favorite for all the parents with pink in their homes is the Lou Lou Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Offered in numerous shades it can work equally well for boys or girls.

LouLou Ghost Chair

For a modernist interpretation check out the NotNeutral BB2 chair. It features stain resistant paint and exposed rivets. The angled legs keep it firmly on the floor and difficult to tip over.

Great for outdoors or indoors, the Panton Junior by Vitra from Kid O is an icon. A nice feature allows these chairs to be stacked. The curves soften the design so no sharp points interfere with play.

At this spring’s High Point Market, function is popping up in a wide variety of furniture, from nightstands and beds to tables and cabinets. Function provides extra value to the consumer, and that’s especially important in today’s budget-crunched environment — no matter what the retail price point.

Here are some functional design directions:

1. Furniture designers add creative functionality to new introductions at this market. I especially like the charging stations placed in highly used areas.
2. Convenient wine storage attractively added to a buffet.
3. Effective use of under-bed storage.

In 2006 I enjoyed the opportunity to design a home in the Seattle Street of Dreams, Casa Montecito. For a designer this is a dream and labor of love. It represents a major commitment of time and creative energy. Over a period of 10 months I worked daily with a tribe of talented people who listened to my ideas and translated the design I created for the developer into a coherent, inviting home. Casa Montecito can be seen in multiple views on my website: http://faithsheridan.com.

In the early summer of that year Robert Kaindl found me amid the construction. He offered his glass creations for possible inclusion. Once I saw them I was awestruck. They were incredible works of art and absolutely the perfect art object to communicate my design.

That’s how I came to meet Robert Kaindl who is an amazing, energertic and visionary glass artist. I am so pleased to share him and his work in this post. His work is breathtaking, inspiring and memorable. You want to make it the focal point and inspiration of a design project.

Robert is passionate about glass. You appreciate that when you see the tremendous range of his glass artistry. In February, 2009 Robert installed 4 dazzling chandeliers in the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Robert Kaindl for the Four Seasons Beverly Hills

See information about that project on his website: http://robertkaindl.com/

Earlier this month, Robert announced a collaboration with Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in conjunction with InCircle, their customer loyalty program.

Inevitably, there comes that day when your teenager declares “I hate my room. Why can’t I get new furniture and paint my walls the way all my friends’ rooms look?”

Maybe your fifteen-year-old daughter wants a shabby chic bedroom with faded old chintz sofa and curtains. Or maybe she would prefer a retro look with bright colors and some of your old 70s album covers on the wall. Is your son a sports fan or does he prefer music? Outgoing or more reserved? Perhaps your son wants his room to look like a basketball court or maybe graffiti is more his style.

Regardless, it is important to remember that it’s their own space, and the decor needs to reflect their personality and desire to be independent.

In both these images, bedding captures the transformation. Bedding is a very personal choice for your teenager. He might want an animal print bedspread or something in black velvet. Or she might like retro 70’s bright flowers on her sheets. This is a great way to add color and personality to a room without making any permanent changes to the walls.

Adding accents will give the room more interest and personality. A few fun ideas for accent items include funky chairs, pillows, area rugs and wall art. This is where your teenager can really make the bedroom an expression of his or her personality so encourage them to pick things they are really into.

Three themes for the bath; how do you interpret your bath?

The Classic bath includes a chandelier, seating, a neutral rug, mosaic tile and personalization.

How about the Fresh bath? Simply elegant marble tilework, brass sconces, daylight lit bathtub, freestanding washstand, and a canvas covered classic chair create the elements of this style.

Finally a Natural bath-freestanding tub, side table for book or drink, mosaic vessel sink, botanical art.

More ideas for small bathrooms