It's a dilemma that every parent faces — what to do with all of those masterpieces that our kids so lovingly create for us. Hanging onto each and every one would require a dedicated storage room, but tossing them doesn't feel right either. Appoint yourself head curator of your household gallery, and consider turning your kids' artwork into a book, a stuffed animal, or consolidating multiple pieces into an attractive display.
They've been called "the coolest family in the world," but for Bob and Cortney Novogratz, just being family is enough. The stars of HGTV's Home by Novogratz and mom and dad to seven kids ranging from 3 to 15 have made family their mantra and are now putting it on their designs. The founders of Sixx Design have partnered up with CB2 for a line of products, aptly named FAMILY, that reflect their signature style. According to Bob, "We came up with the idea of FAMILY a long time ago. Maybe six, seven years ago we got some light boxes and made the letters ourselves. We have a big family, so we thought we should really create a family brand, because we didn't feel like there was anything out there like that."
The first piece, a colorful rug emblazoned with the word FAMILY that appeared on the show last season, will be available at CB2 stores and online in July (starting at $399). We were invited to the Novogratzes' home along NYC's Hudson River as the family posed with the rug for CB2's Summer catalog. With Justin Bieber and Fun blasting on the stereo, Cortney negotiated her teenagers' wardrobe issues, separated bickering twins, and goaded all seven kids into smiling for the camera (and yes, plenty of jellybeans and promises to play with her iPhone were used). Between shots, Bob discussed the collaboration with CB2 and decorating with kids.
Does your kid's room need a lil decorative update? Try a cool pillow, perfect to jazz up that glider, perk up a bed, or just to make your lil lady or guy smile with its whimsy. Modern, kid-friendly throw pillows from fave children's stores like Land of Nod and Serena and Lily — and from smaller labels sold on Etsy — are a small way to make a big style impact . . . and give your babe a sweet new place to rest his head.
Whether it's a place for weekend arts and crafts or school-day homework, a nice desk area is a great way to encourage your kids to have hobbies. Not only will they have a cute corner to call their own, but they'll also learn to set aside time (and space) for their work. Liven up your little one's desk area with fun, colorful accessories and help them get inspired.
Your little lady might not be as into paper dolls as you were at her age, but introduce her to one of these modern takes — from the hippest paper doll wall decals we've ever seen to Dwell Studio's graphic take on wallpaper featuring the classic doll (we love the whole paper doll collection from the brand) — and she'll be as doll crazy as you were . . . or are. Is a wall too much of a commitment?
Try a charitable calendar, some cute note cards, or my personal new favorite online game, where you can dress your virtual paper doll in hipster garb and even add accessories like a tattoo sleeve, retro kicks, and tribal leggings. Warning: these dolls are just as appealing to mamas as they are to kids!
